British Philosopher & Author; Founder & First Master of New College of the Humanities; CBE Honoree

London, UK
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A.C. Grayling Biography

Anthony Clifford Grayling CBE, known as A.C. Grayling, is a British philosopher recognized for his work in ethics, humanism, and the philosophy of religion. Grayling attended Magdalen College, Oxford, where he studied under P.F. Strawson and A.J. Ayer, earning a doctorate in philosophy. He lectured at Bedford College London and St. Anne's College Oxford before joining Birkbeck College, University of London, as a professor of philosophy. He later founded and served as the first Master of New College of the Humanities, now Northeastern University London, an independent undergraduate institution.

Trained in the analytic tradition and with a focus on early modern thought, Grayling is known for essays and books addressing ethics, liberty, human rights, and the intersection of religion and public life. He has authored more than 30 books, including "The Refutation of Scepticism," "Wittgenstein," "What Is Good?," "The Meaning of Things," "The Good Book," "The God Argument," "Liberty in the Age of Terror," "Discriminations: Making Peace in the Culture Wars," and "For The People: Fighting Authoritarianism, Saving Democracy."

Grayling has contributed columns to The Guardian and The Times, and has appeared on BBC radio and television programs such as Newsnight, Today, In Our Time, and Start the Week, as well as CNN news. He has written for Financial Times, Observer, Independent on Sunday, Economist, Literary Review, New Statesman, and Prospect. Grayling chaired the judging panel for the Man Booker Prize.

Grayling is a former Fellow of the World Economic Forum at Davos, Vice President of the British Humanist Association, Honorary Associate of the National Secular Society, Patron of the UK Armed Forces Humanist Association and Dignity in Dying, Fellow of the Royal Literary Society, and a member of the human rights group IHEU at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. He has received the Forkosch Literary Prize and the Bertrand Russell Award, and was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to philosophy. Grayling's work continues to influence discussions on Enlightenment values, rational inquiry, and the practical application of philosophy in contemporary society.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/13/2026.

A.C. Grayling Videos

A. C. Grayling: Democracy and Its Crisis

A. C. Grayling: Democracy and Its Crisis

With the advent of authoritarian leaders and the simultaneous rise of populism, representative democracy appears to be caught in crisis.

A.C. Grayling: The Origins and Future of Humanism

A.C. Grayling: The Origins and Future of Humanism

'Humanism is the philosophy that you should be a good guest at the dinner table of life.' In recent years, the eminent British philosopher A.C. ...

AC Grayling - Humanism - YouTube

AC Grayling - Humanism - YouTube

AC Grayling, philosopher, speaking on 'Humanism' at The National Federation of Atheist, Humanist and Secularist Student Societies 2014 Convention....

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  • What topics does A.C. Grayling speak about?

    A.C. Grayling is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Democracy, Education, Ethics & Integrity, History, Liberal, Non-Fiction Authors, Philosophy, Political, Political Science, Professors, World Affairs
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A.C. Grayling is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book A.C. Grayling for your event is available upon request. A.C. Grayling generally travels from London, UK and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are John Tasioulas, Matt Zwolinski, Alexandra O. Hudson, Hélène Landemore and Mark Coeckelbergh. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling A.C. Grayling for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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