A group of four CCGS students joined participants representing all school sectors and religious denominations in various ‘community of inquiry’ groups. Over the course of an evening, each group discussed four philosophical themes during half-hour time slots, which included: Do we own our bodies? Is faith reasonable? Is beauty purely subjective? Why Obey Laws?

The contribution of Hugh Edwards (Year 11), Alistair Morgan (Year 10), Liam Kearney (Year 9) and Elliott Smith (Year 8), with Matthew Smith (Year 11) and Henry Cooney (Year 8) as reserves, resulted in a commendable third place for Christ Church. Individual success was also acknowledged with Alistair Morgan named Best Year 10 Philosopher.

Head of Philosophy, Ethics and Religion Dominic Hodnett said philosophy was concerned with rational consideration of deep and fundamental issues that cut right to the heart of human existence. “There are two elements here – the first involves reflecting on the nature and implications of complex philosophical issues,” Mr Hodnett said. “The second involves developing a reasoned response to the questions that these philosophical issues raise.”

For the past four years, the Hale School Philosothon has provided an opportunity for students to engage with both elements in groups comprising different schools. Teachers and post-graduate philosophy students facilitate the communities of inquiry while lecturers in philosophy, from all four local universities, judged individual participation.