Meeting of Minds 2024

Last term was particularly busy in the Critical Thinking space for Domremy! A group of Year 8 students who had expressed interest in critical thinking and philosophy, attended the Meeting of Minds, held at Newington College’s Critical Thinking and Ethics Quarter. This event consisted of three sessions, each asking students to consider separate stimulus materials and issues arising from these. 

The day began with consideration of the challenging concept of Nowism, its advantages and disadvantages and what we should do about it. The next session explored at what age children should be held responsible for their actions, with particular reference to local Australian issues. Our students took part in their very first Community of Inquiry discussion and considered the concepts including responsibility, blame, judgement, criteria and discussed the ethical implications of punishment for youth crime. After lunch, during which students from a dozen schools mingled and discussed current issues, the day concluded with a viewing of a French film, which led to a discussion around honesty and the dilemmas which arise when being honest conflicts with other values.

It was a wonderful day and it was exciting to see our next generation of leaders tackling significant and current issues with obvious respect, open-mindedness and a willingness to learn from others, while also being principled. If the day was anything to go by, our world will be in great hands when we pass it on to young people such as these.

Congratulations to all involved!

Ms Sarah Thompson, Leader of Innovative and Global Connections