At A Glance...
Sunday Lecture - Recovering History in Central America
8 July 2012
Restorative justice has been widely used around the world as an essential element in peace processes, such as that of South Africa. But before a process of reconciliation can be undertaken, it is first necessary to establish truth about the past. Mike Phipps recounts the history of violence in Central America and reflects on the distinct political, geographical and historical causes of conflict in the region. Looking at the attempts to bring to justice to those responsible for violence - governmental, corporate and external – the talk examines the effects of US policy in the region over several decades and asks whether any fundamental changes might be forthcoming that will help overcome the legacy of violence that haunts the region.
11.00, £3 on the door/free to members
The Young Atheist's Handbook Launch
10 July 2012
British Humanist Association launch The Young Atheist's Handbook
Join the BHA and their excellent line up of speakers to celebrate the launch of Alom Shaha's new book The Young Atheist's Handbook: Living a Good Life Without God.
The event will include drinks, entertainment, and a presentation and reading from the author Alom Shaha. Speakers include: Philosopher A.C. Grayling; acclaimed comedian Robin Ince; editor at the science journal Nature and geneticist Adam Rutherford; and journalist, broadcaster, and presenter Samira Ahmed.
There will be a drinks reception too!
Sunday Lecture - Schopenhauer and Character-Determinism
15 July 2012
After over a century, Schopenhauer is once again coming to be seen as one of the great Western philosophers.
Hence, it is instructive to explore and critique his views about human character, as connected with his deterministic outlook.
Tom Rubens teaches English and Philosophy. He has published sid books on philosophy and a selection of poems. He has given several talks to the Society and is also an archivist in the Conway Hall Library.
11.00, £3 on the door/free to members
Breaking the Taboo about Human Population Growth
18 July 2012
18.30 doors open for 19.00 start
Central London Humanist Group present: John Collier from Population Matters discussing the taboo subject of human population growth.
In the last 85 years the human population has grown from 2 to 7 billion, but few are willing to discuss the impact of this number of people on a finite planet.
Population Matters is the leading population charity in the UK and campaign to change the way people think about population. It supports a voluntary reduction in population to a level that enables an acceptable quality of life for all, that protects wildlife and is ecologically sustainable.
Patrons of Population Matters include;
Sir David Attenborough
Dr James Lovelock
and Jonathon Porritt.
"All environmental problems become harder - and ultimately impossible - with ever more people."
Sir David Attenborough
All our talks are free to attend and open to the public. A voluntary donation of £2 is suggested from those attending the talk.
Please register your intention to come on the CLHG Meetup site or go to the 'More Info' link below
Sunday Lecture - Don't Get Fooled Again!
22 July 2012
Around the world, skeptics are on the front line as powerful governments and multi-national organisations crack down on freedom of speech. Yet skepticism is needed more than ever before, and skeptics have never been more vocal. In this talk, Richard Wilson will explore the relationship between skepticism and freedom of speech, and the opportunities that now exist for skeptics to make their voices heard.
11.00, £3 on the door/free to members
Germaine Greer on Heart’s Ease
22 July 2012
CANCELLED
With great regret The School of Life is cancelling this Sunday’s sermon due to Germaine Greer’s ill health.
Please select 'More Info' for further information from The School of Life.
Germaine Greer was due to respond to our sense of helplessness and hope towards the future.
Lauren Laverne and Shirley Conran in conversation
24 July 2012
19.00 - 21.00
On sex, friendship, feminism and goldfish
Red magazine's Lauren Laverne interviews Shirley Conran for the 30th anniversary of Lace, the original 'bonkbuster' and international bestseller which paved the way for the success of Jackie Collins and Jilly Cooper. The story of four women who soar to the top of their careers in fashion, journalism and PR, Lace is an empowering story of determination, friendship and female sexuality which was ground-breaking in its time and is as fearless and fabulous now as it was then.
Dripping with glamour, sex and scandal, it defined the 80s and a whole new generation of women are about to discover its pleasures.
"As sexy and smart as the first day it came out." Lauren Laverne
"I envy anyone who hasn't read it." India Knight
"Lace gave me prolonged pleasure." Helen Fielding
Tickets £8
Edinburgh Fringe Preview Show
26 July 2012
Lite Fantastic previews it's two shows, Collision and Prodigious.
Collision
A must-see journey through dance and music from street to ballet, to Nirvana and the Beatles. An unashamedly chaotic treat, exploring what happens when dance styles collide, and proving that you can dance disco to Beethoven.
Prodigious
A breathtaking dance-only musical following the turbuent life of a teenager in the drug-fuelled 90's. An explosive fusion of thrilling street and contemporary performance, with a powerful soundtrack of songs from The Prodigy. Pure ecstasy!
Starts: 19.30 until 20.45
Tickets £10 (£5 concession) from www.litefantastic.com
Sunday Lecture - Infinity and Immortality
29 July 2012
Adrian Moore shall consider questions that arise in connection with the desirability or otherwise of immortality. In particular, he will address Bernard William's argument that a never-ending life would eventually become tedious to the point of unendurability. Moore will suggest that there are two questions that need to be distinguished, even though they can easily appear to be equivalent. First, would immortality be preferable to mortality? And second, is death a bad thing? Distinguishing these questions helps us to understand better the force of Williams’ argument.
Adrian Moore is professor of philosophy at St Hugh's College, Oxford and author of Contemporary Kantian Metaphysics: New Essays on Space and Time.
11.00, £3 on the door/free to members
2nd International Alternative Press Festival
4 - 5 August 2012
Alternative Press is a group of artists concerned with promoting creativity through the mediums of comix, zines, book arts, screen printing, poetry and other forms of self publishing.
2011 saw the triumphant first International Alternative Press Festival which attracted over 1000 visitors. Alternative Press is building upon the success of last year’s festival to establish an annual programme. The 2nd International Alternative Press Festival taking place between 20th July – 5th August 2012 consists of an inspired assortment of alternative creative events, leading up to the weekend small press fair at Conway Hall.
Saturday
Sunday
Event Page
