Published on: 12 November 2015



Earlier this term, Thomas Waring (Year 11), Alex Lindsay (Year 10), Lachlan Zhou (Year 9) and David Lind (Year 8) proudly represented Christ Church at the annual Philosothon competition held at Perth College.

For the first time in the history of this tournament two schools, Christ Church Grammar School and Scotch College, shared the winner’s prize.

Our boys also enjoyed notable individual success with Alex Lindsay and Thomas Waring joint winners of their respective age groups.

Each year a single prize is awarded to the student the judges consider to be the most promising philosopher. This year the ‘Millet & Tapper’ medal for the most promising philosopher was presented to Thomas Waring.

The competition involved students from 19 Western Australian schools, sitting in groups known as a ‘community of inquiry,’ discussing four separate philosophical topics. This year’s topics were:

  1. Is torture ever permissible?
  2. Do animals have minds?
  3. Under what conditions is it justifiable to disobey the law?
  4. Given that roughly 50 per cent of the population is female, should our political institutions be required to have 50 per cent female representation?

Judges assessed individual contributions and students were encouraged to give logical responses to the topics, building toward an improved and shared understanding of the topic.

Head of Philosophy, Mr Dominic Hodnett said the event brought together students, teachers and university lecturers from across the state.

“It was a fabulous atmosphere where everyone present shared a passion for philosophy and whilst prizes are awarded, everyone benefitted from the experience,” he said.