Existentialism: The Punk Philosophy

Title: "Existentialism: The Punk Philosophy"
Speaker: Dr Stuart Hanscomb
📍 Location: Garnethill Multicultural Centre, 21 Rose St, Glasgow G3 6RE
🕒 Doors open: 13:00 | Meeting time: 13:30 – 15:00
☕ Refreshments: Complimentary tea and coffee will be available, with an optional donation.
🎟️ Cost: Free and open to all

Join us for our next Glasgow Branch meeting, open to all HSS members, supporters and anyone who shares humanist values! This month's meeting will feature a speaker as well as updates on the society’s recent activities.

Event Description:
What makes existentialism the "punk" of philosophy? In this lively and thought-provoking talk, Dr. Stuart Hanscomb (University of Glasgow) explores how existentialism breaks the rules, challenges authority, and embraces authenticity, much like punk itself. Discover why this defiant branch of philosophy still resonates today, offering a raw, honest take on freedom, meaning, and the human condition.

About the Speaker:
Dr. Stuart Hanscomb is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Social & Environmental Sustainability at the University of Glasgow. With an academic background in philosophy and psychology, and a PhD focused on existentialism, his work bridges the disciplines of critical thinking, ethics, and education. His teaching and research explore existentialism, environmental ethics, student development, and the intersection of philosophy with everyday life and communication.

He has held academic positions at institutions across the UK and has collaborated on research into emotional persuasion, education policy, and sustainability. Notably, Dr. Hanscomb has applied philosophical insights to areas like stand-up comedy, punk subculture, and teacher education, and is active in interdisciplinary and public engagement.
He has also contributed to corporate training in persuasive communication and regularly presents on topics such as authenticity, critical thinking, and wellbeing.

Image credit: Digital illustration created using AI tools by OpenAI, 2025. For illustrative purposes only.