Philosophy Conference Reflects Academic Caliber of Richmond Students

18/04/2008

Philosophy Conference on 'The Human Condition'

The Annual Student Conference of the Richmond University Philosophy Society was held on Friday 11 April at the Hill Campus. The subject was 'The Human Condition' and the keynote speakers were Dr George Berguno, Dr Robert Wallis & James Earl of Richmond University and the Reverend Mike Starkey of Holy Trinity Church, Twickenham. Student presentations were given by Andy Terrell, Vjose Retkoceri Richmond and Noura Al Saud.

The afternoon began with a short welcome by Andy Terrell of the Society. The keynote speakers covered such subjects as 'limit situations' which are beyond reason, the extending of the human condition to consider 'non-human persons', the nature of faith in the face of suffering, and the choice between 'meaning' and 'doing'.

The Q&A following was chaired by Ana Correa of the Society, and a lively discussion of the issues ensued. Despite the fact the Conference had been held toward the end of the semester (and on a Friday afternoon!) it was very well attended, and it was generally agreed the debates were at a particularly sophisticated level. It attracted students from other colleges including St. Mary's (part of the University of London) in Twickenham.

After coffee, Tara Loyko of the Society introduced the student speakers who covered such topics as the nature of evil, hesitation, self-doubt and self-analysis, and the role of faith in combatting depression. The Q&A was particularly interesting, and in fact over-ran, with the conference closing 45 minutes late!

Sabrina Creason of the Society gave a short closing address of thanks .

The Philosophy Society is planning more events for the future including another conference. Podcasts of the conference speakers will be available soon and the Society's web forum has just opened. If you are interested in these activities or would like to be kept informed of the Society's regular meetings, please contact one of the officers of the Society or their faculty advisor, James Earl.

Student Officers:
Ana Correa F088306@richmond.ac.uk
Sabrina Creason F203107@richmond.ac.uk
Tara Loyko F103306@richmond.ac.uk
Andrew Terrell M001306@richmond.ac.uk

Faculty Advisor:
James Earl earlj@richmond.ac.uk

Link to this page: http://www.richmond.ac.uk/n/497.aspx