It’s a febrile time in the world. We are facing some of the biggest issues of our time, and yet many of our spaces for social discourse feel like a tinderbox.

Whether it’s war, politics or something inconsequential, the internet is primed for furore. And the results can be horrifying – from online pile-ons and doxing to job loss and, in some cases, death.

But how did we get here?

Nuanced and historically grounded, in Discriminations: Making Peace in the Culture Wars, eminent philosopher A. C. Grayling searches for a middle ground.

Looking at the history of cancellation, from Ancient Greek ‘ostracism’ through hemlock cups, witch trials and the House of Un-American Activities, he offers a timely examination of the state of our public culture and the effect it’s having on intellectual discourse.

Supported by Platinum Patrons Antonia Fisher and Stuart Grieve.