Professor Richard Norman, an eminent philosopher renowned for his contributions to ethical and political thought, will deliver the opening address at Humanists UK Convention 2025. His lecture, ‘What is humanism for?’, will form a cornerstone of the Convention’s Saturday morning programme, taking place at the Octagon Centre in Sheffield from 13–15 June 2025.
Tickets for Humanists UK Convention 2025 are on sale now – and running low.
Richard Norman, Emeritus Professor of Moral Philosophy at the University of Kent, is a leading contemporary philosopher focused on ethics, political philosophy, and humanism. His work examines core humanist principles and their relevance to modern social and political challenges. He is known for explaining complex ideas clearly to both academic and general audiences.
His publications include On Humanism, Understanding Humanism (co-authored with Andrew Copson and Luke Donnellan), and Religion and Atheism: Beyond the Divide. This summer will see Richard publish two new books: What is Humanism For?, to be published in June, and Religion and Atheism in Dialogue, co-edited with Anthony Carroll coming in July.
Richard is a patron of Humanists UK, and serves on the committee of Humanist Climate Action.
Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson said:
‘Richard’s philosophical contributions over decades are and have been instrumental in illuminating the enduring relevance of humanism today. His adeptness at bridging the divide between abstract philosophical inquiry and pressing contemporary concerns renders his voice indispensable for anyone committed to understanding humanism’s potential to shape a more enlightened future. Richard is a valued patron of Humanists UK, and we look forward to hearing from him in Sheffield in June.’
Humanists UK Convention 2025 will bring together humanists from across the country for a weekend of science, politics, culture, and comedy. The event will be held at the Octagon Centre in Sheffield from 13–15 June 2025. Professor Richard Norman joins a diverse line-up of speakers, including physicist Dr Helen Czerski; journalist Ian Dunt; author of Money, Lies, and God, Katherine Stewart; tech entrepreneur Sara Wahedi; happiness economist Professor Lord Richard Layard; anthropologist and author of The Evolutionary Origins of the Modern World, Professor Harvey Whitehouse; historian and editor of The Free Speech Wars, Dr Charlotte Lydia Riley, philosopher and author of What Is Humanism For?, Authoritarian Century author Dr Azeem Ibrahim OBE; folklorist and cultural anthropologist Deborah Hyde; AI, Faith & Civil Society Commissioner Professor Kate Devlin; and many more.
Humanists UK Convention 2025 | Sheffield
13 June 2025, 19:00
The Octagon Centre, Clarkston Street, Sheffield, S10 2TQ
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Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 130,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.