Wellington College Belfast Co-educational Grammar School
Enrichment

Royal Institute of Philosophy Course

In November Wellington College was the successful recipient of one of the Royal Institute of Philosophy’s Jacobsen Awards. These awards make provision for the teaching of an introductory ten-week philosophy course to philosophically-interested 16-17 year olds. The Royal Institute funds this award in only twenty schools in the UK annually. Each Friday afternoon, it has been my pleasure, as a teaching assistant in Queen’s University, Belfast, to engage some twenty intellectually curious lower sixth formers, in lively debate. So far, students have critically discussed and pondered such questions as: ‘Does God exist?’ ‘Is euthanasia morally right?’ and ‘What is the nature of ethics?’ In future weeks we will ask ‘Do we have free will?’ ‘What makes something a work of art?’ ‘What is the nature of our laws?’ ‘Is the mind simply the brain?’ and ‘What makes science special?’

It is clear that Wellington pupils have a natural philosophical bent! It is hoped that this weekly seminar programme will instil in students an ability to think critically about their current studies, the world around them and the assumptions we all make in everyday life. Hope to see you all in Queen’s University studying philosophy in two years!

Dr. Charlotte Blease