The ‘Philosopher Kings?’ public lecture series will see five major practicing politicians discuss how philosophical thinking informs real politics - with philosophy lecturers from the university.

The new series launches on May 10 with leading Labour MP Jon Cruddas. He will talk about ‘The Good Society’, followed by a response from UEA philosopher Dr Liz McKinnell.

On May 17, Labour Lord and maverick political thinker Maurice Glasman will present a lecture entitled ‘Transgressive and Faithful: The politics of Blue Labour’, followed by a discussion with Prof Alan Finlayson, from UEA’s school of Political, Social and International Studies.

Minister for Universities and Science, David Willetts, nick-named ‘Two-brains Willetts’, will explore ‘What’s government good for?’ on May 24 with political philosopher Dr Alexander Brown.

And on May 31, environmentalist, writer and broadcaster Sir Jonathon Porritt will talk about ‘The Limits to Growth’, with a response from Dr Rupert Read from the school of Philosophy.

The series draws to a close on June 7 with Liberal Democrat Baroness Ros Scott, who will give a lecture entitled ‘Pragmatism in Politics: Blessing or curse?’, which will be responded to by politics lecturer Dr Lee Marsden.

The free lectures have been organised by the university’s school of Philosophy and school of Politics and International Studies. They take place on campus in Lecture Theatre 1 at 6pm, with the exception of Jon Cruddas on May 10, which starts at 5.15pm.

To find out more, visit www.uea.ac.uk/phi/eventsnews or email philosophyevents@uea.ac.uk.