Your invitation to: Open University Inaugural Lecture

Heritage in War: Protecting Cultural Property and Human Harm

Derek Matravers, Professor of Philosophy
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

We are delighted to invite you to Professor Derek Matraver’s inaugural lecture on: Heritage in War: Protecting Cultural Property and Human Harm.

In his inaugural lecture, Heritage in War: Protecting Cultural Property and Human Harm, Professor Matravers, will explore whether we should risk lives to protect historical buildings. He will go on to assess the values of buildings and our deeper obligation to not kill human beings.

As the UK recently ratified the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, the UK Military are now bound by the articles of this convention. As a result, failing to protect cultural property, or damaging it unless there is a military necessity to do so, is a war crime. Professor Matravers will explore the ethical dilemma around this which is bound up with ‘just war theory’, which goes back at least to medieval times.

Derek Matravers is Professor of Philosophy at The Open University. Before joining the OU, he was a research fellow at Darwin College Cambridge. He is the author of Art and Emotion, (OUP: 1998), Introducing Philosophy of Art In Eight Case Studies (Routledge: 2012), Fiction and Narrative (OUP: 2014), and Empathy (Polity: 2017). He has also published on aesthetics, ethics, mind, and politics.

Event programme:

18:00-18:45 Heritage in War: Protecting Cultural Property and Human Harm

18:45-19:00 Q&A

19:00-19:45 Drinks Reception

Can't join in person? Watch the event live online (link will be live before the event). If you are viewing the event by livestream, please do take the opportunity to have your questions answered by our speakers LIVE during the event by emailing: Comms-Inaugural-Lectures@open.ac.uk;

We very much hope you will be able to attend what promises to be an inspiring event and have your say.

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FAQs

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event? No

Do I have to be a student at the OU to attend? No. This event is open to the public.

I cannot attend on the day. Will the event be recorded? The event will be livestreamed so you can join on the night from any location. Register via Facebook and post your questions during the Talk. A recording will be made available post event.

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event? Ample parking is available outside the venue. Please use East Parking. If you have any special requirements please contact the events organiser. Map of the OU campus.

Where can I contact the organiser with questions? email: comms-events@open.ac.uk;

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? No. Please go to the registration desk on arrival your name will be on the list.

The name on the registration/ticket doesn't match the attendee. Is that okay? Please let the organisers know in advance of any name change.