Philosophy Lecture Series

Writes Nikhil M. L6th

This series not only provided a profound foundational understanding of Schopenhauer and Nietzsche, but also offered an invaluable glimpse into Philosophy at university level.

Although the lectures were primarily targeted at A Level Philosophy students with a potential interest in Philosophy and related degrees at undergraduate level, they were also attended by Fourth Form and Divisions GCSE RS students, as well as teachers from departments such as Computing, not forgetting the Head Master himself.

Each lecture focused upon a theme within either Schopenhauer or Nietzsche’s philosophy:

Week 1 - Should existence lead to despair? An introduction to Schopenhauer’s philosophy.

Dr Birtles introduced the fundamental principles of Schopenhauer’s philosophy, focusing on his bleak view of existence and the nature of human suffering. The lecture explored why Schopenhauer believed that life is filled with inevitable despair and how this perspective shapes his philosophical outlook.

Week 2 - Can art redeem life? Schopenhauer and art.

The lecture delved into Schopenhauer's views on art as a potential means of transcending the suffering inherent in existence. This was a consideration of how Schopenhauer saw art (particularly music) as an instrument to momentarily escape the will and achieve a state of aesthetic contemplation.

Week 3 - Should life be denied? Schopenhauer and salvation.

The focus led to Schopenhauer's concept of salvation through the denial of the will-to-live. The lecture examined how Schopenhauer believed that renouncing desires and embracing asceticism could lead to a form of existential freedom.

Week 4 - Is God dead? Nietzsche and the end of religion.

The fourth week marked a shift to Nietzsche, beginning with his provocative declaration that ‘God is dead’. We discussed the implications of this statement for religion and morality, and how Nietzsche perceived the decline of traditional religious beliefs in modern society.

Week 5 - Can a life of suffering be affirmed? Nietzsche and secular salvation.

The lecture explored Nietzsche's concept of affirming life despite its inherent suffering. Dr Birtles explained Nietzsche's idea of ‘eternal recurrence’ and how embracing one's fate, including suffering, is essential to achieving a form of secular salvation.

Week 6 - Can we define our own values? Nietzsche and supermen.

In the final week of the lecture series, we discussed Nietzsche's notion of the Übermensch and the creation of individual values. The lecture covered Nietzsche's belief in the potential for humans to transcend morality and define their own path through strength and autonomy.

These lectures over the last six weeks have brought about opportunities unlike any other presented throughout our Secondary education in the RS and Philosophy Department.

Thank you to Dr Birtles and the RS and Philosophy department. We are all eager to see what is in store for next year and look forward to the upcoming Existentialism lecture series!