Annual debate

Each year, we arrange a debate as part of the Being Human Festival, bringing philosophers into discussion with those outside the discipline.

Previous debates

Annual Symposia · Upcoming events

Is ‘ethical AI’ a fantasy? 

Is the aspiration to 'ethical AI’ realistic? Could artificial systems themselves be ethical agents? Are the financial incentives to ignore ethics just too powerful?

· London
Annual Symposia

What are the Limits on Free Speech? 

The 2023 Annual Symposium investigates the limits of free speech. Panellists include Mary Leng, Arif Ahmed, Rae Langton and Sarah Conly.

· London
Annual Symposia

Can Consciousness Be Explained? 

Our 2022 annual debate considers whether the problem of consciousness can ever be solved.

· London
Annual Symposia

Has Science Killed Philosophy? 

When it comes to understanding the fundamental nature of reality, has philosophy really got anything left to contribute? Does the rise of physics demand the end of metaphysics?

· Online
Annual Symposia

Can Old Philosophy Help Build Our New World? 

In turbulent times, many are looking for new solutions for our new problems. Is there any benefit still in the wisdom of the ages? The Royal Institute of Philosophy Annual Debate 2020.

· Online
Annual Symposia

What's the Point of Diversity? 

Tommy J. Curry, Onora O'Neill and Kathleen Stock address the motion "What's the Point of Diversity?" with Ritula Shah in the chair.

· London
Annual Symposia

The Nation is an Institution which has Outlived its Usefulness 

For our 2018 Annual Debate, we welcomed philosophers Lea Ypi and David Miller to address the motion ‘The Nation is an Institution which has Outlived its Usefulness’. 

· London
Annual Symposia

Cultural Appropriation is an Inappropriate Method for Writers 

The 2017 debate, on the topic of cultural appropriation, was chaired by Melvyn Bragg and the panel included Sarah Churchill, Bonnie Greer and James Young.

· London