It seems like we can t talk about anything nowadays.. Whether it s war or something utterly inconsequential, the internet is primed for furore. And the results can be horrifying – from online pile-ons and doxing to job loss and, in some cases, death. But how did we end up here? Nuanced and historically grounded, A. C. Grayling searches for middle ground in an otherwise incendiary debate. Looking at the history of cancellation, from Ancient Greek ostracism through hemlock cups, witch trials and the House of Un-American Activities, Discriminations is a timely examination of the state of our public culture and the chilling effect it s having on intellectual discourse.

A. C. Grayling is the Founder and Principal of the New College of the Humanities at Northeastern University, London, and its Professor of Philosophy. Among his many books are The God Argument, Democracy and Its Crisis and The History of Philosophy. He has been a regular contributor to The Times, Guardian, Financial Times, Independent and Economist. He has appeared on radio and TV, including BBC s Today programme and Newsnight, and CNN News.