The topic of how to ‘treat’ heritage (decisions about conservation, restoration, or reconstruction) is currently the subject of heated debate. At least some of the principles underlying these decisions are aesthetic; the history of the discussion, going back to the Renaissance, features work from thinkers and practitioners such as Petrarch, Alberti, Viollet-le-Duc, Morris, Ruskin, and Riegl.

Political disengagement is rising in the UK, with declining turnout, eroding trust, and growing polarisation. Some groups, particularly young people and the economically disadvantaged, are especially disengaged. Join us for this online event, to get some practical insights into methods of engaging the disengaged in making change in politics, democracy and civil society, specifically aimed at policy makers and campaigning organisations. Find out about our FREE toolkit and how you can use it.

The Centre for Global Challenges and Social Justice (GCSJ) aims to connect PGR students with experienced researchers in the format of a ‘methods surgery’ where practical challenges, obstacles, tips and tricks can be discussed.

We would like to invite you to join the GCSJ Research Festival on Global Challenges and Social Justice. The festival will bring together a variety of speakers and formats to showcase exciting OU research and give researchers a platform to exchange ideas and expand their networks.

The Centre for Global Challenges and Social Justice (GCSJ) aims to connect PGR students with experienced researchers in the format of a ‘methods surgery’ where practical challenges, obstacles, tips and tricks can be discussed.

Vernon Lee (the nom de plume of Violet Paget) was a prolific thinker and writer, active during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. In this seminar, Derek Matravers will talk about the rediscovery of her philosophy; Shafquat Towheed will talk on Lee on pacifism and non-violent resistance; and Sally Blackburn-Daniels will discuss her views on conscription, heroism, and waste.

In the not-too-distant past, graduates specialising in the study of Nietzsche’s philosophy were relatively rare. Now we are many. Yet, post-pandemic, there are fewer opportunities to present and discuss our research. The graduate community of Nietzsche scholars at The Open University invites graduate researchers with an interest in this subject to submit papers for our OU Online Graduate Conference on Nietzsche.

In this talk, Dr Jon Pike, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the OU, presents his view on how to secure fair and maximally inclusive competitive sport.

Prof Sophie Grace Chappell (OU) offers a philosophical exploration of epiphanies, what they tell us about the world, and about ourselves.

Richard Heffernan discusses enabling electoral disenchantment to be expressed at an election.