Regulating For Freedom

dublin | miscellaneous | event notice Wednesday October 08, 2003 14:05 by Phil Scanlam - Dublin City Libraries magscurley at hotmail dot com Ballymun Library, Ballymun Road 8421890

Series of talks in Dublin City Public Libraries

This article is highlighting a series of public talks taking place in various libraries, entitled "Regulating For Freedom". It explores the tension between collective and individual rights in contemporary society

REGULATING FOR FREEDOM

This series of twelve lectures explores the nature of human freedom. A number of academics, authors and journalists will pose a succession of questions in Dublin Public Libraries throughout October, November and December 2003. The lectures will examine the tension between collective and individual identity. Is freedom only experienced individually? Does the group liberate or oppress its individual members? Five sources of group identity will be discussed: gender, family, nationality, political ideology and religion. In addition, lectures will examine equality legislation, directly addressing the paradox of regulating for freedom.The subjects explored in the series are ones that feature in the public discourse of contemporary Irish society. This conversation is conducted largely in the broadcast and print media and, within more limited circles, in academia. It is characterized by a limited range of contributors and an even more limited set of parameters which determine the nature of the questions we ask ourselves and in turn predispose us to a particular choice of answers.

This lecture series provides an opportunity to broaden the conversation by increasing the number of people participating in it. Public libraries are the least intimidating of our cultural institutions. What other public building provides access to the world of ideas and learning and is also viewed with familiarity and ease in most communities? In using them as a forum for debate we increase the probability of attracting a broad range of people. Contributors include, John Waters, Fintan O’Toole, Aibhe Smyth, Ivana Bacik, Niall Crowley and Prof. William Binchy. Admission is free, and debate will be welcomed. Full details of the programme can be found at www.iol.ie/dublincitylibrary

Phil Scanlan