# Event Details - **Event Name**: Rowan Williams with Philip Goff WHY? - **Event Start and End Date**: Mon, 07 Sep, 2026 at 05:30 pm – Mon, 07 Sep, 2026 at 06:30 pm (+01:00) - **Event Description**: Bishop Rowan Williams joins Philip Goff to talk about Philip's book 'Why? The Purpose of the Universe'About this EventWhy? The Purpose of the UniverseWestern thought has been dominated by the dichotomy of traditional religion and secular atheism. But do we have to choose between these options? In this pioneering work, Philip Goff argues that it is time to move on from both God and atheism. Through an exploration of contemporary cosmology and cutting-edge philosophical research on consciousness, Goff argues for cosmic purpose: the idea that the universe is directed towards certain goals, such as the emergence of life. In contrast to religious thinkers, Goff argues that the traditional God is a bad explanation of cosmic purpose. Instead, he explores a range of alternative possibilities for accounting for cosmic purpose, from the speculation that we live in a computer simulation to the hypothesis that the universe itself is a conscious mind. Goff scrutinizes these options with analytical rigour, laying the foundations for a new paradigm of philosophical enquiry into the middle ground between God and atheism. Ultimately, Goff outlines a way of living in hope that cosmic purpose is still unfolding, involving political engagement and a non-literalist interpretation of traditional religion.Philip GoffPhilip Goff is a philosopher of mind who teaches at Durham University. He has more than 40 academic publications and is the author ofConsciousness and Fundamental Reality. Goff has published numerous articles in newspapers and magazines, such asThe Guardian and theTimes Literary Supplement, and has guest edited an edition ofPhilosophy Now magazine.Rowan WilliamsDr Rowan Douglas Williams, Baron Williams of Oystermouth, PC, FBA, FRSL, FLSW is an Anglican bishop and former Archbishop of Canterbury. Williams is acknowledged internationally as an outstanding theological writer, scholar and teacher. He has been involved in many theological, ecumenical and educational commissions. He has written extensively across a very wide range of related fields of professional study such as philosophy, theology (especially early and patristic Christianity), spirituality and religious aesthetics. He has also written throughout his career on moral, ethical and social topics. - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/oxford/rowan-williams-with-philip-goff-why/100001984476720291 - **Event Categories**: art, literary-art - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 1 - **Event Highlights**: - Duration: 1 hour - Location: Blackwell's Bookshop - Languages: English ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 8, max: 8, currency: GBP ## Event venue details - **city**: Oxford - **state**: EN - **country**: United Kingdom - **location**: Blackwell's Bookshop - **lat**: 51.7546303 - **long**: -1.2554723 - **full address**: Blackwell's Bookshop, 48-51 Broad Street, Oxford, United Kingdom ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: Rowan Williams with Philip Goff WHY? - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events9/banners/6da4279321a0525df9f43be1ce62f000f31aab6fabcabe8f6e3a0e8b16a9e81d-rimg-w1200-h675-dcffffff-gmir.jpg?v=1772829307 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is Rowan Williams with Philip Goff WHY? being held? - **A:** Rowan Williams with Philip Goff WHY? takes place on Mon, 07 Sep, 2026 at 05:30 pm to Mon, 07 Sep, 2026 at 06:30 pm at Blackwell's Bookshop, 48-51 Broad Street, Oxford, United Kingdom. - **Q**: Who is organizing Rowan Williams with Philip Goff WHY?? - **A:** Rowan Williams with Philip Goff WHY? is organized by Blackwell's, Broad Street Oxford. - **Q**: What has been the experience of attendees at Blackwell's, Broad Street Oxford's events? - **A:** Attendees have given Blackwell's, Broad Street Oxford a rating of 2/5 based on reviews from early attendees on AllEvents. Blackwell's, Broad Street Oxford has a verified profile on AllEvents where you can read reviews and explore their upcoming events. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** Rowan Williams with Philip Goff WHY? is ideal for art lovers, collectors, creatives, and anyone inspired by visual arts, installations, and exhibitions. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Oxford, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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