The notion of ‘free thought' is fundamental to many of our deeply cherished liberal ideals. Universities, books, and people are often celebrated (or feared) for their power to encourage it, and many liberal institutions exist to protect it. However, it is surprisingly difficult to say what free thought is, and why it's worth having. 
 
Lecturer Dr Sasha Mudd explored the meaning and significance of ‘free thought' in a popular Philosophy Cafe session at the John Hansard Gallery on campus. She drew on insights from two of its greatest champions: Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill.

Philosophy Café – Is it rational to be moral? By Dr Jonathan Way.

Philosophy at Southampton has an interdisciplinary approach informed by a broad range of research interests that includes: aesthetics, language and epistemology, ethics and philosophy of mind. This series introduces the Philosophy Café series of informal talks and enquiry on themes of choice and reason connected with the human situation. Thinking about studying philosophy? Watch our student experience video for insight into the diversity of the subject area and the learning culture at Humanities.