SW students looking for answers

Georgiana Molloy Anglican School students are getting ready to tackle life's big questions as they prepare to head east for the Australasian Philosothon next month.

The trip will see eight students travel to North Sydney Girls School from October 2 to 4 to delve deep into ethical and philosophical questions with students from a number of other schools.

Year 12 student Charles Fedor said the trip was a "fantastic opportunity" and one the team had relished.

Charles said the group trained on a weekly basis, with a variety of written and media-based resources to review and provide a jump-off point for discussion.

Topics include choice and whether limiting it would make people happier, profiting from the sale of an organ, numbers existing independently of humans and the natural individuality of humans.

The student told the _Times _ he enjoyed the Philosothon because of the variety of opinions and thoughts it presented.

"By banning the use of philosophical jargon it really allows a much more vernacular discussion in which more people can get involved," Charles said.

"Assumptions and stereotypes are dispelled in these discussions and for Philosothon, the uncensored and unmitigated discussion really illuminates the mind and strips the facades that are put on year groups by the media and can encapsulate the Zeitgeist of our nation."

The experience of debating ideas with other students is another draw for the event and Charles, who first joined Philosothon events in 2012, said the challenge had been an "illumination" and had even provided an idea for a career pathway.

"Philosothon has inspired me to pursue a career in law and politics," he said.

"The ability to see how subjective justice and morality are within society would allow me to assist in advocating for the most just outcome within a case.

"The different perspectives have allowed me a greater understanding of the needs and attitudes of the populace, and this has inspired me to represent the electorate to the best of my ability."