Classical Liberalism
Lecture series
What is classical liberalism – and why does it still matter?
Across four public lectures in 2026, this lecture series will explore the intellectual foundations, internal tensions, and lasting significance of classical liberal thought.
Featuring Campion College faculty and invited guest speakers, the series offers an opportunity to examine a tradition that has profoundly shaped modern political and economic life, and to consider its relevance in an age of renewed debate about freedom, authority, and the common good.
This series is hosted by Campion College’s Centre for the Study of the Western Tradition (CSWT). Learn more at www.campion.edu.au/cswt/
Our Next Lecture: Tue 1 Sep
With Professor Greg Melluish
Registration essential, please RSVP by Mon 31 Aug.
Event schedule:
• 6.45pm – Arrival
• 7.00pm – Formalities
• 8.00pm – Refreshments
• 8.30pm – Evening concludes
Date
Tue 1 Sep, Wed 7 Oct
Location
Campion College
8-14 Austin Woodbury Place
Toongabbie NSW 2146
Open to
Students, alumni, faculty and the general public
Cost
Free ticketed event
Lecture Topics
Lecture #1 - What is Classical Liberalism? (Wed 18 Mar)
With Dr Jeremy Bell
“Liberalism” is a term often used and seldom clearly defined. In a world wracked by ideological conflict and mutual incomprehension, we hear on the one hand of the “tyranny of liberalism” and on the other hand of liberalism’s “failure,” even its “death.” This talk attempts to clarify the meaning of the term and, more particularly, to identify the essential features of the “classical” liberalism of Locke and Adam Smith, in contradistinction to more recent variants of (so-called) liberalism. It also suggests that classical liberalism, founded on the strict inviolability of private property, deserves to be taken more seriously than it usually is.
Lecture #2 - The Declaration of Independence after 250 Years: Success or Failure? (Wed 22 Apr)
With David M. Hart
David M. Hart is a retired academic historian, editor, translator, and website designer and curator who has spent several decades working in the university and non-profit educational sectors in Australia, the U.K., and the United States. He is currently an Adjunct Research Fellow with the University of Western Australia Business School. His research interests are primarily in the history of the classical liberal and libertarian traditions, the “Great Books” of the Western Tradition, the history of economic thought, and the theory of class analysis. Before retiring in 2019 he was the Director of Liberty Fund’s award winning Online Library of Liberty Project (2001–2019).
Lecture #3 (Tue 1 Sep)
With Professor Greg Melluish
Check back soon for the lecture topic and speaker details.
Lecture #4 (Wed 7 Oct)
With Salvator Balbone
Check back soon for the lecture topic and speaker details.
Register Now