In a highly polarised world, when should we talk it over, and when should we fight?  

We’re told to be civil: to debate rather than coerce, to show respect even to the disrespectful. But civility has its limits, beyond which people are forced to fight for their rights and the rights of others. Civility can be a virtue; it can also be a weapon to silence the voices of the marginalised. Are we right to violate the norms of civility in order to protect people from harm or discrimination? Will doing so tip us over into an ‘uncivilised’ society and further increase polarisation? Join us for a lively evening featuring moral philosopher Karen Jones and critically engaged choreographer and performer Sarah Aiken, as they explore how justice and civility can be at odds, and why cultivating the virtue of civility is still worthwhile. 

Hosted by Dr Tim Dean, this event is presented in partnership with The Ethics Centre. 

ABOUT SOPHIA CLUB

Everyone has a stake in philosophy; its vitality can be drawn out and re-energised through conversation, with each other, and the arts. The Sophia Club creates a space for people to come together, ponder big questions, encounter new perspectives, and appreciate the rich connections between thought, emotions and artistic expression. 

We call this space Live Philosophy.

The Sophia Club is the latest venture from Aeon Media, the publisher of Aeon and Psyche magazines. To be the first to hear about our events program, follow us on Instagram @sophiaclub_live and sign up to our newsletter at sophiaclub.co.  

Our events are produced on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Woiworung language group of the Kulin Nation, and we respectfully acknowledge the traditional custodians. We value the knowledge traditions and rich practice of philosophy among Aboriginal and and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia, and all First Nations peoples around the world.