Discussing ‘Habitual Ethics?' With author and Birmingham academic Sylvie Delacroix
Introducing ‘Habitual Ethics?’ by Sylvie Delacroix, Professor in Law, and Ethics at Birmingham.
Law School Building on the University campus
What if we become incapable of modifying the deeply - rooted habits that stem from our increased technological dependence? On an impoverished understanding of habit, the above question is easily shrugged off: habits are often deemed rigid by definition.
In this book, Sylvie Delacroix moves from a philosophical inquiry into the ‘double edge’ of habit- its empowering and compromising sides – to consideration of individual and collective strategies to keep habits at the service of our ethical life. In doing so, Delacroix highlights the extent to which our habit-reliant, pre-reflective intelligence normally supports our deliberative selves. It is when habits rigidify that this complementarity breaks down. As it concludes with concrete design interventions meant to avoid the latter scenario, Delacroix’s book will appeal to readers concerned with retaining an ability to trigger change within the practices that shape our ethical sensibility.
This book first articulates the way in which the habitual stretches all the way from unconscious tics to purposive, intentionally acquired habits.
Join Professor Sylvie Delacroix for her Inaugural lecture, based on her recent publication on Wednesday 19th October 2022. Following Professor Delacroix's talk, there will be an inter disciplinary academic panel to discuss topic, with Professor Heather Widdows, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Warwick and Professor Chris Baber, School of Computer Science and Chair of Pervasive and Ubiquitous Computing. The event will be chaired by Professor Lisa Webley, Head of Birmingham Law School.
Register for Professor Sylvie Delacroix’s Inaugural lecture.