Can Education Support a More Creative Civil Society?

Contemporary democracies are managing institutional, cultural and technological change, rightly seen as historic in both nature and in scope. These changes are proving to be so disruptive that it is unremarkable and understandable for civil society to hold on to traditions, habits and conventions that offer stability and comfort. Citizens can and should be free to preserve what is important and worthwhile in the midst of world-historic disruption, e.g., democratic norms and values. However, one trade-off to this approach is a potential retrenchment of closed-minded public attitudes. In fact, this retrenchment can be observed across the political spectrum evinced in, among other developments, the resurgence of ideological conflict, civic mistrust and political polarization within free and open democratic societies.

Education is often thought to have a democratic function: preparing new citizens for civic life. However, to what extent might education play a role in mitigating ideological and other forms of closed-mindedness in the public sphere? This international, interdisciplinary panel discussion will explore the role that education can play in promoting forms of creative thought and practice that can help a distressed democratic sphere to better engage with disruptive change. Panellists will address themes such as transcending disciplinary assumptions, aesthetics, creativity and institutional reform.

This event takes place in-person in EME 1123 or online via Zoom.

Register now

Please note that while this session will be offered online, it will not be recorded. 

Speakers

• Dr Matthew Isherwood, Lecturer, Centre for Research in Transdisciplinary Education, University of Exeter
• Dr. Madeleine Ransom, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, Political Science and Philosophy, University of British Columbia, Canada Research Chair, Artificial Intelligence, Wellbeing and Ethics
• Noah Arney, IGS Doctoral Student, Centre for Mindful Engagement, Okanagan School of Education, University of British Columbia
• Erin Scott, Instructor, Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies, University of British Columbia

Hosted by the Centre for Mindful Engagement, Okanagan School of Education, The University of British Columbia