Students discuss the meaning of life with academics in second philosophy conference

Philosophical discussions surrounding the meaning of life took place at the sixth form’s second ever philosophy conference.

Students from Leeds Sixth Form College, Pudsey Sixth Form and Bingley Grammar School came together on 17 March in collaboration with the Royal Institute of Philosophy. 

The event took place in the brand-new building and was centred around exploring the meaning of life through philosophy.

Academics from the University of Oxford and the University of Leeds attended alongside alumni from Leeds Sixth Form College. 

Kaylee, who studied A Level Philosophy at Leeds Sixth Form College, discussed her time on the course. She said: “I enjoyed the depth of discussion on the course, Luke would go beyond the syllabus which made it really interesting and was always very approachable.”

Kaylee is going on to study Philosophy and Politics at the University of Leeds. 

Callum, currently studying Politics at the University of Durham, added: “We got really good individual support from Luke, you could always go to him for help.”

Neive, who also took Philosophy A Level with Dr Luke Fox at the sixth form, said: “It was a very interactive A-Level which made you want to come to sixth form.”

Neive will begin her course in Nursing at the University of Liverpool in September.

The day kicked off with papers presented by guest speakers Professor Moore from the University of Oxford, Dr Webster from the University of Oxford and Professor Kirchin from the University of Leeds. 

A panel discussion followed, where students raised some interesting questions surrounding the innate desire for meaning in life.

Principal of Leeds Sixth Form College, Dr Phil Mark, said: “Students explored a range of perspectives on the possible ways we derive meaning in our lives, and engaged thoughtfully with some challenging and thought provoking material.

“The desire to make sense of our world and construct narratives seem to be a core part of creating meaning in our lives, and students were thoroughly immersed in these complex questions and big ideas throughout.”

You can find out more about Philosophy at Leeds Sixth Form College here: Leeds Sixth Form College