For our first ever countryside hike we will be venturing into the Chiltern Hills around Marlow and discussing the purpose of the universe inspired by Philip Goff's new book "Why? The Purpose of the Universe". We will be pondering profound questions such as "what is the point of existence?", "is the universe directed towards certain goals?" and "can we find a cosmic purpose without religion?". Philip Goff (b. 1964) is a British philosopher, professor at Durham University and author of Galileo's Error.
You don't have to read the book to attend but you will get a lot more out of the walk if you do.
Why? The Purpose of the Universe
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-Purpose-Universe-Philip-Goff/dp/0198883765
Video of Michael Shermer interviewing Philip Goff
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QVZ17BhlFc
We will meet at paddington station, outside the GWR ticket office at 9.15am then take the train to Marlow and embark on a hike into the Chiltern hills. We will do our usual 2 hour philosophy walk in the morning, trying not to get too lost physically or philosophically and then hopefully stop for lunch at a country pub and then a more casual walk in the afternoon before returning to London in the evening. You'll have to be fit enough to walk all day at an easy pace and walk up steep hills to join us. Please wear appropriate clothes and footwear for a countryside walk which may involve walking over muddy fields, good walking shoes or boots recommended. You will have to buy your own ticket from Paddington to Marlow which is currently about £22.
This is a walking discussion group with handouts with quotes and questions provided as a starting point. The only rule is to keep all discussion friendly and constructive and be respectful of other attendees. No dogs please as they can be distracting in the group discussion.
There is an optional £5 fee for this walk to help contribute towards the meetup.com fees and the time put in to prepare the walk and printed notes. This can be paid in cash on the day or via this stripe link: https://buy.stripe.com/3cs5mi0aD3SxeT65km
