Seven thought-provoking questions asked by the AKC in the last 10 years

We all agree that mental health is important – but do we all agree on what mental health is?

 In 2020, the AKC explored different cultural conceptions of the human mind, soul, or spirit. It contrasted contemporary Western approaches to mental health with ideals from other times, regions and cultures. Participants reflected on scientific, philosophical and ethical questions about the human mind, such as the tension between meditation as a religious and secular practice, the power of addiction and the role of creativity in mental health.

The issue of free speech is nuanced and complex. Do we have a right to say whatever we want, whenever we want, to whomever we want? Or should there be limits to prevent harm to others? How do we decide where to restrict one person’s right to free speech to protect another’s right to live without threat?

Set against the backdrop of an increasingly polarised society, this series used real life examples - from sexist jokes to medical examinations - to ask when, if at all, offence becomes more important than a person’s right to free speech.

It gave particular consideration to free speech within an academic context. Experts debated whether the importance of academic rigour means all topics and viewpoints should be discussed and debated, or if some should be avoided in the interest of creating a safe learning environment for all.

On first thought, the question of ‘goodness’ may seem like a simple one. However, our moral ideas about values and virtues, rights and responsibilities, are shaped by our wider cultural context.

This series encouraged its participants to question their definitions of ‘good’ in relation to different cultural perspectives – religious, philosophical, scientific. Lectures examined how ethical ideals, issues and debates reflect our diverse and evolving beliefs about what it means to be human, and what we are doing in the world.

Dreams are one of the great human ‘universals’; they are experienced by people everywhere. This series examined humans as dreamers; not just in the sense of daydreaming, lucid dreaming, or even religious dream forms, but as having the ability to envision a world beyond our own experience.

From everyday reveries to utopian (or dystopian) visions of new political regimes, dreams and visions for the future have underpinned key moments that have shaped the course of human history.

Lectures explored how dreams have manifested in a variety of geographic locations and with reference to their textual, religious, historic, philosophical, ethical, and social scientific dimensions, and what that could mean for our future.

Conflict has been a constant feature of history. But our present moment seems to be defined by civil war, renewed forms of state violence and genocide, and the sustained persecution of minorities around the world.

This series asked if conflict must be resolved by recourse to violence. What are the consequences of war? And what makes peace possible? Participants reflected on the causes and effects of violence, both past and present, and the possibilities for peace, peacebuilding and non-violence in our own times.

From contemporary concepts of law and morality to ancient proverbs still used today, the Bible’s influence is omnipresent, whether one believes in God or not. In 2014, the AKC turned back the pages of history to explore the age-old question of God and the many ways the Bible has shaped Western language and culture.

This series explored the Bible against its modern and ancient contexts, asking; does scripture still have a place in Western society? It delved into the role of law and narrative in the Old Testament, translations and mistranslations of the Gospel, and the complexities of reading 2000-year-old scripture through 21^st century eyes. 

Human differences can be sources of inspiration and hope, but they all too often give rise to discrimination and despair. Whether the differences arise from gender, race, religion, or sexuality, it can be difficult to untangle the personal from the political. So how can we acknowledge and celebrate diversity in ways that don’t perpetuate injustice?

The AKC unraveled these questions, encouraging participants to think through issues of identity and inequality from differing perspectives. Lectures explored the link between religion and identity, diversity and innovation, and how universities can play a role in creating a more inclusive world.