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WORLD

Somerset festival to test whether talks change participants’ views

A new festival of ideas in Somerset will ask attendees and speakers to take part in tests designed to assess whether the event changes their beliefs and ideas. The tests will examine whether participants become more open to views they do not agree with, following talks and other cultural programming.

A new “festival of ideas” in Somerset will test whether the beliefs and ideas of attendees and speakers change during the event.

Festivalgoers will be asked to take part in tests assessing whether they become more open to views they do not agree with.

THE QUESTIONS THIS EVENT LEAVES BEHIND

How will the tests distinguish a lasting change in outlook from a temporary response to the event?

Who will decide which views participants are asked to consider?

What factors could affect whether attendees choose to take part in the tests?

How will speakers’ responses be compared with those of festivalgoers?

YOUR QUESTION

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14 September 2026 · 09:33 · 1 sources

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World — Somerset ‘festival of ideas’ to measure whether its talks change people’s outlook

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