ILS Socratic Seminars provide a chance for small groups to explore assigned readings in depth. Group size is limited to 12-15 to create a seminar-style format in which all participants will have a chance to speak. Informal discussion continues during breaks, meals, and social time.
Upcoming Seminar: The Clash of Economic Ideas
(February 19-21, 2025) – Ottawa
Participants will read and discuss selections from “The Clash of Economic Ideas: The great policy debates and experiments of the last 100 years” by Lawrence H. White. This book interweaves the economic history of the last hundred years with the history of economic doctrines to understand how contrasting economic ideas have originated and developed over time to take their present forms. It traces the connections running from historical events to debates among economists, and from the ideas of academic writers to major experiments in economic policy while offering perspectives on issues such as laissez faire, socialism and fascism, the Great Depression, the New Deal, the Keynesian Revolution, war, nationalization, central planning, the postwar revival of invisible-hand ideas, and economic development and growth.
The program will begin with an opening dinner on Wednesday, February 19 with an opening dinner and conclude with lunch on Friday, February 21. Accepted participants will be provided with meals and shared hotel accommodations in downtown Ottawa during the seminar. Travel support to is available.
Apply below by January 19.