Free Will is the theme of a Religious Studies Conference being hosted by The Cheltenham Ladies’ College next week.
Two academics will talk to sixth form pupils from the College and other county schools at the annual event on January 24.
The first talk, by Professor John Cottingham, is entitled ‘Ultimate Responsibility for our actions and belief in God’.
Professor Cottingham is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Reading and a Professorial Research Fellow at Heythrop College, University of London.
He is also Editor of Ratio, the International Journal of Analytic Philosophy.
Dr James Garvey, Secretary for the Royal Institute of Philosophy and Editor of The Philosophers’ Magazine, will take a different look at the theme.
Dr Garvey has written several books including ‘The Ethics of Climate Change’.
College Teacher of Religious Studies, Dr Victoria Sherwood, said: “The topics have been selected to be relevant to both AS and A2 exams, addressing specific examined topics while giving youngsters the chance to hear from internationally renowned academics.
“Students’ active participation will be encouraged on the day, in the examiner sessions and in the final question and answer session following the panel debate.”
Selected students will also be given the chance to take part in master classes, which will give them the chance to speak directly to the academics in a more informal setting.
The conference will take place at The Cheltenham Ladies' College on January 24, from 9am-3.45pm.