The authoritative lectures on authority

Clare Hall’s Tanner Lectures, which focus on the concept of human values, have an illustrious history of attracting leading academics, writers and public figures. Tonight’s lectures are no exception.

The eminent Austrian scholar Professor Ernst Fehr will give the 33^rd Clare Hall Tanner Lectures tonight on the psychology and economics of authority. He is Professor of Microeconomics and Experimental Economic Research at the University of Zurich.

The two lectures to be delivered by Professor Fehr are ’The value of authority’ and ’The motivational consequences of authority’. In the former, Professor Fehr (pictured) will question why humans value authority, defined in the lectures as the right to make decisions that affect their own and others’ pay-offs - for example, in the form of monetary reward or career advancement. In the second, he will argue that ’decision rights’ enhance intrinsic motivation.

On Wednesday 9 November, he will be joined by four respondents: Professor Uta Frith, from University College London, and Cambridge academics David Runciman, Professor Trevor Robbins and Professor William Brown.

Uta Frith, Emeritus Professor of Cognitive Development at UCL’s Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, will speak on the power of belief and authority. Runciman, Reader in Political Thought at the Department of Politics and International Studies, will talk about some of the political implications of authority, delegation and responsibility, while Trevor Robbins, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, will consider authority from a neurobiological dimension. Professor Brown, Master of Darwin College and Head of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, will speak on authority and power in employment.

The Tanner Lectures were founded in 1978 by the American scholar, industrialist and philanthropist Obert Clark Tanner, with the aim of reflecting upon and advancing learning related to human values. They may be drawn from a wide variety of subjects and disciplines, including philosophy, religion, the humanities, sciences and creative arts; from the learned professions, or leadership in public and private affairs. The lectures are among the most prestigious University lecture series. Previous lecturers have included the academic, writer and broadcaster Lisa Jardine, art historian and Director of the British Museum Neil Macgregor, the poet Seamus Heaney, and novelist and literary critic Umberto Eco.

The lectures on both nights are in the Auditorium, Robinson College, and begin at 5pm. Tickets for both events are free and can be obtained by calling (01223) 332368.