Philosophers' Café

What do Canadians expect from Democracy?
Democracy (rule by the people) is a “taken for granted” concept in Canada. But from Athenian democracy through Magna Carta to the Enlightenment the concept has evolved and continues to do so. Is there a process for updating the rules of democracy? Freedom of assembly and speech, inclusiveness and equality, equitable taxes, consent, voting, right of life and minority rights are all questions that need to be resolved in the public square. Even the question of who “the people” are and how authority is shared among us is controversial and bears directly on the kind of democracy Canadians deserve.

All Cafés are in the Tapestry classroom, 3338 Wesbrook Mall, starting at 10:30 am. After the Café join us for lunch at Tapestry by calling 604-225-5000 or by checking in at the front desk when you arrive to reserve a spot.