On Thursday 21 June a group of four Year 11 ATAR Religion and Life students attended a Philosophy and Ethics Symposium at Notre Dame University in Fremantle.
After a hearty, welcoming morning tea, the first session looked at methods of inquiry with a particular focus on Existentialism. Dr Cliff Stagoll presented an entertaining and informative lecture about the leading thinkers in this area, and challenged students to consider their own understanding of the meaning and purpose of life.
Dr Ines Pereira Rodrigues continued this theme, looking at conceptions of ultimate reality and persons with a focus on Leo Tolstoy’s ‘The Death of Ivan Ilyich’. Discussion revolved around meaning as being objective, subjective or relational.
After a very satisfying lunch, students took the opportunity to question Philosophy alumni from Notre Dame University about the applications of philosophy in the real world and employment situations.
The final session with Dr Richard Hamilton was about the Scientific World View. Dr Hamilton explored how people make decisions based on what counts as science, as well as how we understand so-called non-scientific fields of endeavour.
The trip back to Busselton included some interesting discussions, and students took away with them plenty of food for thought.
Thanks to Mr and Mrs Depiazzi for organizing and supervising this excursion.
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