London Thinks – What has Scientology got to Hide?
The Church of Scientology has a problem with free speech, according to three speakers who have dared to question the Church’s self-certification of itself as a religion and the claim made by its apostles, Tom Cruise and John Travolta, that it is a force for good. N.B. We have contacted the London branch of the […]
World Wide Weave – Extraordinary Lives
An Exhibition for the 75th Anniversary of the Camphill Movement 1940-2015 An inspiring series of 75 pieces of multi-media textile art by adults, children and young people with learning disabilities from 19 countries worldwide to mark the Camphill Movement’s 75th anniversary. The exhibition is a celebration of their creative, artistic skills in the craft of […]
Open Borders: Unconditional Hospitality
Manu Bazzano Unconditional hospitality is a central idea in contemporary ethical philosophy and it has important implications for psychology. Its political equivalent is the notion of open borders as a utopian critique of nationality and national identity. We can become good hosts by temporarily interrupting the self and our habitual concerns about ‘me’ and ‘mine’ and also […]
“Mr Ethical” discusses corruption in finance and the law
At the time of writing Mr Ethical (Nicholas Wilson) is preparing a private prosecution against the Chair of HSBC Holdings, Douglas Flint and six solicitors. His career in the law came to an abrupt end when he reported his employers to the Solicitors Regulation Authority for illegal practices and was immediately dismissed. Nicholas Wilson had […]
Living Danishly: Why are Danes so Happy and What can we Learn From Them?
When she was suddenly given the opportunity of a new life in rural Jutland, journalist and archetypal Londoner Helen Russell discovered a startling statistic: the happiest place on earth isn’t Disneyland, but Denmark. So what is the secret to their success? Having decided to find out, Helen will share her funny, poignant journey and explain […]
London Assembly – Nail Spite Houses
Sunday Assembly London is held at 11am on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at Conway Hall. Our theme for this Assembly: “Nail & Spite Houses” and the headline speaker is Drew Buddie (@digitalmaverick). We will have a poet to entertain or console us and one of our supporters will give a personal […]
General Elections: Manufacturing Consent in a Democratic Society?
Graham Bell Walter Lippmann was one of the most influential US public intellectuals in the twentieth century. His image was celebrated on a 6 cent postage stamp, probably more for his contributions to journalism than for his development, along with others, of a systematised propaganda system. The US overtly counters the existence of such a home-grown system […]
Bankers are a Force for Good
DEBATE: Jonathan Parker v Paul Carroll Banks and bankers play an essential part in society by protecting, investing and lending money. They play direct and diverse roles at government, company and the individual level. They make absolutely critical decisions in investing in the future success of the UK, including pension, infrastructure and mortgage provision. It is no […]
Migrants or People?
Dr Jim Walsh As well as being the Chief Executive Officer of Conway Hall Ethical Society, Jim has continued thinking about ethical issues since completing his PhD in 2007. Most recently, his thoughts have taken shape in the form of a blog – An Ethical Thirst – that looks at philosophers such as Hans-Georg Gadamer […]