Voices of Reason - Austin Dacey: The Future of Blasphemy

In the days of Moses, blasphemy was the mortal offence of failing to respect the divine. In an age of human rights, blasphemy is understood as a failure to respect persons, as insult, defamation, or “advocacy of religious hatred.” The criminalisation of this has been advanced at the United Nations and upheld by the European Court of Human Rights, which has asserted a universal “right to respect for religious feelings.” 

In his new book, The Future of Blasphemy: Speaking of the Sacred in an Age of Human Rights, human rights activist and philosopher Austin Dacey turns respect on its head. Respect, Dacey argues, demands that we grant each other equal standing in the moral community, not that we never offend.

Join Center for Inquiry as it hosts Dacey to mark the U.S. launch of this important new book. Dacey will give a short presentation then participate in a dialogue with the audience. The conversation will be followed by a book signing. The venue, 116, will have a cash bar operating throughout the event.

Admission is on a first come, first serve basis, though RSVPs are appreciated. Please email nyc@centerforinquiry.net.

This event will be held at 116, located at 116 MacDougal St. between Bleeker St. and Minetta Lane, near the A/B/C/D/E/F/M/1 trains.

 

This event is part of CFI's Voices of Reason lecture series that features leading thinkers on ethics, science, and religion.