Debates

Debate is the beating heart of HowTheLightGetsIn London 2022. Explore our debates programme here. Take a look at our speaker lineup here.


Final tickets on sale now!

 

A silhouette of a human head filled with a colorful cosmic nebula, symbolizing the exploration of consciousness and the universe.
New

The Key to Consciousness

Donald Hoffman, Hannah Critchlow and Sam Coleman debate consciousness
A world map on cork with golden game pieces strategically placed across different continents, highlighting various geographic regions.
New

The Fantasies of the West

Peter Hitchens clashes with Paul Mason and Bronwen Maddox on the West's future
Colorful line art depicting abstract human figures in various poses against a black background, representing diversity and connection among individuals.
New

The Good, the Bad and the Ignored

Peter Singer, Tamar Gendler and Julian Baggini lock horns over moral agency
Colorful abstract lines and patterns on a black background, with a chaotic left side contrasting a more structured, linear design on the right.
New

After Happily Ever After

Sophie Fiennes, David Hare, Janne Teller
A vibrant depiction of a cosmic explosion, resembling the Big Bang, with vivid colors and rays emanating from a bright center, surrounded by stars and galaxies.
New

The Theory To End All Theories

Hilary Lawson, Becky Parker, Peter Woit
Two abstract, colorful profiles facing each other, with vibrant splashes of color representing emotion or dialogue emerging from their heads.
New

A World By Any Other Name

Arif Ahmed, Ruth Kempson, Hilary Lawson
A person's hands hold a chain of four paper cutout figures, symbolizing unity and connection, against a plain gray background.
New

Being Ourselves and Being With Others

Sophie Ward, Janne Teller
A vibrant background filled with intricate mathematical equations, diagrams, and symbols, illustrating complex concepts in mathematics and science.
New

The Code to the Cosmos

Marika Taylor, Arif Ahmed, Peter Woit
A person stands between two contrasting landscapes: a dry, cracked earth on one side and a lush, green environment on the other, symbolizing climate change and hope.
New

A Better Tomorrow

Thangam Debbonaire, Shaun Bailey, Michael Bociurkiw
A silhouette of a head made from white puzzle pieces, with some pieces floating away against a purple background, symbolizing the concept of missing pieces in understanding the mind.

The Passion of Reason

Julian Baggini, Tommy Curry, Tamar Gendler
Artistic representation of two hands reaching toward each other, set against a swirling blue and yellow background, reminiscent of Michelangelo's "Creation of Adam."

The New Renaissance

David Aaronovitch, John Ellis, Sophie Scott-Brown
A triangular glass prism dispersing white light into a rainbow spectrum. The background is dark, enhancing the vibrant colors of the light.

Beyond Experiment

Harry Cliff, Tim Maudlin, Marika Taylor
A vibrant explosion of colorful powders creating a dynamic, abstract design against a black background.

Cosmology and the Big Bust

Julian Barbour, Eric Lerner, Claudia Maraston
A close-up view of colorful capsules in various colors and patterns, arranged closely in a pill blister pack.

The Medicine Myth

Denis Noble, Guy Brown, Nessa Carey
A man with short hair and a light beard is shown in profile, appearing contemplative against a soft, blurred background.

Beyond Mad or Bad

Sara Evans-Lacko, Stefan Priebe, Simon Wessely
A white urinal sculpture displayed on a pedestal, inscribed with "R. Mutt 1917," referencing Marcel Duchamp's famous artwork.

The Betrayal of Beauty

Sophie Fiennes, Barry C Smith, Julian Spalding
A bronze statue of Lady Justice, blindfolded, holding a balanced scale, symbolizing fairness and the rule of law.

The Equality Myth

Thangam Debbonaire, Laurie Penny, Louise Perry
A crowd gathers in front of a historic building, with two individuals holding signs, one reading "Does anything even matter anymore?" under a clear blue sky.

New Politics and Old Threats

Zoe Strimpel, Tommy Curry, Michael Bociurkiw, Kenneth Cukier
A close-up of various gold coins arranged in a flat pattern, with one coin prominently leaning against others, featuring a profile of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Wealth Paradox

Guy Standing, Louise Cooper, Kristian Niemietz
A woman with long brown hair wears a light blue top, pulling a forced smile with her fingers against a yellow background.

The Happiness Delusion

Aaron Bastani, Paul Dolan, Joanna Kavenna
A red lipstick kiss mark on a textured white wall.

Forbidden Fruit

Myriam Francois, Maya Oppenheim, Louise Perry, Zoe Strimpel
A detailed anatomical model of a human head, showcasing the brain and labeled areas indicating different cognitive functions and regions.

The Seduction of Thought

Miranda Keeling, Steve Taylor, Andy West
A large, colorful stack of shipping containers in various colors and patterns, showcasing bright oranges, blues, greens, and reds.

Trading with the Enemy

Andrew Adonis, Shaun Bailey, Louise Cooper
A mirror installation featuring a variety of white architectural models arranged on a central platform, surrounded by kaleidoscopic reflections.

The Dream of Progress

Kenneth Cukier, Caitjan Gainty, Nolen Gertz
A vibrant illustration of a woman with flowing, colorful hair adorned with flowers, money, and keys, set against a starry purple background.

Truth, Delusion and Psychedelic Reality

Julian Baggini, James Rucker, Eileen Hall
An abstract representation of an infinity symbol created with swirling orange and blue flames, set against a black background.

Living Forever

Anders Sandberg, Anna Kent, Henry Marsh
Light streams through the opening of a dark cave, illuminating the rocky interior and creating a mystical atmosphere.

Fact-Checking the Fact Checkers

Stephanie Hare, Paul Mason, Freddie Sayers
A couple poses together on a red carpet, surrounded by floral decorations, highlighting their glamorous attire.

The Fantasy of Fame

Stefan Simanowitz, Will Storr, Polly Vernon
A woman’s face is overlaid with colorful digital graphics, including binary code and abstract data patterns, creating a blend of technology and human emotion.

The Accurate, the Perfect and the Dangerous

Stephanie Hare, Michael Parker, Anders Sandberg

Final tickets on sale now!