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A Sixth Form
conference exploring
ethical issues raised
by developments
in science

"A valuable insight into ethical issues in our modern world that incited personal questioning and reflection on the values, principles and beliefs that we choose to live by." 
G. van Rheede, Maria Fidelis Convent School, London 

 

"This conference takes an educated and accessible approach that helps students to understand some of the ethical issues that are raised by current scientific research. It helps students to develop some of the philosophical skills that affect the way that we do science and how it is applied."
Professor K.R. Fox - Professor of Biochemistry, University of Southampton 

This conference is suitable for Years 12 and 13, as a 2½ - 3½ hour conference for 50-300 students.

Learning objectives

  • Understand why and how science in general, and bioscience in particular, raises spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues
  • Explore the complex question of human consciousness and then focus particularly on the more manageable sub-questions of free will and responsibility
  • Explore the worldviews of Naturalism and Theism and consider how these lead to different approaches to science, human consciousness, free will and responsibility
  • Consider the extent to which free will and responsibility can be logically consistent with Naturalism and Theism - exploring in particular the concepts of libertarian free will and neurogenetic determinism
  • Use the case study of Stephen Mobley (and the associated research into the relationship between aggression and the enzyme Monoamine Oxidase) to reflect upon, evaluate and express a personal perspective

Learning outcomes

  • A personal worksheet tracking the individual's participation in the conference and their reflection upon the case study in question
  • A prepared presentation expressing their response to the question of freedom and responsibility in the case study of Stephen Mobley - demonstrating the skills they have learnt during the conference

Supplementary material

This conference comes complete with 10 hours' worth of supplementary material consisting of lesson plans suitable for use by non-specialist teachers in RE lessons, General Studies lessons and tutor group periods. These are specifically designed to cover the learning objectives of the National Framework for RE.

You can download samples of the Ethics in an Age of Science supplementary material below - you can access the whole package when you book the conference.

Introduction to Ethics in an Age of Science supplemental material  

Sample module ("Freedom and Responsibility")

Rough timings for this conference

  1. Plenary session (teaching using videos, games and thought experiments) - minimum 1 hour 30 mins, max 2 hours (presenters can tailor it to fit school-day timing and attention span of students)
  2. Small groups (ideally working around tables) - minimum 30 mins, max 1 hour.  N.B. During this time there will be several points in which more information and a worked example are given to the students - so the students should be sat at tables in one room where they can see the screen and be addressed by the presenter (for more information see the arrangements webpage)
  3. Plenary session (students making their presentations to the whole group) - minimum 30 mins, max 1 hour 

N.B. At all times there must be teachers present in the rooms (including each of the multiple rooms for small groups if these are used) to keep the students on task and answer any procedural queries.

Other information:

To book this conference contact us  

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