The sixth form Philosophy of Religion and Ethics conferences have become the most highly respected conferences of their type in Britain. These external conferences prize themselves on offering academic high caliber speakers, each with a genuine intellectual pedigree and long standing experience of students and 'A' level work
Academy Conferences are an external company which will be hosting a Philosophy of Religion and Ethics Conference at Liverpool Hope University and is not part of the university's normal series of events. For more information about Liverpool Hope University events please visit
http://www.hope.ac.uk/visitus/The sessions are intensive and push students to see the connections between different areas of their course. Students value these events both as a revision aid and as a source of academic insight. The aim of these conferences is not only to help students to improve their 'A' level performance but also to begin to see their 'A' level Philosophy and Ethics course as an integrated whole, which will give food for thought throughout life.
'Our grades have definitely gone up, and I learn something new and interesting every year.'
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Lectures
Pluralism and Inter-religious Dialogue
Professor Keith Ward
Does the acceptance that ‘truth’ can be found in other religions necessarily relativise faith? To what extent should we tolerate the religious beliefs of others? Professor Ward outlines how inter-religious dialogue affects society and examines the philosophy behind the concept of Pluralism.
Ethical Frameworks and Applied Ethics
Julie Arliss
Where does moral value lie and who is a member of the moral community? Understanding key thematic questions gives students confidence and clarity tackling both meta-ethics and practical ethics questions. This session will give students a framework for thinking and show them the importance of the key assumptions made. What difference does it make if you assume that ethical statements can be factual and objective as opposed to non-factual and subjective? Julie Arliss will untangle the complex web and use the practical examples of abortion and euthanasia to show how to achieve the highest grades at A level.
Proof and the Ontological Argument
Dr Tim Mawson
The Ontological Argument is a lesser-known ‘proof’ for the existence of God and, rather like Marmite, you either love it or hate it. This session will explain the different between an a priori argument and an a posteriori argument and discuss whether, even theoretically, it is possible to have an a priori existential argument. What, if anything, does the strongest form of Ontological argument have to contribute to the debate about the existence of God? From Anselm to Descartes to Malcolm and Plantinga - this ‘proof’ is a puzzle for the philosophically minded to tackle.
The Nature of the Self - Body, Soul, and Personal Identity
Dr John Frye
How do ideas about ‘who I am’ relate to the big questions of life? This lecture will give students a map of how these ideas, and the language used to speak of them, has changed through history.
It will show how they have influenced, and been influenced by, changing philosophical ideas. What is it to be a person? Does life have meaning and purpose? Discussion will include an evaluation of modern positions including materialism, dual aspect monism and Process thought.
How to Get an ‘A’ Grade
Peter Baron
Students often have the knowledge required for an A grade but fail to present under the pressure of exams in a way that maximises marks. Peter will give practical help to enhance exam grades and use a range of examples to demonstrate the key tools needed for A grade performance.
The Problem of Evil – Panel Discussion
Professor Keith Ward, Dr Tim Mawson, and Julie Arliss will participate in a panel discussion outlining a variety of approaches to the Problem of Evil while fielding questions from students.