Join “A Drink with the Idler” as we chat to Dr Oliver Keenan about the seminal philosopher Thomas Aquinas

Thomas Aquinas was a reluctant revolutionary, a scholar, poet and saint whose work unleashed an epoch-defining explosion of philosophical creativity in the thirteenth century. Writing at a time of war, injustice, poverty and alienation Thomas Aquinas offered a vision of community, of justice, friendship and peace, of humanity flourishing in responsible co-existence with nature.  It’s a message that matters profoundly today.

Dr Oliver Keenan teaches philosophy at Oxford University and is an authority on Thomas Aquinas. We’ll be chatting to him about the urgent importance of Thomas Aquinas for today’s world. His new book is Why Aquinas Matters Now.

The discussion between Oliver and Idler editor Tom Hodgkinson will be followed by a live Q&A, and the Idler Academy’s Head of Philosophy Dr Mark Vernon will present a short “thought for the week” to get our brains fizzing. The event will be hosted by Idler Academy director Victoria Hull.

This is an online event. It should be like meeting up in the pub for an interesting conversation. We leave the meeting open at the end so you can carry on chatting.

Dr Oliver Keenan teaches philosophy in the University of Oxford. He is an authority on the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas. He is a fellow of Blackfriars Hall, Oxford. He is also director of the Aquinas Institute in that city. He specialises in epistemology and ontology in the philosophy of the twentieth century.

Tom Hodgkinson is editor of the Idler and author of the best-selling manuals, How to Be Idle and How to Be Free. Other publications include a book on parenting, the Ukulele Handbook and a manual for creative entrepreneurs, Business for Bohemians.

Dr Mark Vernon is a psychotherapist, writer, broadcaster, and teacher. He presents several Idler Academy online courses. He has a PhD in philosophy, and degrees in theology and physics. His most recent books include The Idler Guide to Ancient Philosophy (Idler Books), Love: All that Matters (Hodder) and Jung: How to Believe (Guardian Shorts) – and he has books on friendship, belief and the good life too. Mark can often be heard on Radio 4’s Moral Maze. He began his professional life as a priest in the Church of England. For more, visit markvernon.com.

Victoria Hull is director of the Idler Academy, producing the Idler’s live and online events and courses.