One of the world’s leading philosophers, Michael Sandel, is to visit Kirkcaldy in April to speak at the Adam Smith Lecture.
The event, being held to celebrate the life and work of Adam Smith, is being organised by Kirkcaldy’s Ambitions, a partnership of organisations that includes Fife College, Adam Smith Global Foundation, Fife Council, Fife Cultural Trust and Kirkcaldy4All. The event will be held at the Adam Smith Theatre on Tuesday April 29.
Mr Sandel, who is a political philosopher and professor at Harvard University in America, has been described as “the most relevant living philosopher” and “the most famous teacher of philosophy in the world”.
His writings have been translated into 24 languages and he has delivered various lectures on BBC television and radio. Mr Sandel has a great following and his global appeal results in him selling out venues wherever he speaks from St Paul’s Cathedral to Seoul in Korea. He is a renowned speaker the world over and recently completed a 14-country, five-continent lecture tour to promote his latest book, What Money Can’t Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets.
Debbie Miller, vice-principal for commercial development at Fife College, said she is looking forward to this year’s lecture, which she hopes will bring a focus to the town and to Fife.
“The Adam Smith Lecture is a historic event that the college has been involved with for many years and which has attracted a wealth of well-known names, from Alan Greenspan and Amartya Sen to Kofi Annan and Gordon Brown.
“As well as helping to put Kirkcaldy on the map, the event will enable our students, including those studying hospitality and events, to get some real experience assisting in the run-up to the event and on the day itself. Places will also be put aside to ensure as many of our students as possible get the chance to attend the lecture.”
Michael Levack, chairman of the Adam Smith Global Foundation, said attracting someone of Mr Sandel’s stature was a huge boost.
“What a coup it is for the Lang Toun to attract some of Michael’s international standing,” he said. “While Adam Smith is known the world over, we always remind our visitors that nobody can change the place of his birth that’s why we are able to attract such luminaries as Michael.
“I’m sure it will be a very well attended event with something for everyone. I would hope that this will be as attractive to school pupils as it is to the man in the street, with something for everyone. I also expect it will be well attended and every bit as mesmerising as last year’s lecture from Professor Tom Devine.”
For further details about the event, and for free tickets, email boxoffice.adamsmith@onfife.com or call 01592 583302.