Sydney Ideas – Conversations for Good: Across generations

How do we have difficult conversations in Australia today? What can we learn from the art of debate, to strengthen public debate and social resilience?

In Good Arguments, Australian author and international lawyer Bo Seo makes the case that good arguments are core to good democracies. Far from being a source of conflict, disagreement and the capacity to engage critically with different views enriches our daily lives and relationships. The book shows how through the practical advice and philosophies of debate relayed through Seo’s journey beginning with his childhood in Sydney.

Released in 2022 and since published in 10 languages, Good Arguments is relevant as ever today. The book has received acclaim, with praise from Adam Grant (“a user manual for our polarised world”) to Annabel Crabb (“an elegant and urgent work of advocacy for productive disagreement”), and has been placed on curriculums of schools and businesses around the world.

Join Bo Seo, two-time world debating champion and former debate coach for the Australian and Harvard teams, in a conversation with Archie Wolifson, President of University of Sydney Union and world debate finalist. Hosted by Fenella Kernebone.

Following official proceedings we invite you to continue conversations over light refreshments. Bo will also be available for book signing.

This Sydney Ideas event is part of our Conversations for Good public series, which explores how we find shared understanding and respect for different viewpoints to have conversations that can make a real difference, for good.