This week, A Level Religious Studies students and members of ThinkSoc took part in a Sixth Form enrichment session exploring political philosophy and political obligation. The talk was led by Trinity alumnus Fred Turpin (Class of 2024), who is currently studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at the University of Oxford.
Around 25 students attended the session, which focused on key ideas linking Philosophy and Politics, including whether citizens have a moral duty to obey the law. Fred drew on thinkers such as John Locke and David Hume to explore questions around consent, justice and authority, helping students connect A level Religious Studies content with wider university-level ideas in Philosophy, Politics and Law.
Lower Sixth student Jamie, reflected on the session, saying it was “a thought-provoking talk on political obligation… Fred gave a nuanced overview of the strengths of the theory, such as social order, as well as the challenges around consent and whether it can ever be fully given.”
Lower Sixth student Sapphy said, “The lecture was a great introduction to political philosophy, which built on the theories of many philosophers we study at A level such as John Locke. It was also interesting to hear a current university student’s perspective of what it is like to study philosophy after school.”
Aidan added, “I really enjoyed the lecture given today about political philosophy, especially the element on moral obligation and how it applies to us as citizens.”
Ty commented, “I thoroughly enjoyed the lecture and found it very insightful. It gave me quite a fresh perspective on the relationship between law content and personal autonomy, and left me with lots to reflect on afterwards.”
Head of Religious Studies, Mrs Beresford-Miller, said, “We are really grateful to Fred for coming back to Trinity to share his love for Philosophy and to engage our audience so brilliantly, especially after just finishing his exams. More and more students are seeing the link between the political world, and all it’s ethical conundrums, and political philosophy, which offers them a chance to consider the foundational beliefs in justice, morality and truth, that underpin so much of our societal views and experiences.
“As our Lower Sixth work on their higher education choices, including a significant group consider Philosophy, Politics, International Relations and other related courses, Fred’s talk was a wonderful opportunity for them to consider the fascinating idea of moral and political obligations.”
Many thanks to Fred for returning to Trinity.
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