Home > Public events > Events > 2016 > 11 > Does the Universe Have a Purpose?

Does the Universe Have a Purpose?

Forum for European Philosophy public discussion

Date: Monday 21 November 2016
Time: 6.30-8pm
Venue: Wolfson Theatre, New Academic Building
Speakers: Professor John Cottingham, Professor Beverley Clack, Professor Tim Mulgan
Chair:
Dr Peter Dennis

The traditional answer to this question is that God has a plan for the universe and we are part of it. Almost as traditionally, atheists have countered that the universe has no purpose since a benevolent God does not exist. But what if the purpose of the universe does not involve us—or God—all? Tim Mulgan explores this possibility in his recent book Purpose in the Universe. He joins a panel of metaphysicians and philosophers of religion to debate his view.

John Cottingham is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Reading.

Beverley Clack is Professor of Philosophy of Religion at Oxford Brookes University.

Tim Mulgan is Professor of Moral and Political Philosophy at the University of St Andrews and Professor of Philosophy at the University of Auckland

Peter Dennis is Fellow, Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method, LSE and Forum for European Philosophy Fellow.

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