RSA Watch Oxford: Changing Society

Following the success of the previous five RSA Watch Oxford evenings, this month we turn our attention to society, and in particular, how to change society.

On 30 October, Fellows and guests will consider the ideas put forward by a number of speakers in recent months at the RSA with a bearing on society, how we change it, and our relationship to it.

At the time of writing, the plan is that we shall show video clips of presentations at RSA House from the following speakers:

• Steven Sloman - The Knowledge Illusion
• Hugo Mercier - The Function of Reason
• Jonathan Haidt - Why we are convinced we're right
• Catherine Mackinnon - Butterfly Effect
• Alberto Alemanno - Making Social Change Happen
• Vanessa van Edwards - Captivate
• Matthew d'Ancona - Post-Truth
• Dexter Dias - Why humans hurt each other
• Duncan Green - How change happens.

For those who are new to the concept of RSA Watch Oxford, we gather at 6:30pm, fill our glasses, settle down, and watch a number of short extracts of talks given at the RSA to a live audience.  We break mid-way, replenish, perhaps have a conversation related to the films seen so far, and then when the time is right, we watch a further selection.  The discussion is then continued, drawing out themes that the group identify. We will finish at around 9:00pm.  

Finally, the facilitator will summarise these and an output - a blog post - is produced to record our conversations.  This is shared with the wider RSA Fellowship.  The facilitator, Dr Graham Wilson, is a Fellow himself (not a member of staff) who was inspired by the RSA Watch concept and volunteered to introduce it to Oxford.  If anyone feels inspired to develop an initiative based on a particular theme from our session, they are very much encouraged to do so.

If you have any access requirements or require any reasonable adjustments, please let the team know: networks@rsa.org.uk. Please also let us know if you have any dietary requirements or severe allergies.

Location: City of Oxford College, Oxford City Centre Campus, Oxpens Road, Oxford, OX1 1SA