Challenge your thinking
Exploring Life’s Biggest Questions
A Conference for More Able and Ambitious
Nurturing Brillance
2025
AU/NZ
Join the thinkers! Explore the biggest puzzles in philosophy!
Philosophy Day for Thinkers (and Finkers!) is coming to Australia and New Zealand this August. Senior students will engage with philosophical puzzles that have challenged great minds for centuries, exploring deep questions about life, morality, and the importance of following the logic before making decisions.
We live in a world filled with opinions — but true thinkers follow the logic before jumping to conclusions. At Philosophy Day, students will learn to question assumptions, evaluate arguments, and make reasoned decisions about life’s biggest puzzles.
What makes life meaningful?
Should we always tell the truth?
Do we really have free will?
Why is there something rather than nothing?
How do you know when we are being logical?
“Philosophy Day was such an inspiring experience! The sessions really challenged how we think about the world and pushed us to question things we usually take for granted. I loved how we explored controversial topics in a way that made us follow the logic before forming opinions. The speakers were funny, engaging, and made complex ideas so clear. It wasn’t just about learning — it was about thinking deeply, debating, and leaving with more questions than answers!”
“The speakers made complex ideas so easy to understand. Philosophy Day gave me a new way of thinking about big questions.”
“I’ve never enjoyed thinking this much! It was fun, challenging, and totally changed how I see the world.”
“I particularly liked how we explored controversial topics. The day pushed me to think critically and justify my opinions.”
“It wasn’t about getting the right answer — it was about learning to think clearly and follow the logic. Such a cool experience!”
Logic is an essential life skill. In a world filled with conflicting ideas, misinformation, and emotionally charged debates, knowing how to think clearly and spot flawed reasoning is more important than ever.
This session explores the structure of the classical arguments for God’s existence — timeless debates that young philosophers have used for centuries to test and refine their reasoning. Whether or not you believe in God, these arguments provide the ideal framework for mastering core logical principles, including the law of non-contradiction, induction, deduction, and abduction. Discover how to sharpen your reasoning, construct stronger arguments, and challenge assumptions with confidence. This session equips students with critical thinking skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom and into every area of life. Perfect for those ready to think like philosophers and engage with ideas on a deeper level.
More able students are already grappling with life’s big questions — this session will equip them with the insight, confidence, and agility to think laterally, challenge assumptions, and question deeply. Exploring the timeless question ‘What is Courage?’ will push students to think beyond surface-level answers, sharpening their critical reasoning and broadening their intellectual horizons. Is courage skydiving off a cliff, standing up for unpopular views, or simply starting again after life knocks you down? Can courage exist without fear? Is it always a virtue?
This session will push students to think on their feet, preparing them to tackle challenging questions with boldness, clarity, and an open mind.
What really drives the world – heartfelt connections or a healthy bank balance? In this fun and thought-provoking debate, students will explore whether it’s love that makes life meaningful or whether money is what really keeps things moving. After all, love might make the heart flutter, but it won’t buy you the latest phone, and money can get you far… but can it buy happiness? This lively session will challenge students to think critically about what makes their own world go round – whether it’s family, friendships, passions, or ambitions – while exploring the forces that shape society as a whole. Get ready to laugh, think, and maybe even surprise yourself with what really matters most!
Plato remains one of the most influential thinkers in Western philosophy, shaping ideas about reality, knowledge, ethics, and the pursuit of truth. His exploration of justice, truth, and the nature of reality challenges us to look beyond surface appearances and question the world around us. This talk will introduce Plato’s key concepts, including the Theory of Forms, his famous Allegory of the Cave, and his ideas on justice, the soul, and the ideal society. Understanding Plato’s philosophy nurtures critical thinking, challenges assumptions, and encourages engagement with life’s most profound questions. By learning to think deeply and independently, students embark on their own philosophical journeys, inspired by Plato’s enduring insights.
Does evil truly exist, or is it simply a human construct shaped by culture and experience? Is it a spiritual force at work in the world, evidence against the existence of a benevolent God, or a painful but necessary part of human growth? This talk explores the nature of evil through both religious and scientific lenses, addressing key philosophical questions:
We’ll delve into the theological “problem of evil”, one of the greatest challenges to religious belief, and ask whether evolutionary theory makes this problem worse—or offers potential solutions. Should understanding human development and morality through the lens of evolutionary biology reshape our ideas of good, evil, and responsibility?
Join us to grapple with timeless philosophical questions about human nature, suffering, and the question of freewill.
Julie Arliss is an outstanding Gifted Educator, nurturing brilliance through a holistic approach. At the heart of Julie Arliss’ philosophy lies a deep commitment to unlocking the unique potential within every gifted student. She believes that gifted education is not just about cultivating academic excellence but also fostering holistic development, instilling a love for lifelong learning, and nurturing the well-being of each student. Thriving Minds provides talented students with the tools necessary to cultivate critical thinking, analyse complex problems, and innovate. This philosophy encourages students to question the status quo, explore new ideas, and develop solutions to real-world challenges. In placing great value on mentorship and guidance students benefit from the wisdom and expertise of educators who not only teach but also inspire and support them on their educational journey. Through steadfast commitment to this philosophy, numerous more able and ambitious students have not only achieved academic excellence but have also grown into compassionate, innovative and socially conscious individuals. Julie Arliss’ legacy extends far beyond the conference platform, influencing the lives of students who carry these values with them throughout their lives.
For almost three decades Julie has collaborated with some of the greatest living thinkers delivering outstanding programmes for more able students across the UK and Australasia.
Dr. Andrew Pinsent brings a unique blend of expertise in science and theology. With a background as a particle physicist contributing to research at CERN, Dr. Pinsent later transitioned to theology and is now a Catholic priest. As the Research Director of the Ian Ramsey Centre for Science and Religion at the University of Oxford, he bridges the gap between faith and reason. Dr. Pinsent’s distinguished career and interdisciplinary insights make him a leading voice in contemporary debates on miracles and the nature of the universe. His talk promises to provide deep insights and foster meaningful discussion on one of the most profound multidisciplinary questions of existence.
Early Bird Registration
For bookings and payments made before April 25th 2025 $45
Regular Registration $55
Registration includes access to all conference sessions and networking
Booking Information for Schools:
Bookings for Philosophy Day must be made by a teacher on behalf of their students. Please complete the booking form below to secure your places. We understand that school administrative processes can take time, so to avoid missing out, you are welcome to pencil in your numbers by contacting Tony at [email protected]. Our events fill quickly, so we recommend reserving your spots as early as possible.
Professional Development for Teachers:
Teachers who are unable to bring students but would like to attend for professional development are warmly invited to join the event. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable insights and access resources to enrich your teaching. Please note that teachers attending for professional development pay the professional development rate of $225. To book your place, please complete the form below or contact Tony at [email protected].
Philosophy Day 2025 promises to be an extraordinary experience that will ignite curiosity, challenge assumptions, and inspire a lifelong love of learning. Register today and prepare to think deeply and unlock your full potential!
37 Fore Street,
Sidmouth EX10 8AQ,
United Kingdom
73B Pullen Road,
Everton Park QLD 4053,
Australia
Trading Partner
Registration Y286412
