A free public debate with philosophers and theologians on what makes a good life, part of The British Academy's 'Searching for wellness' season.
The British Academy hosts a public debate, What makes a good life?, on Thursday 19 November, from 6:30pm to 7:45pm. It's part of their Searching for wellness season, which runs from September to November 2026 and brings together researchers, practitioners and creators to look at how ideas of living well, and who gets access to them, have changed across history and cultures. The debate draws on philosophy, theology and religious traditions to consider what it means to flourish in an ever more complex world, with themes like fulfilment, happiness, spirituality, belonging and community.
The panel brings three very different perspectives to the table. Professor Mahinda Deegalle is a Buddhist studies scholar whose research spans ethics, interreligious dialogue and Buddhist rituals across South and Southeast Asia. Professor Angie Hobbs works on ancient Greek philosophy and virtue ethics. And Reverend Professor John Swinton is a leading figure in disability theology who trained as a mental health nurse and hospital chaplain, and won the Michael Ramsey Prize. Rae Duke chairs the conversation.
It's a broad spread to start with: Buddhist ethics, Greek virtue, and disability theology, all talking over the same question. The session will be recorded and live-streamed on YouTube, with live subtitles provided by 121 Captions, so you can catch it later if you can't make it in person.
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Entry is free, though donations are welcome, and you'll need to book in advance. It's first-come, first-served, so it's worth getting your name down sooner rather than later. The debate runs from 6:30pm to 7:45pm at The British Academy, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AH, with doors opening at 6:00pm.
