This is the fourth year running that Mr Connolly has organised an A Level Philosophy conference with Carlisle Cathedral, and this year William Howard School Philosophy students were joined by staff and students from Trinity School and John Foster who works with the Philosophy Department of Lancaster University. It was a tremendous success and allowed our students to explore Metaphysics of God material from the A Level specification alongside students from different year groups and schools.
In the afternoon sessions, the students were given the opportunity to choose between How to write a successful exam essay, a tour of the Cathedral or a seminar with John Foster who posed the question ‘can we ever know what it is like to be a bat?’.
The staff and students had a wonderful day, many of us truly questioning if we could in fact know what it was like to be a bat.
WHS student, Luke Lichtblau-O’Regan commented, ‘The philosophy conference at Carlisle Cathedral was a remarkable blend of intellectual rigor and serene beauty. Held in the cathedral’s awe-inspiring gothic setting, the event featured thought-provoking discussions on topics like ethics, metaphysics, and modern political philosophy. Speakers offered diverse perspectives, engaging the audience in lively debates, particularly on ethics and contemporary global issues. The intimate atmosphere allowed for meaningful interactions between attendees and scholars. While the acoustics in some areas posed a slight challenge, the overall organization was smooth, and the setting encouraged deep reflection. A truly memorable event, combining rich dialogue with the peaceful backdrop of a historic landmark’.
Thank you to the wonderful Ellen Jardine, Canon Dr Benjamin Carter and John Foster for the contribution that they made to the day. We look forward to our 5th conference next year!
