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Delve deeper into the views and theories of your favourite speakers in intimate solo talks at HowTheLightGetsIn Hay 2023.
Hear radical scientists, insightful authors and big-thinking philosophers explore their particular areas of expertise, from Slavoj Žižek on the philosophy of happiness to Linda Yueh on the secrets of the global economy. From the future of the internet to the nature of our existence, these talks are an incredible window into thought-leading minds.
Slavoj Zizek is the iconoclastic philosopher of our time, known for giving voice to the profound, the absurd, and everything in between. His work on Hegel and dialectics is renowned. Join interviewer, Jo Kavenna, to explore how Slavoj Zizek became Slavoj Zizek and discover what he really thinks.
“The most dangerous philosopher in the West.” – American Magazine
From ongoing puzzles in quantum gravity, to disagreements about cosmic inflation and multiverses, physics is in turmoil. Join ascendant physicist Suchitra Sebastian and the Higgs Chair of Theoretical Physics, Neil Turok, to discuss the crises of theoretical physics.
The fundamental structure of the cosmos is not atoms, particles, or even thoughts or mind; the fundamental structure of the universe is possibility. Join one of the world's leading cosmologists and Hawking collaborator, George Ellis, as he argues possibilities underlie our whole physical and mental existence.
"Highly novel and empirically grounded" - University of California
For the past year, the West's attention has been transfixed by Russia and Ukraine. Yet China and India may be key players not only in this conflict, but the future of the global order. Join former UN assistant secretary general and leading Indian politician Shashi Tharoor and China-expert, Cindy Yu, to explore China and India's growing global influence and their increasingly tense relationship.
"Tharoor convincingly demolishes some of the more persistent myths about Britain’s civilising mission in India" - FT
How could calcium ions rushing through a membrane generate the taste of coffee, the smell of a rose or the feeling of love? Join celebrated biochemist, Nick Lane, as he argues that the deep logic of life is at root a chemical phenomenon.
"Nothing happens by accident, everything is connected, and there are no coincidences. That is the essence of conspiratorial thinking. Join world-famous sceptic, Michael Shermer, to explore why rational people can fall into irrational belief.
""Michael Shermer is a beacon of reason in an ocean of irrationality." - Neil deGrasse Tyson
Earth is home to a huge story that is rarely told -- that of our ocean. What it does, why it works, and how it's influenced human civilisation. Join leading oceanographer and broadcaster, Helen Czerski, as she argues that the ocean is not merely a feature of our planet, but an extraordinary engine on which we all depend -- a phenomenal blue machine.
"Czerski’s enthusiasm is infectious because she brings our humdrum everyday world to life" - Jim Al-Khalili
"Stories ignite our emotion and profoundly influence the way we live our lives. But we often see narrative as the stuff of fiction, absent from the corridors of science. Join outspoken scientist, Sunetra Gupta, as she explores how storytelling is foundational to both our understanding of science and reality.
"Brave, brilliant" - Allison Pearson"
Can we see the future in our dreams? Does time flow in one direction? What is a 'meaningful coincidence'? Join former Blondie bassist turned philosopher, Gary Lachman, as he traverses the mysteries of time.
""Lachman creates a history of ideas that fascinates and excites" - New York Journal of Books
There is very little that is certain in economics and we always know that the next devastating financial crisis could be just around the corner. Join LSE and Oxford economist, Linda Yueh, to explore how we can predict and contain the next financial crash.
"Yueh undoubtedly knows her stuff" - New Statesman
Many of us believe in moral progress; the abolition of slavery and the emancipation of women are examples. But when in a century's time humanity looks back to the present day, what moral failures will they point to? Join Downton Abbey actor, Peter Egan, as he argues the moral failure of our time is animal cruelty.
Contemporary life is defined by excess. There must always be more, but there is never enough. Join firebrand philosopher, Slavoj Zizek, as he argues the joys of excess are flimsy and futile and asks whether we can ever find a way out.
"The Most Dangerous Philosopher in the West" - Vice
B.R. Ambedkar is one of India's most important figures, second only to Mahatma Gandhi. A pioneer in the fight against caste based discrimination. Join legendary author, politician, and Modi critic, Shashi Tharoor, as he recounts the pivotal moments of Ambedkar's journey and his enduring legacy for democracy.
"One of India’s most articulate liberals" - Financial Times
Once fictitious narratives can become dauntingly real. In today's world, it is easier than ever to generate myths that quickly become a dangerous reality. Join ground-breaking author, Janne Teller, to explore how we can bust these myths and return to reality.
"An extraordinary gift of art." Rolling Stones Magazine
The past centuries have seen rapid improvements in health, poverty, literacy and violence. Yet despite this progress, few are aware that 50 million globally still live in modern slavery, the largest group ever in human history. Join Katarina Schwarz as she explores how we can free the oppressed of our world.
"Modern slavery touches all of our lives."
The world faces two major crises. Climate change and the economy. But many argue we can't solve one without solving the other. Those in poverty prioritise looking after their families rather than looking after the planet. Join trailblazing economist, Guy Standing, to explore how to save nature and pay for basic income.
Brilliant, insightful, terse, apposite, daring, and transformative." - Danny Dorling
We often view depression as a disorder. But could this be a mistake? Join front-line psychiatrist, Mark Salter, as he argues that depression is not an illness, rather a process; a verb, not a noun. And how this fundamental shift of perspective could revolutionise our understanding of mental health for the better.
Absolute freedom of the individual? Or chaotic dystopia? Anarchy is one of the most violently divisive political ideals going. Join outspoken theorist, Sophie Scott-Brown, as she argues we have misunderstood anarchism and how it could work.
"Particularly illuminating" - Freedom News
Can you taste a colour? Or touch a sound? In this exhilarating workshop, The Centre for the Study of the Senses will offer a range of sensory experiences to explore how our senses work and put us in deeper touch with our surroundings and ourselves. Expect to see the world differently when you leave. With philosopher, wine expert and multisensory maestro Barry C. Smith.
"Well up to the task of situating wine-centered questions within a larger framework of questions about taste and perception, subjectivity and objectivity.” ~ The TLS
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