‘The greatest happiness for the greatest number’… this was most certainly the case when the RE Department’s A Level students attended the 10th annual Cheltenham Ladies’ College Philosophy & Ethics Conference on 6th February.

Nigel Warburton opened the conference with a lecture on Utilitarianism and Claire Foster–Gilbert, the founder of the Ethics Academy, presented the case against relying on teleological systems in determining ethical approaches. The students also attended examination workshops which gave them valuable advice on examination technique.

Two students, Rachel Hamilton and Simon Handy, also attended a master class seminar with Dr. Warburton, where they had the opportunity to discuss the issues at an even higher level and to put their own questions to him. The day ended with a discussion between the two key speakers and with the opportunity to develop the debate with questions put from the floor. Jake Hilton contributed to this session, asking a question on whether Utilitarianism ultimately fails because it asks too much of the individual. Students came away from the day with an increased understanding and an even greater enthusiasm for philosophical and ethical debates. We are all looking forward to next year’s conference!