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Free Thinking festival 2009

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Last broadcast on Thu, 29 Oct 2009, 21:15 on BBC Radio 3.

Synopsis

Recorded in front of an audience at the Sage in Gateshead, Rana Mitter hosts a public debate as part of the 2009 Free Thinking festival of ideas: Is The West Losing Its Nerve?

The West has been the world's dominant economic and cultural force for nearly 500 years. But with the rise of India and China as economic and cultural powers, and American and European industries struggling in the recession, are we witnessing its decline? Or is the West just the victim of a loss of self-confidence?

The varied panel arguing this key question for our time includes guests philosopher and defender of the Enlightenment AC Grayling, international business entrepreneur Paul Callaghan, professor of politics Baroness Haleh Afshar and sculptor Alexander Stoddart, who is well known for his defence of classical cultural values.

Free Thinking Festival of Ideas

Visit the Free Thinking 2009 website for full details of the festival.

Free Thinking 2009 Event 13

Broadcast

  1. Thu 29 Oct 2009
    21:15

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Duration

45 minutes

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