How do we have difficult conversations in Australia today? What can we learn from the art of debate, to strengthen public debate and social resilience?
In Good Arguments, Australian author and international lawyer Bo Seo makes the case that good arguments are core to good democracies. Far from being a source of conflict, disagreement and the capacity to engage critically with different views enriches our daily lives and relationships. The book shows how through the practical advice and philosophies of debate relayed through Seo’s journey beginning with his childhood in Sydney.
Released in 2022 and since published in 10 languages, Good Arguments is relevant as ever today. The book has received acclaim, with praise from Adam Grant (“a user manual for our polarised world”) to Annabel Crabb (“an elegant and urgent work of advocacy for productive disagreement”), and has been placed on curriculums of schools and businesses around the world.
Join Bo Seo, two-time world debating champion and former debate coach for the Australian and Harvard teams, in a conversation with Archie Wolifson, President of University of Sydney Union and world debate finalist. Hosted by Fenella Kernebone.
Following official proceedings we invite you to continue conversations over light refreshments. Bo will also be available for booksigning.
This Sydney Ideas event is part of our Conversations for Good public series, which explores how we find shared understanding and respect for different viewpoints to have conversations that can make a real difference, for good.
| Date & time | Tuesday 24 November, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm, followed by light refreshments |
| Location | Seymour Centre (Everest Theatre) |
| Entry | Free and open to all with registrations essential |
| Accessibility | Please indicate any access requirements in the registration form. See Seymour Centre's access page for more information and contact for enquiries |
Bo Seo is an author and international lawyer practicing across London and Washington, D.C. He is a two-time world debating champion and a former coach of the Australian and Harvard debate teams.
Bo was previously a national reporter for the Australian Financial Review and a regular panelist on The Drum. He is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, and has a master’s degree in public policy from Tsinghua University. His first book, Good Arguments, has been published in 10 languages.
Archie Wolifson is one of best competitive debaters in Australia currently, ranking first at the most recent Australian debating championships. He has been a finalist at the world debate championships on two separate occasions and won numerous competitions around the world.
Archie is studying a Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor Arts at the University of Sydney. He is also President of the University of Sydney Union (USU) and the chair of the USU's Board of Directors.
Fenella Kernebone is a cultural curator, speaker and presenter. As Head of Programming for SXSW Sydney, she helmed the largest conference in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, working with world-class speakers and partners to create unforgettable experiences.
She's previously curated TEDxSydney and Sydney Ideas. An accomplished TV and radio presenter, podcast host, and MC, she has hosted hundreds of events spanning tech, arts, business, design, and culture. She serves on the board of Performance Space.
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