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A host of leading philosophers, scientists, entertainers and social commentators have come together on weekend 17-19 June for the British Humanist Association’s (BHA) annual conference, held at the Hilton Deansgate in Manchester.
BHA Chief Executive Andrew Copson commented, ‘For humanists, who believe that this is the only life we have, making meaning and purpose in our own lives and helping others to do the same is tremendously important. Six millennia of the human project have thrown up a multitude of answers to the question of how to live, and we look forward to discussing them in Manchester, a city with a long history of freethought and Humanism.’
The BHA’s annual conference will focus on ‘The Meaning of Life’ and has a packed-out programme, which includes talks, conversations and open discussion with famous and eminent contributors including eminent scientist Professor Peter Atkins; writer and public philosopher Julian Baggini; sceptic and professor of psychology Chris French; writer and comedian Natalie Haynes; editor of journal THINK Stephen Law; Professor Richard Norman; comedian Robin Ince; TV “Egghead” CJ de Mooi; and BHA President Polly Toynbee.
Best-selling author Philip Pullman, whose works include the award-winning His Dark Materials trilogy, will be speaking in the early evening of Saturday 18 June, and will be given an award for services to Humanism later in the evening.