A C Grayling

Philosopher and author Professor A C Grayling asks whether we humans are capable of agreeing on a set of values that will allow us to confront threats faced by the planet including from climate change, new technologies and a lack of social justice.

Grayling says in his new book, For the Good of the World, that solving these issues requires international co-operation and a set of values on which we can all agree. How do we take action to mitigate sea rises, drought, floods, wildfires and disease caused by climate change? What can we do to avoid the threats posed by new technologies including autonomous weapon systems, genetic engineering of foetuses, and new forms of surveillance? And how do we counter the destabilising effect of regional conflict and upheaval and low levels of social justice in many parts of the world?

Grayling is professor of philosophy and founder and principal New College of the Humanities at Northeastern University, London. His books include The God Argumeny, Democracy and Its Crisis, The History of Philosophy, The Good State and The Frontiers of Knowledge.