In 2003, NEA set up the Thomas More Institute, a forum for civil discourse, to offer opportunities for principled engagement with intellectual and public issues, seeking ultimately to make a positive impact on public debate and decision-making. The Institute draws its name and inspiration from one who notably integrated private life, humanistic interests, professional work, public office and religious commitment.
From its inception, the Institute combines certain defining characteristics:
First, it challenges the assumption that pragmatic and utilitarian considerations alone are adequate foundations for analysis of the human condition and for policy-making. There is need, for example, of clarifying what exactly a human being is, and of defining the relationship of moral truth to freedom.
Second, it asserts the truism that ideas have consequences. Active engagement with contemporary and past mentalities, with history and collective memory, is essential if fundamental issues are to be properly understood, and informed debate to take place. The tenets of conventional wisdom must be traced to sources and subjected to criticism.
Third, it is committed to thoroughly interdisciplinary approaches. These reach far beyond organisation of research and discussion. The Institute plans to bring together on an equal footing academics and those with expertise in public service, politics, diplomacy, the media, business, and the professions. Experts of all kinds have vital contributions to make in the face of the great issues of today, but no specialist body in isolation can hope entirely to escape reductionism. In that sense, the Institute aims to combine what is best in an academic body and in a 'think-tank'.
Fourth, it has no collective party-political leaning or ideological alignment. Instead, the Institute positively promotes constructive dialogue between men and women of varying political as well as cultural, philosophical, scientific, and religious traditions.
The first activity of the Institute will be a seminar series on 'Conscience, Values and Belief in Public Life' that will include monthly seminars with active participation by relatively reduced numbers of staff and other qualified or interested contributors. The papers given, and discussions around them, will provide momentum and inspiration for the Institute's other work. With a view to stimulating debate further afield the contents of seminars will be reflected in publications.
Other areas of study will include 'Science, Technology and the Human Person' and 'Keys to Understanding Modern Mentalities'. The era of Thomas More will also be a subject of study with particular emphasis on issues that may be of contemporary relevance.
The Thomas More Institute is seeking to build up an initial endowment for research. The endowment will also support a small permanent staff to administer the Institute's activities and outreach. A variety of senior and junior research posts, both full- and part-time, will be offered. Flexible support will enable qualified persons employed elsewhere to undertake 'sabbatical' or part-time investigation relevant to the Institute's current interests. Internships will provide for participation by motivated younger people.
The Institute will start activities in London, using the premises in the Central Area of Netherhall House. However, the eventual plan is for the main base of the Institute to be in the grounds of Grandpont House, where some new buildings are planned, including a large library and auditorium as well as seminar rooms and offices.
