Dr Arianne Shahvisi, Senior Lecturer in Ethics at BSMS, launched her new book, Arguing for a Better World, at the medical school on 12 July 2023. Arianne was joined in conversation by Bobbie Farsides, Professor of Clinical and Biomedical Ethics at BSMS, for readings from the book and a discussion on some of the topics.
Arianne discussed her book in the Chowen Lecture Theatre before reading an excerpt and signing copies of the book afterwards for attendees. The book tackles some of the liveliest controversies of the moment, offering clear-eyed arguments to those who want to learn how to better fight social justice.
Arianne wrestles with topics like is it sexist to say that “men are trash”?, can white people be victims of racism? and do we bear any individual responsibility for climate change? Many people give kneejerk answers that roughly align with their broader belief system, but flounder when asked for their reasoning, leading to a conversational stalemate—especially when faced with a political, generational, or cultural divide.
A podcast recording of the conversation between Arianne and Bobbie is available to listen to below.
Praise for the book
Often entertaining and funny; always concise, exacting, logical, readable, authoritative and un-put-downable. An everyday manual on how oppression came about, how it works, why it persists, and how to defeat it -- Danny Dorling, author of Injustice: Why Social Inequality Still Persists and A Better Politics
Arianne Shahvisi's book cuts through the noise with an eminently sensible discussion of key contemporary 'culture war' issues. -- ALISON PHIPPS, author of Me, Not You: The Trouble with Mainstream Feminism
This brilliant and very enjoyable book brings cooling clarity and patient empathy to the noise and heat of today's so-called 'Culture Wars'. This is insightful explication at its best, essential reading for anyone engaged with many of today's most pressing public arguments -- Priyamvada Gopal, Author of INSURGENT EMPIRE
Gives progressives everything they need to defend their views in an increasingly polarized public sphere . . . Arguing for a Better World belongs on nightstands and in book clubs everywhere -- Carol Hay, author of Think Like a Feminist: The Philosophy Behind the RevolutionAllows us to not only interrogate our own views, but to persuade others using reason and optimism. A must read -- Aaron Bastani, author of Fully Automated Luxury Communism: A Manifesto
Shahvisi is a bold and necessary new literary voice whose work has the power to transform our world for the better -- Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, author ofThe Disordered Cosmos: A Journey into Dark Matter, Spacetime, and Dreams Deferred.
Purchase a copy of the book here >