Peter Boghossian spoke at the Ellen Melville Centre in Auckland last night as a guest of the Free Speech Union, the event hosted by their CEO Jillaine Heather.
I took great delight in Dr. Boghossian’s tales from the Grievance Studies Affair, a vicarious schadenfreude from the exposure of the Humanities in all its putrescence.
I was less impressed by the demonstration of his Street Epistemology methodology. I’m sure most familiar with Plato’s Socratic Dialogues would concur it seems like adduction simplified for the under-educated. My impression may have been coloured though, by the unfortunate selection of ineloquent volunteers from the audience to participate. The introduction of a corporal element (participants move about) and the group dynamic were interesting aspects, with the latter reminding me of the garden conversation in Machiavelli’s Art of War. I’d like to watch other demonstrations to consider these aspects more carefully.
Having only witnessed this one I think Street Epistomology has value. On balance though it seems to me most applicable for school children too young for Plato.
A highlight of these events is always the side-conversations with other attendees - almost invariably interesting people. Last night the highlight was Jillaine Heather. Dr. Boghossian was the headline but it seemed to me Ms. Heather’s erudite contribution to the conversation was often more nuanced. It’s fair to say my impression here could just be a manifestation of an inherent cultural bias.
In synopsis a great night out amongst interesting people. We in New Zealand are fortunate to have organisations such as the Free Speech Union facilitating these types of events.
-SRA. Auckland, 17/v 2026.
