The Lash Lecture - From Nihilism to God: Challenging a Familiar Story

Join us on 25 November for an evening of philosophical and theological reflection. The Lash Lecture will be delivered by Fiona Ellis who is Professor of Philosophy and Head of Department at the University of Nottingham. Her most recent monograph is God, Value, and Nature (OUP 2014), and she has published on a variety of subjects including the philosophy of love and desire, the meaning of life, and the nature of religious understanding. Her monograph The End of Desire: Meaning, Nihilism, and God is forthcoming with OUP. She will be giving the Stanton Lectures in 2030-1: From Nihilism to God: Challenging a Familiar Story From Nihilism to God: Challenging a Familiar Story Nietzsche famously associates the ‘Death of God’ with the spectre of nihilism: once belief in God has disappeared, it seems that our deepest values and sources of meaning are called into question. This lecture seeks to challenge some essential elements of this familiar story. Starting from Nietzsche’s own confrontation with nihilism, I shall explore some tensions within his position and ask whether they point in an unexpected direction. I shall suggest that Nietzsche’s rejection of God depends upon a particular – and contestable – conception of what God would have to be. Might a different conception of God offer Nietzsche more of what he needs than he suspects? And where does this leave the problem – supposedly our problem – of nihilism? Also, during this event we are proud to announce the launch of the Janet and Nicholas Lash Memorial Fund. Established in memory of Janet and Nicholas Lash, this fund will support meaningful initiatives that reflect their values, generosity, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Through this fund, their legacy will continue to inspire and create opportunities for future generations. We are especially grateful to Rev'd Dr Joseph Gabor for making available a collection of his paintings for auction, with proceeds supporting the Fund. Through this generous initiative, the celebration of art becomes a powerful way of sustaining their legacy and extending its impact into the future. Join us on 25 November for an evening of philosophical and theological reflection. If you have any questions please email Adele: [email protected] Join our newsletter here