What’s Wrong (and right) with rights?

Regius Professor Emeritus of Moral Theology Nigel Biggar speaks about rights’ grounding and implications.

Tuesday, May 7, 2024 from 5:30–7 P.M.

Harris Lecture Theatre, Oriel College, University of Oxford

Trinity term 2024

Goodness without god?

Why theism makes better sense of morality than naturalism

Oriel visiting scholar Paul Copan discusses the origin of morality.

Tuesday, June 4, 2024 from 5:30–7 P.M.

Harris Seminar Room, Oriel College, University of Oxford

Punting, port, and poetry

Bring a drink and a favorite poem to share—original poems are welcome! We will share our poetry as we punt and imbibe in classic Oxonian style.

Tuesday, June 18, 2024 from 4–6 P.M. at Magdelen Bridge Boathouse.

hilary term 2024

What is a person?

From something to someone

A lecture by Andrew Pinsent, Research Director of the Ian Ramsey Centre for Science and Religion at the Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Oxford.

January 30, 2024 from 5:30–7 P.M.

Harris Lecture Theatre, Oriel College

Is humanity worth saving?

Or is it the abolition of man?

A lecture by John Lennox, emeritus Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University, internationally renowned speaker, and author of several books on the interface of science, philosophy and religion.

February 21, 2024 from 5:30–7 P.M.

Harris Lecture Theatre, Oriel College

Art and humanity

Come make your own pizza and watch the film “Children of Men” then discuss the film’s metaphysical underpinnings.

March 5, 2024 from 7–10:30 P.M.

Location: Oxford. RSVP for the address.

Previous Events

  • What are truth and reality?

    October 19th, 5:30–7 P.M.

    Harris Lecture Theatre

    Come to hear (and to question!) the case for objective truth.

  • Disputations: The Case for Mistrusting Perception

    November 7, 5:30–7 P.M.

    Owen Walker Room

    Engage with Donald Hoffman’s interface theory of perception. The theory holds that human perceptions have evolved not to reveal objective reality but to conceal it. It relates perceived reality to a user interface designed to help us navigate the world. Perhaps even spacetime constitutes a mere perceptual interface. The audience will be asked to engage in debate following a brief presentation. Volunteers will be called to argue for and against Hoffman’s positions.

  • Art and truth

    November 23, 5–8 P.M.

    RSVP for address

    Come along for Thanksgiving dinner! Sit back and enjoy discussion and fellowship.

    Email orielmetaphysical@gmail.com to RSVP and to receive the event adress.