Ebor Lectures on Theology & Public Life
The Good Society? Re-invigorating Public Life
There has been recent political debate about the importance of
re-invigorating society, and increasing the engagement of citizens
in public life. As part of this debate, the Government has proposed
the development of the Big Society, encouraging people to engage in
neighbourhoods and communities. They propose a shift of power from
the state to communities, through support of social enterprise,
charities and co-operatives. Some argue that the Big Society
represents a retreat from state provision. Within this context the
2011-12 Ebor Lectures, in partnership with the Joseph Rowntree
Foundation, ask fundamental questions about the nature of the ‘good
society’, and the role of citizens, government, faith communities
and voluntary organisations in the re-invigoration of civic
life.
Lectures in the 2011-2012 Series
5 October 2011 York
Minster
‘The Common Good: what does it mean for people and places in
poverty?’
Julia Unwin
biography - Chief Executive, Joseph Rowntree
Foundation & Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust
30 November 2011 York St John
University
'Biblical insights into the Good Society'
Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks
biography
14 March 2012 York Minster
'The role of faith in society'
Baroness Warsi -
biography - Co-chairman of the Conservative
Party/Minister without Portfolio
18 April 2012 York St John
University
‘The hidden wealth of nations?’
Dr David Halpern
biography - Director of Behavioural Insight Team,
No.10 and the Cabinet Office/Senior Fellow of the Institute for
Government
2 May 2012 York Minster
`It was bad capitalism that got us into this mess – good
capitalism that will get us out`
Will Hutton
biography - Former editor-in-chief for The
Observer/Former Vice-chair of the Work Foundation
13 June 2012 York St John
University
'Moral Communities in a Society of Strangers: turning social
theories into practical politics'
Rev Dr Malcolm Brown
biography - Director of Mission & Public Affairs,
The Archbishops’ Council