Win tickets to see NSS honorary associates speak at the world’s largest philosophy festival

Posted: Thu, 1st May 2014

HowTheLightGetsIn, the world's largest philosophy festival, will feature an exciting programme of debates, talks, comedy and live music. Including National Secular Society Associates Ted Honderich, Peter Atkins and Laurence Krauss. To celebrate their participation the organisers have kindly offered National Secular Society members a chance to win a pair of tickets to all of the associates' events including:

24th May – Philosophy Bites Back

From neuroscience to cosmology, Hawking to Dawkins, many argue science can do away with philosophy. Yet science is replete with philosophical puzzles. Should we see science as one metaphysics amongst others? Or is this to swap the megalomania of science with that of philosophy?

Live from Australia, physicist and bestselling author Lawrence Krauss squares off against philosophers Angie Hobbs and Mary Midgley. The BBC's Rana Mitter keeps the fight fair.

27th May – Escaping the Moral Maze

Despite the decline of religion most of us remain attached to morality. Yet as the Moral Maze attests and suicide bombers confirm there are an unlimited number of contradictory 'moral' outlooks. Should we recognise morality as a figleaf for prejudice? Or is this to give up on a capacity that makes us human?

Sky News's Afua Hirsch asks biologist Steven Rose, Harvard philosopher Thomas Pogge, and Big Issue founder John Bird to contemplate the limits of morality.

31st May – This Is Our Church

We believe science is rational. But, like the Church it once fought, it has its own establishment and theories to defend. Has it become the new church with beliefs tended by the faithful and heretics excluded from publication? Or is this a travesty of an institution that has brought so much advance?

Eminent Oxford scientist Peter Atkins, postmodern philosopher, Steve Fuller, and BBC filmmaker David Malone consider the limits of reason.

To enter just answer the following question:

Which CERN particle physicist will be chairing sharing the stage with NSS Associate Peter Atkins on two occasions at this year's HowTheLightGetsIn?

Send your answers via an email titled 'NSS Competition' to Emily at Emily.baker@artandideas.org before midnight 11th May to be in with a chance to win. The winners will be chosen at random from all correct entries. Good luck!

For more information on the festival, including the range of comedy and musical events, and to book tickets visit howthelightgetsin.org