Welcome to the Philosophers' Cafe (no RSVP, many attend)
NOTE: From January to June, the discussions are self-guided in small groups. Print this poster and place on or near your table (e.g. tape to wall so members and newcomers can see) http://thecounsellors.com/images/philcafeposter.pdf
Come early for a seat on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month. Comfortable surroundings for vibrant street level discussions on issues fundamental to human existence. No formal philosophy training required; real life experience desired. The Philosophers' Café in Victoria is moderated by Daniel Keeran dedicated to supporting the diversity of views through the use of reflective listening. He comes with many years of experience in leading group discussion.
Philosophers' Café is a series of gatherings featuring high level public conversation responding to the needs of a society under stress from unrelenting rapid change. Our singular focus has been the lifelong passion for the continuing search for meaning. We have facilitated a series of voluntary communities wherein participants learn for the sake of learning, where ideas are championed and camaraderie is subtly extolled.
Bookstore
Please suggest titles for our Bookstore at http://astore.amazon.com/philosopherscafe-20
Philosophers Cafe Location
James Joyce Bistro, 1175C Douglas Street (corner of Douglas and View) 250-384-3332
Meeting Date: 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month
Time: Wednesday, 7-8:30 pm
philosophercafe@gmail.com
(The Moderator conducts two other Philosophers Cafes in private venues in Victoria.)
We often have open-topic discussions.
Here are the kinds of things we discuss:
1. Is there objective morality?
2. Do humans possess unique value?
3. Does human life have meaning?
4. Polygamy or monogamy?
5. Theism or atheism?
6. If no afterlife, then....
7. Objective non-tangible reality?
8. Is it necessary to believe something?
9. Does time exist?
10. Do other people exist?
11. What is spirituality?
12. What is love?
13. Is pacifism a good thing?
14. When does human life begin?
15. Secular sexuality?
16. Solutions for homelessness?
17. What is philosophy?
18. Why is there anything at all rather than nothing at all?
...and other topics suggested by participants
The sincere reflective statement (e.g. "What I hear you saying is....") is the fundamental communication tool used in Philosophers Cafe Victoria to convey understanding of a differing view before presenting one's own view, especially when the other's view seems unclear to you or is expressed passionately. The format is open free-flowing, organic discussion without structure. The primary role of the Moderator is to stimulate thought and offer frequent reflections of what participants are saying.
History
The Philosophers Cafe now with over 22 locations is the idea of Yosef Wosk of Simon Fraser University. For more about our history and other information visit http://www.sfu.ca/philosopherscafe/about.htm
In Victoria, Michael Picard made a significant contribution to our existence for 12 years with weekly meetings. (His book is in our bookstore.) Daniel Keeran, the current moderator, takes the approach of encouraging the use of reflective listening and a free flow of interaction among participants and with every effort to avoid injecting his own philosophy.
Participant testimonial
"The Philosophers Cafe is a wonderful way to engage others in meaningful discussion on fundamental issues of human existence and meaning, and all within an environment of safety, acceptance, and understanding rather than agreement."
To see a video about the Philosophers Cafe click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0sDGaBGJZI
To visit our bookstore and suggest titles click http://astore.amazon.com/philosopherscafe-20
Hierarchy of Philosophical Assumptions
True or False?
1. Awareness of Human Life
My self-awareness exists and is known by my thoughts, emotions, senses.
The self-awareness of other humans exists, and they also have thoughts, emotions, and senses.
2. Value of Human Life
My value as a human exists.
The value of other humans exists.
My value as a human is greater than the value of other life forms.
All humans possess equal value because they are human (intrinsic value).
Humans possess different value depending on their attributes: intelligence, abilities, age, etc. (practical value).
3. Meaning of Human Life
My life has purpose or meaning.
The lives of other humans have a meaning or purpose.
Human life has a meaning of purpose in itself (intrinsic meaning).
4. Value of Human Behaviour
Some of my behaviour has the value of right or wrong depending upon whether or not it supports the value of my life and the life of others.
Some human behaviour has the value of right or wrong in itself (intrinsic morality).
Topic Nov.9: Philosophy of Right to Life Assumptions: 1. Life can be distinguished from non-life. 2. Life has value. Questions for thought: 1. Does all life possess an... Learn more
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