The Ideas-Informed Society: Why We Need It and How to Make It Happen

Democratic societies thrive when citizens actively and critically engage with new ideas, developments and claims to truth. Not only can such practices result in more effective choice-making, but they can also lead to widespread support for progressive beliefs, such as social justice. With Western societies in the midst of environmental, social and political crises, it seems more pertinent than ever that citizens become ’ideas-informed’.

Presenting concepts from academia, industry, and practice, The Ideas-Informed Society closes the gap between the ideal of the ideas-informed society and the current reality. By exploring what it means to be ideas-informed and the benefits for both individuals and society, the chapters conceive what an ideal ideas-informed society would look like, what are the key ingredients of an ideas-informed society, and how to make it happen.

Chris Brown is Professor in Education at University of Warwick, UK and Distinguished Visiting Professor, University of Tübingen. Chris’ research focuses on improving outcomes for the disadvantaged and marginalised, and he has been awarded numerous prizes for its innovative nature. He is regularly invited to keynote at major international academic conferences and has presented his research at several literature and spoken word festivals.

Graham Handscomb is Honorary Professor with University College London (UCL) and Visiting Professor at University of Bolton, and Durham University, UK. He was previously Professor of Education and Dean of The College of Teachers. He is a fellow of numerous organisations and universities, has written many books and articles for over 30 years and is editor of a number of journals including Professional Development Today. Graham also runs a consultancy service where he provides interim management for medium to large organisations, including schools, local authorities and universities, to help implement complex business critical change in cost effective, tight timescales. He pioneered the concept of the Research Engaged School which has become an internationally adopted practice and policy model.