Is civilization a distortion of our natural state leaving us discontented?
A favourite debate from 2016: Civilization has miraculously brought us comfort and culture. Yet strangely many of us remain unhappy and evolutionary psychologists say our modern brains are designed for life in the Stone Age. Is civilization a distortion of our natural state leaving us discontented? Are we happiest round a fire and under the stars or is this a romantic illusion?
Colin Tudge: Writer, broadcaster and co-founder of the College for Enlightened Agriculture, Colin Tudge’s books include Consider the Birds and The Secret Life of Trees.
Rebecca Roache: Royal Holloway philosopher Roache specialises in practical ethics and philosophy of mind. She is also Associate Editor of the Journal of Medical Ethics.
David Pearce: Known for his manifesto The Hedonistic Imperative, philosopher and transhumanist Pearce focuses on eradicating all suffering through 'paradise engineering'.
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