be invaluable preparation for university interviews. This year, Mr Schunemann is leading the Philosophy Circle, which takes place on Monday lunch times. All are welcome. ‘The Philosophy Circle is the place where stimulating ideas circulate freely. New terms and theories are brought to the world and the circle is the perfect place for intellectual and imaginative notions to evolve. The circle is where learning and teaching meet to discuss the largest questions ever asked about life, the universe, everything...!’ Aiken Furlong, Year 9 This year, the RT department has advertised a series of lectures specifically for the Upper School, hosted freely by St Martin in the Fields, entitled Who Is My Neighbour? These talks are hosted by big names in the theological world – Rowan Williams, Stanley Hauerwas and Sarah Coakley – and concern that most famously ambiguous of Christian ethics: to love your neighbour. We have also continued to run the RS Gym on Tuesday afternoons, which encourages students and staff to discuss matters of religion, philosophy and ethics. All boys studying Philosophy and Ethics in Year 13 prepare a presentation on a subject of interest to them to present to the society. At times, boys choose to use this presentation as the basis of the Upper School Extended Essay, an assignment designed to help boys’ application to top universities. ‘This term I gave a talk in the RS Society. It looked at nietzche’s nihilism, Sartre’s existentialism and Camus’ absurdism by looking at clips from the television show Rick and Morty. I gave an overview of the philosophies and how they translate into popular culture, and we looked at short clips from the show to spark discussion about how the absurd might come into play in quotidian life.’ Django Pinter , Year 13
Once again, our Philosophy Circle discussed many philosophical topics throughout the course of the year. Boys of a variety of ages and with a range of intellectual interests met in the Masters’ Library on Thursday evenings to explore questions such as: When is the state justified in curtailing my freedom? How do moral obligations arise? Does a perfect forgery have the same aesthetic value as an original painting? What is the difference between harm and offence? What can I know?
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.
‘The RT trip was a truly inspiring experience that enlightened me, as I saw other parts of our world and experienced ancient, pagan Britain.’ Tom Giles, Year 12 As well as being introduced to some influential philosophers and their arguments, boys were encouraged to use their own skills of reason and critical analysis to engage in debates in some key areas of Philosophy. Inevitably, firm conclusions were rarely arrived at, but an appreciation of the scope and significance of some apparently obscure questions was certainly achieved. Some Year 9 boys commented that more advanced discussions about Ethics shed light on some of their RT work and older boys applying for subjects such as Law, PPE and Medicine found these demanding discussions to
33
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker