The Ethics of Gambling

Given that most people who gamble lose most of the time, why on Earth do they do it?

Chris Bratcher, who has been a regular casino-goer and occasional punter elsewhere for many years, as well as a former Treasurer and Chairman of Conway Hall Ethical Society, examines the reasons for doing it, and losing at it. Risk - and the judgement of risk - is part of life, and can be life-enhancing. The mushrooming variety of forms of gambling and places to do it, with attendant social evils, give gambling a bad name, as the ‘opium of the people’. Chris will attempt to rehabilitate some forms, whilst condemning others, by examining the plethora of gambles on offer that have come to dominate the lives of many. Is it immoral? If so, where does the immorality lie: with the industry, the Government, or the punters? What joy do they get out of it? Is there a pleasure to be safely had? Chris presents a personal ‘safe sex’ guide to gambling. .
Chris Bratcher is a former Chair and Treasurer of Conway Hall Ethical Society, and practised Sunday session talks giver and WEA/U3A lecturer on a wide range of topics born of his academic philosophical discipline of Ethics and the Philosophy of Mind, and from his studies in Literature and Fine Arts.

Register to tell a friend about this lecture.

Comments

If you would like to comment about this lecture, please register here.

©2003-2006 Niminim Limited. Created by

Any ad revenue is entirely reinvested into the Lecture List's operating fund