Cambridge Grid Presents:  Conformity

Albus Dumbledore once told Harry Potter that "it takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends."

Whether in dress sense, regional accent, or political ideology, we are all heavily influenced by our peers.

This event sees three engaging speakers tackle the subject of "conformity" through their various disciplines, including politics, evolutionary psychology, and philosophy. It is hosted by Grid, a new interdisciplinary society in Cambridge.

This event is kindly sponsored by the Intellectual Forum at Jesus College and is open to all. Wine, drinks and snacks will be provided.

Speakers

Dr Julian Huppert is the former Liberal Democrat MP for Cambridge (2010-2015) and director of the Intellectual Forum at Jesus College. He is a former university lecturer in physics and his research interests lie in DNA and science and technology policy. Noted as a particularly independently-minded MP, he will be primarily discussing political independence and conformity.

Dr Sarah Jelbert is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the psychology faculty, and based at Jesus College. She specialises in animal behaviour and is currently researching the evolution of intelligence in crows and jays, and will discuss what we can learn from conformity among animals.

Dr Arif Ahmed is a Senior Lecturer in the philosophy faculty, and Director of Studies at Gonville and Caius College. He is an atheist and libertarian, and has debated religion against William Lane Craig, Tariq Ramadan, Rowan Williams and others.

Venue

The Webb Library is located in West Court, directly above the college bar at Jesus College. From the Porters' Lodge, turn left and walk towards the glass-walled bar, enter the first door to the left of the bar, and walk up the stairs.