Democracy at a crossroads – new public lecture series

Posted on: 30 September 2024

Global challenges to democracy is the subject of a new public lecture series entitled Democracy at a Crossroads hosted by the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy.  

The series of four public lectures will examine the topics of populism, economic inequality, artificial intelligence, climate change, and disinformation as we head into a bumper year of elections.

The lectures will take place 7.00pm - 8.30pm, Thursday 3, 10, 17 & 24 October in the Synge Theatre, Arts Building, Trinity. The lectures cost €7 per event. For full series and speaker details and to book your place see the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy website: www.tcd.ie/ssp/events/autumn-series

Paul O’Grady, Head of the School of Sciences & Philosophy, explains: “With significant elections taking place in 2024 and democracy facing unprecedented challenges, this series offers crucial insights from our Economics, Philosophy, Sociology, and Political Science departments. By examining these issues from multiple perspectives, we aim to foster meaningful dialogue and deepen public engagement with these important topics."

Full programme:

• Thurs, 3 Oct: The Wealth Divide - Has Inequality Doomed The 2024 Elections? Economic inequality is a defining issue of our time, potentially influencing voter behaviour in significant ways. Dr Marvin Suesse will explore how this inequality might shape the 2024 elections and the broader implications for democracy.
• Thurs, 10 Oct: The Moral Limits of Democracy. What are the moral boundaries of democracy in the 21st century? Join Trinity’s philosophers in a thought-provoking exploration of democracy beyond majority rule, amid a backdrop where populism challenges conventional democratic norms.
• Thurs, 17 Oct: Democracy and Social-Media - Beyond the Spectacle of Like and Dislike. Has social media transformed democracy, or is it undermining it? Dr David Landy investigates how social media impacts political discourse and democratic engagement, balancing its potential for empowerment with concerns of polarisation and misinformation.
• Thurs, 24 Oct: Election Watch 2024 - A Global Perspective: With elections taking place around the globe, this session will offer insights into the health of democracy worldwide. From the US to the UK, Ireland, India, France and beyond, our expert panel will analyse the trends, challenges, and successes that are shaping the global political landscape.

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