Between God and Atheism: a live debate

Posted on: July 13th, 2022 by mlpAdmin

If you don’t believe in the God of the Bible or the Quran, then you must think we live in a meaningless universe, right?

People get stuck in dichotomies of thought. If you don’t like Soviet Communism, then you must be in favour of US-style capitalism. Well, not if there are political opinions other than those two (which of course there are).

Another dichotomy is between traditional religion and atheism. Whose team are you on, Richard Dawkins’ or the Pope’s?

In reality, a significant number of people consider themselves ‘spiritual but not religious’. These people find themselves somewhere between Dawkins and the Pope. Somewhere between God and atheism.

Philosopher Philip Goff is currently working on a book which argues for a surprising combination of views: God does not exist and yet there is a purpose to the universe. In this live discussion, Philip Goff and Jack Symes will debate the credibility and implications of such a view. Is it reasonable to claim that “God does not exist” and can we make use of cosmic purpose in the absence of God?

The event will be in the form of a debate, and contributions from the audience will be encouraged.

The Northern Powerhouse: where are we now?

Posted on: July 13th, 2022 by mlpAdmin

The Northern Powerhouse launched over a decade ago, to boost northern economic growth and to rebalance the UK economy. But where are we now?

The government doesn’t talk much about the Northern Powerhouse now, preferring the broader ‘levelling-up’ concept.  But the challenges, and the opportunities, remain. We can’t recreate the old industries. We have to somehow re-invent and re-invigorate areas that have suffered long term economic decline. And it’s not going to be easy.

From here in Manchester, reaching out to Liverpool in the West and Leeds and Sheffield in the East, we have a population of about 8 million.  This is not too dissimilar to London. Could this area become an integrated single market for producers and consumers, with spin-off benefits for the whole of the North?

Lord Jim O’Neill is one of the Northern Powerhouse’s original architects and a major contributor to its early successes. He names six individual challenges that have to be solved: education; skills; devolution; business connectivity; transport; and technology infrastructure.  And he is clear that all six will need to be solved if the Powerhouse objectives are to be achieved. So, is the government serious?

Lord Jim is a free spirit now and pulls no punches.

Pandemic resilience: how to control a virus

Posted on: July 13th, 2022 by mlpAdmin

What role does the environment play in the transmission of respiratory diseases? And how do our interactions in indoor spaces determine the risk of infection?

COVID-19 has presented us with the most difficult healthcare and societal challenge we have faced in living memory. As a new disease, we have had to rapidly build the knowledge base on every aspect of the virus.  To understand the mechanisms of transmission we have had to draw on experiences with other respiratory viruses. And the growing evidence based on the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Understanding the routes of transmission is challenging. But modelling of aerosols, droplets and indoor airflows can play an important role in identifying mechanisms.

Catherine Noakes’ talk outlines some of the approaches used to understand mechanisms for transference and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies.  She will highlight some of the scientific understanding and how that has changed as we learned more about the disease.

How is scientific advice used to support policymakers and public messaging? And what are the challenges and complexities in this process?

This is a hybrid event, that can be attended in person or watched live online.

Why the performing arts still matter in a changing world

Posted on: July 13th, 2022 by mlpAdmin

It is easy to view the performing arts as a luxury. But in today’s unsettled world, can we afford to ignore the wider benefits of performing arts education and training?

There is a widely-held assumption that the performing arts have little to contribute to the economy in terms of GDP. The focus on ‘STEM’ rather than ‘STEAM’ education continues in our schools. And the situation is exacerbated by the financial crisis that has impacted the cultural sector as a result of the pandemic.

The value of a degree today is often viewed through the narrow lens of the salary a graduate will attract. In the performing arts, it is difficult to quantify this over time. And this overlooks the real reasons why passionate, gifted and creative young people may wish to pursue this path.

Professor Linda Merrick will explore how the performing arts industry is changing and the challenges this is posing for the UK’s top conservatoires. Which battles should be fought? What lies ahead for the talented young artists with whom they work as they forge their careers in an uncertain world? And how can high-quality performing arts education and training be sustained and made accessible to all, at a time of severe financial constraint?

Linda Merrick will also be joined by an RNCM student, who will give a brief, personal perspective.

Good to know: Refreshments will be available on arrival and canapes and wine will be served after the talk.

The Glass Menagerie

Posted on: July 13th, 2022 by mlpAdmin

Come along to the Theatre Group’s visit to ‘The Glass Menagerie’ at the Royal Exchange Theatre.

After months of watching theatre online, the Manchester Lit & Phil theatre group is heading out again. This is to see Tennessee Williams’ ‘The Glass Menagerie’ directed by Atri Banerjee, at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester.

Members and friends are invited to book their seats directly with the theatre for the matinee performance on the 21st of September: The Glass Menagerie

There will also be a post-theatre meal at Cote Brasserie in Manchester at 5.30 pm. This will be an opportunity to share our views about the play in a relaxed atmosphere. We have reserved a private room at Cote just for our party, and numbers are limited to 13.

Please contact the organiser, Joanna Lavelle, if you would like further information or if you would like to join us.

Good to know: There will be an online pre-event discussion before the play on Monday 19th September at 4.30 pm via Zoom.

Manchester: what changed, and what comes next?

Posted on: July 13th, 2022 by mlpAdmin

How has Manchester changed to such an extent? And what lessons does its journey hold for other places?

Guardian columnist John Harris and Sunday Times journalist Hannah Al-Othman both have a long-standing interest in how Manchester has been revived and regenerated over the last 30 years, and the big social issues its transformation has highlighted.

Where is Manchester and its surrounding region now heading?

With Boris Johnson’s ideas about “levelling up” apparently fading and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham using his new job to carve out a different kind of politics, there are huge questions to address. Not just for Manchester, for the whole of the country.

John and Hannah will share and explore their personal perspectives in this ‘in conversation’ style event.

The ‘welcome back’ social

Posted on: July 13th, 2022 by mlpAdmin

Get ready for another year of exploring new ideas and join us for a relaxed social evening.

There will be a chance to find out more about what’s coming up in the Autumn, and what we have planned for the coming year.

Our committee members will be available for a chat if you want to find out more about what they do – and maybe get involved.

Most importantly, it will be a chance to meet other members and make new friends!

Good to know: Members are welcome to bring a guest, and they will be able to join the society on the night at a discounted rate.

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