Scotch College

Philosophy Forum

On May 15, as part of the extension studies at Scotch, a group of Year 8 students took part in this year's annual Philosophy Forum which took place at Kostka Hall, the Xavier campus in Brighton.

The forum began at 10am and concluded at 2.30pm. During the day we discussed topics relating to various ethical dilemmas arising from death, cloning and the value of happiness. We were challenged by the questions, especially since no correct and easy answer could be found. For example, given the option of manoeuvring a fast moving train travelling on line A that's heading straight towards 5 children and diverting it to line B where a railway worker is working, which lives will you choose to save? Are the lives of 5 naughty children playing on the rails worth more than the labourer who is legitimately earning his keep?

Above: The Philosophy Team meets at Kostka Hall, Xavier.

The skills that we all gathered during the day included the importance of listening to others in order to gain new perspectives on issues discussed, challenging ourselves by stretching our sense of compassion and attempting to balance it with rational consideration.

Right: Perhaps philosophising about inter-school rivalries!

Emmanuel Papageorgiou