Ethical Matters:
Disagreeing Without Hate

Do you avoid people who are strongly against immigration? Or strongly for trans rights? Against abortion, or drug legalisation? Many of us struggle to engage with people whose opinions differ strongly from our own-even if they might have something useful to contribute to the debate. That means we’re falling victim to what behavioural scientist Professor Paul Dolan as Beliefism: discrimination against those with different beliefs to us.

Drawing on the evidence from across the social sciences, Dolan will highlight how easy it is for us to divide ourselves into opposing camps – and how harmful that can be. The world might be a better place if there was less beliefism and Dolan shows how more tolerance is only possible “by design”. Whether it’s among friends, at university or at work, being less beliefist could make you a better partner or parent, and a more effective buddy or boss.

Paul Dolan is Professor of Behavioural Science at the London School of Economics and Political Science. He trained as an economist over three decades ago, moving into psychology after working with Nobel Laureate Daniel Kahneman. He is author of best-selling books Happiness by Design and Happy Ever After, works that reshaped how we think about what a good life is, and has recently launched a new podcast called Breaking Beliefism. He doesn’t hate anyone who disagrees with him – unless they’re fans of Coldplay.

Age Recommendation:

16+

Price:

*A £2 venue levy is applied to each ticket purchased. This levy helps to support us in covering the costs of keeping our grade II listed building running and our doors open.*

In advance: Standard £10 • Living Support £6 • Students £7 • Members FREE  (+ £2 venue levy)
On the door: Standard £11 • Living Support £7• Students £8 • Members FREE  (+ £2 venue levy)
Online: Standard £7 • Members FREE  (+ £2 venue levy)

Access Information:

This event is in the Brockway Room, which is located on the ground floor.

All the ground-floor rooms are fully accessible by wheelchair. Main Hall (street access, step-free), Brockway Room (street access, step-free), Bertrand Russell Room (street access, shallow ramp), Cafe (street access, step-free). There is also an accessible toilet on the ground floor opposite the Brockway Room.