Philosophy Salon: Addiction, Autonomy and Responsibility

Part of Just Announced

Tuesday 26 May 2026 7.30pm

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A 9% booking fee applies online and over the phone. A £2.50 postage fee is charged where applicable.

Suitable for ages 14+

Glass Studio

Do people with addiction have the choice to give it up? Are they responsible for their addictive behaviours?

In her new book, What Would You Do Alone in a Cage with Nothing but Cocaine?, Professor of Philosophy and Bioethics Hanna Pickard offers a fresh way of thinking about responsibility and blame that has implications not just for addicts and those who have relationship with them, but for all of us. Joining Pickard and host Julian Baggini to discuss addiction, autonomy, agency and freedom is George Stamets. In the second half, the conversation will be led by your questions. Come with an open mind, and prepare for it to be filled.

Hanna Pickard is Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and Bioethics and Krieger-Eisenhower Professor at Johns Hopkins University. Her new book is What Would You Do Alone in a Cage with Nothing but Cocaine? A Philosophy of Addiction.

George Stamets is a lecturer in philosophy at the University of Bristol. He works mainly in metaphysics, philosophy of mind, and ethics, with a focus on questions concerning human agency and responsibility.

Enjoy delicious drinks and light bites from our Café Bar ahead of the event.

Available to pre-order when booking your tickets, you can choose from a selection of house drinks on arrival, accompanied by a mezze board of bread, dips, olives, stuffed peppers, falafel, feta cheese and garden salad (all vegetarian). Just select which option – for one or two people – you would like, before checkout. Or if you’ve already booked, please email boxoffice@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk to add your food to your order.

Your pre-ordered food and drink will be available to collect from the Café Bar from 90 minutes before the event. It’s the perfect way to begin your event experience at St George’s!