The Great Debate Forthcoming Events

Forthcoming Events

POLITICS in PUBS Newcastle
Are Psychopaths Mad or Bad?
Introduction by Beryl Hylton Downing
7pm, Tuesday 4^th November 2025
The Telegraph
Orchard Street
Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 3NY

Are Psychopaths Mad or Bad? How should they be dealt with? Recent shocking murder cases have reignited the discussion about whether those convicted are mad, simply evil, or something else.

The matter is not a simple one. Developments in neuropsychology using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), genetics and psychometrics, indicate that those with certain personality disorders, not previously considered insane, have brain differences which make it difficult or impossible for them to understand the distress of others. Not all are violent offenders, and some are very successful law-abiding people.

If they are not insane in the traditional psychiatric sense, but do not possess the biological equipment to understand the impact of the harm they inflict, are they legally culpable for their crimes? How can the public be kept safe whilst not curtailing the freedom of those who might never offend? Should violent psychopaths be imprisoned, or detained in secure hospitals? Should prospective detention ever be used?

Come and have your say over a pint or two, hear about the issues for yourself and join the discussion!
Everyone welcome.
Click here for further details

Join us at POLITICS in PUBS at the Telegraph Pub, Newcastle upon Tyne on Tuesday 4^th November.

The British Hydrological Society and The Great Debate present

Water in Crisis: Is Global Water Science Delivering Tangible Solutions in a Divided World?
Monday, 1^st December 2025

Debate to be held as part of one day conference:
From Science to Society: UK Contributions to Global Water Challenges
Institution of Civil Engineers
One Great George Street
Westminster
London, SW1P 3AA

ice breaking dialogues are back!

ice north east and The Great Debate present
ice breaking dialogues
The Politics of Net Zero

Thursday, 4^th December 2025
Newcastle University
More details to be announced soon

We are always planning more events - Watch this space or join
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and/or follow us on twitter: @greatdebateuk

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