Somerset ‘festival of ideas’ to measure whether its talks change people’s outlook
Summary
A new event called the Big Brue festival in Somerset will test if attending talks can change people’s views and make them more open and understanding. Scientists will use tasks and questionnaires before and after the festival to see if listeners become more positive and better at handling opposing opinions.Key Facts
- The Big Brue festival in Bruton, Somerset, aims to measure if talks change attendees' attitudes.
- Participants will complete tests and questionnaires before and after the event.
- The event focuses on whether conflicting views can help people understand each other better.
- Neuroscientist Beau Lotto is leading the experiment, studying if the festival can improve empathy and tolerance.
- Past studies by Lotto showed that awe-inspiring experiences can make people more helpful and social.
- The festival features panels with speakers holding opposing views on topics like AI and migration.
- Sessions include conversations between family members who disagree and a “poetry battle” with famous artists.
- Organizers want the rural setting to encourage friendly and open discussions away from city tensions.
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