In this exciting workshop, learn about how philosophers understand conspiracy theories and what, if anything, is problematic about them.

Southampton is known for many things: its proximity to the New Forest, its role in creating the RAF's spitfire plane, and its football club. However, it is the city's maritime history that is arguably its most famous selling point. Most notably, it is from Southampton that the RMS Titanic set sail for New York in 1912, before tragically sinking in the Atlantic Ocean.

But did the Titanic really sink? Perhaps its sister-ship, the RMS Olympic, was the ship that sunk. Perhaps the Titanic was deliberately sunk for financial gain.

These suggestions might sound outlandish, but they are just two conspiracy theories about what happened to the Titanic.

Although these conspiracy theories are relatively harmless, many are not. Indeed, the social media age has made the distribution and uptake of conspiracy theories easier than ever before. In light of this, philosophers have begun devoting increasing attention to them.

In this exciting workshop, you will learn about how philosophers understand conspiracy theories and consider what, if anything, is problematic about them. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to participate in an interactive Q & A with Dr Matthews.

Venue: Sir James Matthews Building, Level 1, Room 1023

Workshop Times: 11:15. 13:15, 15:15

Run Time: 1 hour

Suitability: Age 11+ years

PLEASE NOTE: a few additional tickets for the workshop will be available on the day at the workshop door in Sir James Matthew Building, on a first-come-first-served basis.

Accessibility: Venue is wheelchair accessible. A quiet room, with a sensory tent, will be available nearby - please ask a member of the festival team for directions. Please visit the site here for further information: Accessibility (southamptonartshumfest.co.uk) (https://www.southamptonartshumfest.co.uk/artshumday/accessibility/)

PLEASE NOTE: This ticket gives you access to the workshop only. You will need to book a FREE general admission ticket for Arts and Humanities Day to complete your registration to the festival, by filling the form here: Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/arts-and-humanities-day-2026-tickets-2002801421967?aff=oddtdtcreator)

This event is taking place as part of Arts and Humanities Day, the fun-filled family-friendly flagship event of Southampton Arts and Humanities Festival (https://www.southamptonartshumfest.co.uk/).

Please contact the event organiser at festival@soton.ac.uk if you have any questions regarding the event you are booking.

Visit the Arts and Humanities Day's official website at Southampton Arts and Humanities Festival 2026 - Whats-on (southamptonartshumfest.co.uk) (https://southamptonartshumfest.co.uk/artshumday/whats-on/) to find out the full festival programme and plan your attendance.

Don't forget to follow UoS Engagement and #UoSArtsHumFest on social media to stay up to date with the latest news and upcoming events.

Description supplied by the event organiser.