There's a growing number who object to the widespread use of the ‘chemical cosh’ to treat people with mental difficulties. But psychiatrists and the pharma companies would argue that depression and ADHD are real conditions for which drugs work. Which side is right?

To debate both the historical and present-day significance of this divide, Intelligence Squared brings together two acclaimed historians: Charles Spencer to defend the Roundhead cause, and Anna Whitelock to make the case for the Cavaliers.

Countering the atheist claim that believers are by default violent fanatics and religion is the cause of all major wars, Karen Armstrong demonstrates that religious faith is not inherently violent.

Is religion becoming the new politics? How will the technological revolution continue to impact our politics? And in the West are we in danger of becoming complacent about the challenges to democracy that we face?

As the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo approaches in 2015, Intelligence Squared brings together two of Britain’s finest historians to debate how we should assess Napoleon’s life and legacy: a military genius and father of the French state, or a blundering nonentity who created his own enduring myth?

Following the wild success of our previous cultural combat events – Verdi vs Wagner, Jane Austen vs Emily Bronte, Shakespeare vs Milton – Intelligence Squared now turns to the two greatest painters of the Dutch Golden Age: Rembrandt and Vermeer.

On September 25th Steven Pinker returns to the Intelligence Squared stage to discuss his latest publication 'The Sense of Style', a short and entertaining writing guide for the 21st century. Pinker will argue that bad writing can't be blamed on the internet, or on "the kids today".

Intelligence Squared has played host to luminaries such as President Jimmy Carter, Stephen Fry, Russell Brand, Desmond Tutu, Jaron Lanier, Eric Schmidt, Patti Smith, Jess Jackson, Werner Herzog, Q-Tip, Steven Pinker, Christopher Hitchens and countless others. Our events sell out, so become a member.

To keep you informed, inspired and entertained throughout 2014 we will be running a new podcast every Friday. Showcasing the very best from our forthcoming debates, talks and discussions and our rich archive of past events, we guarantee you a stimulating listen.