The British Humanist Association, in association with New Humanist and the Conway Hall is pleased to announce the 2012 James Hemming Essay Prize. Launched in honour of Dr James Hemming (1909-2007), a passionate advocate of an education system that would value and encourage every child, the essay prize provides an opportunity for students studying at AS or A2 (or equivalent) level to think critically and creatively on the chosen topic.
This year’s question, inspired by British philosopher A J Ayer, invites students to discuss the quote that: ‘No moral system can rest solely on authority. It can never be sufficient justification for performing any action that someone commands it.’
Commenting on the announcement, Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of the BHA said, ‘The BHA has been supporting the James Hemming Essay Prize for four years and in that time we have seen many remarkable essays. Every year we are amazed by the depth of understanding and the ability so many young people have to communicate complex thought and ideas. The BHA is delighted to be involved in encouraging and inspiring young people to be rational and critical thinkers.’
Commenting from Conway Hall Chief Executive Dr. Jim Walsh said ‘Conway Hall is delighted to be supporting the James Hemming essay prize for a fourth consecutive year and we are looking forward to reading every single submission. Past entries have proven how insightful and nuanced the thinking of young people can be when they engage with even the most complex philosophical and ethical concepts. I am certain that James Hemming, as a life-long educationalist, would himself have been extremely pleased with the success of the prize in providing an opportunity for all young people to think rationally – and showing that they can do so!’
Essay from previous winners of the James Hemming Essay Prize can be found at http://www.hemmingprize.org.uk/
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For further comment, detail or information, contact Sara Passmore on 020 7079 3586 or by email at sara@humanists.uk.
For more information on the prize and details on how to enter please visit http://www.hemmingprize.org.uk/
The British Humanist Association is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people who seek to live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity. It promotes a secular state and equal treatment in law and policy of everyone, regardless of religion or belief.
About Conway Hall:
Conway Hall is a landmark central London venue, owned and governed by South Place Ethical Society, an educational charity whose aims are:
• The study and dissemination of ethical principles based on humanism and freethought;
• The cultivation of a rational and humane way of life;
• The advancement of research and education in all relevant fields.
Dr James Hemming (1909-2007) was President and later Vice President of the British Humanist Association, a frequent lecturer at the South Place Ethical Society and an Honorary Associate of the Rationalist Association, which publishes New Humanist magazine. He was a dedicated teacher and educationist, a distinguished educational psychologist and a passionate advocate of an education system that would value and encourage every child. His books include Individual Morality, and The Betrayal of Youth.