Past Events
- The Institute of Ideas at the Edinburgh International Book Festival
- Debating Matters
- launching a new series of books
- Venue: Charlotte Square, Edinburgh
- Date: August 14, 2002 to August 23, 2002
- Time:
Transcripts available:
14 August, 2002 Compensation Crazy
Do we blame and claim too much?
Compensation pay-outs often make the headlines. New style 'claims centres' advertise for accident victims promising 'where there's blame there's a claim'. Many fear we are heading for a compensation craze. But what's wrong with holding employers and business to account? Or are we too ready to call the lawyers and find someone to blame?
Speakers will include
- Tracey Brown
- Risk analyst
- Prof John Peysner
- Professor Civil Litigation, Nottingham Law School
- Prof John Sturrock QC
- founder and director of Core Mediation.
15 August, 2002 Nature's Revenge
Hurricanes, floods & climate change
There are strong fears about the effect of climate change - the media points to evidence of icebergs breaking, hurricanes and flooding. This is nature's 'wake-up call' we are told. But how extensive is climate change? Is our reaction over the top? A panel debate the extent of and reaction to 'nature's revenge'.
Speakers will include
- Kevin Dunion
- Friends of the Earth, Scotland
- Dr Mike Hulme
- Executive Director of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research
- Professor Peter
- Sammonds Specialises in natural hazards at University College London, and member of the Royal Society's environmental network
- Rory Spowers
- Environmentalist photographer
18 August, 2002 Science
Can we trust the experts?
Controversies surrounding many issues from the MMR vaccine to mobile phones, from BSE to genetically modified foods have led many to ask how the public's faith in scientists and governments advice could, or even should, be restored. At the heart of the matter is the role of experts and the question of who to trust.
Speakers will include
- Carl Djerassi
- scientist and member of the team that invented the pill
- Bill Durodie
- researches risk and precaution at New College Oxford
- Sue Mayer
- Executive Director, Genewatch UK
19 August, 2002 Animal Experimentation
Good or bad?
Some argue that animal experimentation is vital to advance scientific knowledge and improve medical practise. Others feel it is cruel, inhuman and unnecessary. Is a compromise between those who emphasise human needs and animal rights campaigners possible or even desirable?
Speakers will include
- Stuart Derbyshire
- Scientist, University of Pittsburgh
- Richard Ryder
- Author Painism: A modern Morality
- Tom Regan
- Professor of Philosophy and President of The Culture & Animals Foundation
- Carl Djerassi
- scientist and member of team that invented the pill.
20 August, 2002 Designer Babies
Where should we Draw the Line?
The recent decision by the Human Fertlisation and Embryology Authority, that it is ethically acceptable to use Preimplantion Genetic Diagnosis to create a child that can be a donor to a sibling, re-ignited the 'designer baby' debate. Some recoiled at this decision arguing firmer lines should be drawn and regulation tightened. But where should regulation stop? What are the benefits of this technology? And what role should patient choice play in the decision making?
Speakers will include
- Josephine Quintavalle
- pro-life spokesperson, co-founder of CORE (Comment on Reproductive Ethics)
- Juliet Tizzard
- director, The Progress Trust
- Mary Warnock
- moral philosopher
23 August, 2002 Alternative Health
Should we swallow it?
Complementary and alternative medicine is an increasingly acceptable part of healthcare. What benefits can CAM bring to medicine and the patient? What are the dangers of accepting untestable and possibly unreliable practise just because it feels right? A panel debates whether we are going back to our natural roots or returning to the dark ages.
Speakers will include
- Mike Fitzpatrick
- GP and author of The Tyranny of Health
- John Burnside
- poet
- Dr David Reilly
- Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital