Political Theory and the Significance of Culture
- A One-day Conference at UCL -

Friday, 16 March 2007, 10.30am-5pm

Department of Political Science
School of Public Policy
University College London
29/30 Tavistock Square
London WC1H 9QU
[location map]

Contemporary political and social life, at each of its composite levels, is marked by cultural diversity. Recent work, both within and outside political theory, has greatly enhanced the understanding of some of the philosophical and normative implications of this evolving reality. However, both within and outside the liberal tradition, there is little theoretical consensus about the proper scope and role that matters of culture and identity should perform in political theory.

This one-day conference provided a forum to consolidate and reconsider the existing philosophical frameworks and approaches, to investigate implications for public policy, advancing new directions for future research.

Programme

Is Multiculturalism possible without 'Culture'? - Anne Phillips (LSE)

Secularism and Fair Treatment for Islam - Cécile Laborde (UCL)

Admission to Citizenship in Liberal States: How Easy Should Naturalization Be? - James Hampshire (Sussex)

The Insignificance of Culture - Matthew Festenstein (York)

For further information contact the conference organiser Andrew Shorten