How might philosophical research into apparently non-practical matters be of general relevance to the community? What benefits might tax-payers expect to flow from public support of philosophical research? In the light of comments made in last year’s federal election campaign about research funding for philosophy projects, a panel of philosophers address different aspects of these pressing questions. Panel Professor Richard Eldrige, Swarthmore College USA Professor Paul Redding, University of Sydney Dr Dalia Nassar, University of Sydney A Sydney Ideas event on 25 March 2014 http://sydney.edu.au/sydney_ideas/lectures/2014/philosophy_in_the_age_of_democracy.shtml