Posted: Thursday 2 October 2008
Hutchesons' Hosts School Philosophy Conference
More than 450 teachers and pupils from state and independent schools across Scotland, along with Higher Philosophy pupils from Hutchesons', attended the school's annual Philosophy and Ethics conference on 2 October. The school was delighted to welcome back the conference's regular speaker, Dr Peter Vardy, Vice-Principal of Heythrop College, the specialist philosophy and theology college of the University of London.
Utilitarianism, the philosophy which guides most political and social policy in the west and its problematic consequences, was addressed first. He highlighted the "us" and "them" approach which was becoming a hallmark of recent western and, in particular, US foreign policy. Next, a talk on Science and Religion (with a particular focus on the work of Richard Dawkins). While accepting that Dawkins' approach is effective in defending the atheist position, he expressed doubts about the effectiveness of his challenge to theism. Importantly, he challenged the popular notion that scientists are more likely to be atheists. They are not, he claims.
Genetic engineering and the ethical problems it raises was the next topic. Dr Vardy gave a thorough outline of the current research and developments in this area with particular emphasis on what is possible right now. Vardy noted that many of those who work in genetic engineering lack any ethical training. He believes strongly that it is essential to develop a clear ethical framework within medicine and bioethics and that the best ethical thinking should be brought to bear when considering the use of any new genetic technology.
Always entertaining and informative, Vardy refused to be drawn on what he himself believed. The focus was to give pupils the intellectual tools and the knowledge of theories and issues to think for themselves and reject the superficial cant which dogs media representations of these important issues.
Peter Vardy is the author of a best-selling series of books on Philosophy and Ethics and is much in demand as a public speaker, lecturing throughout the UK and Australasia.