The London School of Economics (LSE), through the Hellenic Observatory (LSE's Research Centre for Contemporary Greece and Cyprus), in collaboration with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, is reviving the LSE Athens Lectures series - a leading institution of public dialogue that connects international academic excellence with Greek society.
The first lecture will take place on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, on the topic of "The Psychology of Polarisation: How Beliefs Can Divide" and will be presented by Paul Dolan, Professor of Behavioral Science at LSE. The theme of the event examines the rise of dogmatism as a cultural and psychological phenomenon ("Beliefism") and the way it affects relationships between individuals and groups - an issue that is gaining increasing importance on a global level. In an era of deep social divisions, where polarisation and rhetoric against immigrants and other minorities are intensifying, understanding dogmatism and ideological polarisation is more critical than ever.
The lecture will take place in English. Participation is free, but registration is required via the official website: www.lse.ac.uk/Hellenic-Observatory/Athens-Lectures