Good Citizens and Moral Catastrophes

Overview

How best to raise good citizens who will do the right thing even when under pressure to do wrong?

Should we aim to raise ‘Enlightened’ citizens, in Kant’s sense, who throw off external authority, and think critically and independently?

Is there an important role for tradition and authority, perhaps including religious tradition and authority?

Do faith schools have a role to play?

To what extent should we be concerned about moral relativism – does it pose a threat to Western civilisation?

Join us in Oxford to discuss these questions and more.

Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 BST on 18 June 2025.

Programme details

10.15am
Registration (Rewley House reception)

10.30am
Liberal vs authoritarian methods of raising citizens

11.45am
Tea/coffee

12.15pm
Relativism, authoritarianism and critical thinking 

1.30pm
Lunch

2.30pm
Teaching morality without authority

3.45pm
Tea/coffee

4.15pm
Plenary

5.30pm
End of day

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee (includes tea/coffee) £120.00
Baguette Lunch £7.30
Hot Lunch £19.25

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit or are a full-time student in the UK you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees.

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Dr Stephen Law

Stephen Law is a Departmental Lecturer in Philosophy and Director of the Certificate of Higher Education at OUDCE. His research focuses on the philosophy of mind, language, metaphysics and on philosophy of religion. He also writes many accessible online articles and edits the Royal Institute of Philosophy journal THINK: Philosophy for Everyone.

Application

Please use the 'Book' button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the price, but if you wish to stay with us the night before the course, then please contact our Residential Centre.

Accommodation in Rewley House - all bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished and each room has tea and coffee making facilities, Freeview television, and Free WiFi and private bath or shower rooms. Please contact our Residential Centre on +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk for details of availability and discounted prices. For more information, please see our website: https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/accommodation