Does politics need more philosophy?

18th Nov 2010; 13:00

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RSA Thursday

As the ideological distinction between the political parties appears to be growing ever narrower. Today, more than ever, political parties need a clear set of values - a philosophy - that sets them apart from their rivals.

Politicians argue about the nature of equality, the meaning of liberty and justice, the role of the state, the purpose of education, the acceptable limits of scientific enquiry:  all of which are fundamentally philosophical questions. And yet philosophy is often viewed as an abstract, somewhat archaic discipline that is somehow divorced from the real world.

Given this background, how can policy-makers learn from philosophers and what should the role of philosophy in public policy decision-making be?  Do we need a ‘philosophy tsar’ to advise on important matters, or (as Obama’s critics have been quick to point out) is over-contemplation the enemy of decisive, pragmatic political action?

Do our politicians need to dwell more on the ethical implications of their decisions, or have their PPE degrees given them enough groundwork to get by?

Panellists will include the renowned philosophers Baroness Mary Warnock and Nigel Warburton; the FT’s comment editor James Crabtree; and Barry Gardiner, Labour MP for Brent North.

Chair: David Edmonds, BBC broadcaster, author and co-producer of the Philosophy Bites podcasts.

Suggested hashtag for Twitter users: #rsaphilosophy

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