FEAST defines dialogue as a socratic process leading to an implicit change or action. Armchair philosophy is not our goal. It is not exciting, it is not sufficient, it is not enough. Here we agree with Marx.
Public discussion leaning towards action is our goal. But here again it is important to distinguish our goals from pure activism. Here we agree with Occupy rather than Marx. Our goal may be to change the world rather than merely interpret it, but we "lean" towards this goal, rather than sell you a pre-defined product.
We remain open to doubt, to other interpretations and views. We avoid the implication that there exists a direct and universally agreed solution or methodology. Solidarity is nuanced. Consensus is welcomed not forced.
At the same time we do not fear confrontation. FEAST methodology does not imply a belief in political and moral relativism. All things and views are not considered equal. Instead we look to motivate discussion, packed with the full range of human emotion.
To that end we seek Drama in it's meanignful and theatrical sense, not the Youtube or reality TV sense of the word. Drama is not to be introduced for the sake of being dramatic.
As a conference FEAST is not in the business of being entertaining or chasing "ratings". This is a dangerous motivation to be avoided not sought for. Our focus is on seeking out a fully diverse range of speakers, not creating an audience. Our audience is the future, not given to us by Google or Facebook.
We value the diversity, richness and quality of the debate, over the normalising banality of consensus. Our rational is that important debates are motivated, that emotions are not irrational, and that rationality is nothing without motivation.
To these ends we give an explicit and purposeful role to the arts, to humour, dance and music. We celebrate the science of documentary making, the art of scientific endeavour, the skill of applied creativity.
We look to explore the diversity of methodologies, as much as we seek to diversify the plurality of participation, and the range of collective opinions constructed. We look to create a forest of ideas, a garden of thought (these are not the same).
This is more than a pragmatic argument designed to ensure an entertainment. Sure we want each FEAST to challenge, enliven and enrich us. We celebrate the togetherness of the dance floor, the feeling of being part of something. But we do not agree that the need to reach out to a wider audience can only be sought by appealing to the lowest common denominator.
FEAST is not driven by the logic of mass market participation. Nor it it scared of Hollywood sentiment, or striving for elitist credentials - whether that is in art or academic pretensions.
Our faith in the pragmatism of the methodology is based on our belief that people are enjoy meeting in face-to-face conversation in humour and passion. And that these small scale interactions can be networked in creative ways that are understood and can be appreciated by all participants.