About us
Philosophy Café is held on the first Sunday of every month from 2-4 pm (times may vary) at (venue as advertised), Brighton . Entry free (donations appreciated, either cash on the day, or via PayPal); pay for your own refreshments and join in with the discussion. The afternoon begins with a brief introduction to the theme. Discussion then follows between groups of those attending. Past experience suggests that the discussion will be animated! Finally, there will then be an opportunity to share thoughts and conclusions with everyone present. This is an opportunity to explore the subjects in a convivial setting including conversation, coffee and cake available from the café. PREVIOUS TOPICS: Creation - an act of love? What is the value of truth? What is reality? Is God real? What is the role of compassion in our lives today? What does it matter whether animals have a soul or not? Do we prefer materialism because it limits us?
Upcoming events
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Conversation & Coffee
The Wick Inn, 63 Western Road, Brighton, GBConversation & Coffee
UPSTAIRS AT
THE WICK INN
63 Western Rd,
Hove, East Sussex.
BN3 1JDAre some things unknowable?
Can science and religion coexist?
Can power exist without corruption?
Is creativity born or learned?
Is the subconscious more powerful than we think?
What is the purpose of suffering?
What makes a life meaningful?
What role should religion play in public life?
Would you upload your mind to a computer?These, and hundreds of other questions maybe pop up in your minds..
Let’s meet and talk about them, and hundreds of other questions, in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of a pub with a few thinkers on a Sunday afternoon..
We have about 300 topics, written on cards.
We look at the cards.. we pick one topic, we discuss it passing around a token, so that everybody has an equal chance to speak.
Then, we read the next card, and so on.YOU CAN VIEW ALL THE TOPICS HERE
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WV3I25fda4nqmMtYKm0cohRDIm0QgNyBKRnGLxNw3FA/edit?usp=share
Donations essential to keep the Meetup group going:
PLEASE BRING CASH - £2 WOULD BE GREAT!
Or via PayPal to: drdtaylor@btinternet.com
(Don't click on email address above, go to PayPal and use it there!)
Or contact David Taylor via profile page for bank details.3 attendees
Is the Quest for Non-Duality inherently Dualistic?
Cafe Quench, 50 George Street, Hove, GBNondualism, or non-duality, means "not two" or "one undivided without a second".
Nondualism primarily refers to a mature state of consciousness, in which the dichotomy of I-other is 'transcended', and awareness is described as 'centerless' and 'without dichotomies '. While the term "nondualism" is derived from Advaita Vedanta, nondual consciousness can be found within Hinduism, Buddhism and western Christian and neo-Platonic traditions.
The idea of nondualism is typically contrasted with dualism, with dualism defined as the view that the universe and the nature of existence consists of two realities, such as the God and the world, or as mind and matter, subject and object etc.
In Nondualism the multiplicity of the universe is reducible to one essential reality. Non-duality points to the essential oneness (wholeness, completeness, unity) of life, a wholeness which exists here and now, prior to any apparent separation despite the compelling appearance of separation and diversity, there is only one universal essence, one reality. Oneness is all there is – and we are included.
Consider:
The negation of dualistic thinking in pairs of opposites.
Monism, the nonplurality of the world. Although the phenomenal world appears as a plurality of "things", in reality they are "of a single cloth".
Advaita, the nondifference of subject and object, or nonduality between subject and object.
Advaya, the identity of phenomena and the Absolute, the "nonduality of duality and nonduality".
The nonduality of relative and ultimate truth.
Consider the idea of a 'single cloth' to be like the surface of a pond, that is flat without any structure. Waves on the surface would appear to exist in their own right, and would interact with each other. The phenomenal world, thoughts and individual consciousness are waves in the 'essence of reality'. This 'cloth' or 'essence' is described in a variety of ways, such as; Pure Consciousness, The Absolute, Brahman. It also has interesting parallels in Quantum Mechanics with the concept of the Quantum Ground State (or Vacuum State).
Although this state of consciousness can be spontaneous, it is often the "result" of prolonged ascetic and meditational/contemplative practice. This can be considered paradoxical as the desire for this state is from the position of duality, with the assumption there is something 'other' to be obtained.
There are a variety of groups, including Meetup groups, for the study of non-duality. The Sussex School of Practical Philosophy (see website below) teaches Advaita Vedanta originating from Shankara in 8th Century. Some 'non-dualists' are of the opinion that there is no quest or need of a spiritual path, we just need to be awake, or present. However, this conclusion is often reached after many years of various practices. Perhaps in theory nothing is needed, but in practice it is!Discuss................
Handout including quotes can be downloaded here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X2IVzmWUEZXG9qlYROt0zDZXda587yxX/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=108914814178375137957&rtpof=true&sd=true----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have great NEW VENUE, CAFE QUENCH in Hove, with our own space on the 1st floor.
Walking distance to Hove station. Free parking.Please arrive in time to order your refreshments and find a table.
NOTE TIME: 2.30 - 4.30 PMIF YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND, PLEASE CHANGE YOUR
RSVP.Donations appreciated, either cash on the day, or via PayPal from your profile page.
https://www.meetup.com/PHILOSOPHY-CAFE/
https://cafequench.wixsite.com/quench
http://www.practicalphilosophysussex.com/2 attendees
Past events
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