Pupils discuss philosophical and moral societal issues in this prestigious tournament
Bronte M, Head Girl, discusses the The John Stuart Mill Cup:
"The John Stuart Mill Cup is a tournament in which teams of high school students match one another’s wits in discussing ethical issues of public concern. Our own St Columba’s School team competed in this tournament in early June. The team discussed prominent societal issues such as rehabilitation vs retribution in terms of the justice system, and the repatriation of Foreign Fighters/Participants in the context of terrorism, to name just two.
“The Cup, hosted by St. Andrews University, aims to ‘promote interest in philosophy among secondary school students and to model and promote civil discourse on issues of public concern.’ The team took part in three rounds where they were encouraged to discuss the topics and build on the cases they had collaborated on throughout the term. A great time was had by all and this experience very much opened the eyes of us participants."
Pupils receiving certificates today for their participation in the cup were: Angus S & Catherine W (SV); and Cara E-M, Hilary E-M, Maggie L, Hannah Mc, Bronte M & Poppy P (SVI). Orla Mac-G was also awarded a certificate but as a recent former pupil, she was not at assembly to collect it.