A Brief History of Truth: From Socrates to Trump

Thu Jun 11 2026 at 02:00 pm to 03:30 pm UTC+01:00

Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square | London

Kensington and Chelsea Over 50s Forum
Publisher/HostKensington and Chelsea Over 50s Forum
A Brief History of Truth: From Socrates to Trump
Advertisement
Is it true? Join Dr Blay Whitby for a fascinating exploration of one of philosphy's oldest and most important questions!
About this Event

What is truth — and how do we decide what to believe?

In an age of misinformation, “alternative facts,” and endless online opinions, the question of truth feels more relevant than ever. But this debate is far from new. From the philosophical questioning of Socrates to the political rhetoric of modern times, humanity has wrestled with truth for centuries.

Join philosopher and ethicist Dr Blay Whitby for a fascinating, accessible, and entertaining exploration of one of philosophy’s oldest and most important questions. This engaging talk traces the history of ideas about truth, knowledge, belief, and persuasion through some of history’s greatest thinkers, bringing these ideas into the context of today’s world.

Blending philosophy, history, humour, and personal anecdotes, this talk offers a lively introduction to the evolution of truth in public life — and why it still matters today.

Perfect for anyone interested in philosophy, politics, society, history, or simply understanding the world around us a little better.

About the speaker:
Dr Blay Whitby is a philosopher and technology ethicist, specialising in computer science, artificial intelligence and robotics. He is based at the University of Sussex. He graduated with first class honours from New College, Oxford University in 1974 and completed his PhD on "The Social Implications of Artificial Intelligence" at Middlesex University in 2003. His publications are predominantly in the area of the philosophy and ethical implications of artificial intelligence. His views place particular stress on the moral responsibilities of scientific and technical professionals and debate on ethical issues.

Whitby is an ethics expert for the European Commission, a member of the Ethics Strategic Panel of BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT. He also participates in art/science collaborations. See: Blay Whitby - Wikipedia

Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square, 146 Sloane Street, London, United Kingdom

Tickets

GBP 0.00

Icon
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in London

The Jewish Square Mile Medieval Exhibition Walk
Thu, 11 Jun at 12:30 pm The Jewish Square Mile Medieval Exhibition Walk

Barbican Station

Talk and Tea: On Parade - A march through early St John Ambulance Uniform
Thu, 11 Jun at 12:30 pm Talk and Tea: On Parade - A march through early St John Ambulance Uniform

Museum of the Order of St John

St John\u2019s Fulham\/SEN Classical Guitar Cameron Murray (free)
Thu, 11 Jun at 12:30 pm St John’s Fulham/SEN Classical Guitar Cameron Murray (free)

St John's Church, Fulham

Les Mis\u00e9rables
Thu, 11 Jun at 02:30 pm Les Misérables

Queen's Theatre

CIRCL: SURROUND SOUND
Thu, 11 Jun at 03:00 pm CIRCL: SURROUND SOUND

Venue TBA

Fashion Innovation Agency Live: AI and the Future of Fashion
Thu, 11 Jun at 03:30 pm Fashion Innovation Agency Live: AI and the Future of Fashion

London College of Fashion

The World Cup @ The Crown & Sceptre W1
Thu, 11 Jun at 04:00 pm The World Cup @ The Crown & Sceptre W1

The Crown And Sceptre

Who Cares Wins
Thu, 11 Jun at 04:00 pm Who Cares Wins

2 Queen Anne's Gate

London is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore London Events