Last Thursday, Sixth Form Philosophy students attended a fascinating masterclass to enrich their A Level studies.

The masterclass presented diverse philosophical and religious ideas through four lectures and a debate on the timelessness of Natural Law. Julie Arliss’ lecture on “The Politics and Philosophy of the Embryo” examined human rights, the flexibility of common law, and the interplay of politics and philosophy, particularly in the U.S.

Professor Daphne Hampson’s lecture, “Woman Absent, Present, Displaced,” critiqued religion as a male-driven construct. She explored women’s marginalization in religious texts and mythology, arguing their roles are often defined in service to men, with qualities like benevolence attributed to women but used to bolster male dominance.

Professor James Orr’s lecture, “Delusion or Insight,” explored the rationality of belief in God using cosmological, teleological, and ontological arguments. He argued that science, while limited to the natural world, can aid theological perspectives, such as refuting infinite regress. He advocated engaging in philosophical exploration for stronger arguments about God’s existence.

Lastly, reflections on death and the afterlife noted its lack of empirical evidence, relying on scripture and eschatology. The misconceptions of hell were clarified, emphasising its symbolic origins and societal fear of mortality.

These discussions highlighted philosophy’s role in grappling with life’s profound questions.

Kohana T-L, Lower Sixth