Foundations for success
Smoking Gun
Evaluating the Arguments for God’s Existence.
For Years 9–12
Big ideas for curious minds
2025
UK
What to expect on the day
Unveiling the “Smoking Gun” Event: Exploring Arguments for the Existence of God
Step into the world of intrigue and deduction, where philosophical inquiries meet the timeless quest for understanding. Inspired by the iconic Sherlock Holmes, we invite you to “Smoking Gun,” an event dedicated to unravelling the classical arguments for the existence of God.
In the words of Sherlock Holmes himself, “Elementary, dear Watson,” as we embark on a journey akin to solving the most profound mysteries of existence
WHY ATTEND “SMOKING GUN”?
- Engage with some of the mostcompelling philosophical arguments for the existence of God.
- Explore questions that resonate across time and culture, shedding light on humanity’s quest for meaning and purpose.
- Connect with fellow seekers and
expand your understanding through meaningful dialogue and discourse. - Discover new perspectives and insights that challenge assumptions and inspire deeper exploration.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this illuminating experience. Join us at “Smoking Gun” as we embark on a journey of discovery, enlightenment, and intellectual exploration
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Study Day Content
Registration
9:30 - 10:00
Unveiling the Cosmic Mysteries: Cosmological Arguments
10:00 – 10:45
Journey through the vast expanse of the cosmos as we delve into the cosmological arguments for the existence of God. Explore the observations that demand explanation and dissect the structure of these compelling arguments. Engage in critical analysis and emerge with a deeper understanding of the cosmic forces at play.
Q&A Session
10:45 – 11:00
Break
11:00 – 11:20
The Essence of Existence: Ontological Arguments
11:20 – 12:05
Enter the realm of reason and logic as we explore the enigmatic ontological arguments for God’s existence. Unravel the mysteries of a priori logic and contemplate the very essence of existence itself. Dive deep into philosophical inquiry and challenge your perceptions of reality.
Q&A Session
12:05 – 12:20
Lunch Break
12:20 – 13:00
Journey of the Soul: Religious Experience Arguments
13:00 – 13:45
Embark on a soul-stirring exploration of religious experiences and their profound impact on human consciousness. Hear first-hand accounts of encounters with the divine and examine their transformative power. Decide for yourself how far these claims provide an argument for the existence of God.
Q&A Session
13:45 – 14:00
A Clash of Ideas: Debate on the Existence of God
14:00 – 14:45
Witness the clash of ideas as we bring together diverse perspectives to debate the existence of God. Engage in lively discourse with atheists, theists, sceptics, and believers alike. Explore the complexities of faith, reason, and the nature of ultimate reality in a spirited exchange of intellect and insight
Speakers
Julie Arliss
A Farmington Scholar at Harris Manchester College, Oxford, Julie Arliss is currently based at the Theology and Religion Faculty, University of Oxford. Julie is a well-known, experienced teacher and author. She is a former senior member of the Cambridge International Examinations team, for philosophy and theology papers. She works closely with schools and in recent years has reached over 30,000 students, across the UK and Australasia. She has an international reputation for inspiring academic excellence and encouraging students to push the boundaries of knowledge. She is the founder of Academy Conferences.
Conference Dates
Additional dates are available on request.
Booking
ADDITIONAL DETAIL
Timings may vary slightly. All bookings are made by the school and not by individual participants.
Please complete the booking form below and select the venue of your choice. You will be given the choice to pay online or to receive an invoice. Tickets are not issued.
Staff and students – please bring your own refreshments for the day.
The events cost £37.50 per student and there is a free staff place for each group of 12 students. All bookings will attract this fixed fee
CPD Bookings
If you are a teacher attending for professional development purposes without accompanying students, you are welcome to register here.