Session #18 – The Ethics and Meaning of Giving. A Philosophical Christmas.

“No one has ever become poor by giving.”
— Anne Frank

Session Outline
If you are new to philosophy or the questions of ethics and meaning around gift-giving and generosity, don’t worry—this discussion is for everyone, no previous knowledge required.

Let’s start with this thought:
Imagine the act of giving: What makes a gift meaningful? Is it the thing itself, the intention behind it, or the relationship it symbolizes? How do generosity and obligation interact, especially during the holiday season? Can true giving be without expectation or self-interest? And beyond material gifts—time, kindness, or attention—how do these acts deepen human connection and meaning?

Preparation for the Session:
• Share stories of a meaningful gift you gave or received.
• Reflect on how giving and receiving made you feel, and why.
• Participants are encouraged to bring a small wrapped anonymous “gift” (costing no more than 800 Ft) for a fun gift exchange.

Join us to exchange ideas, stories, and reflections about the true spirit of giving—beyond material possessions.
Our debate will explore themes of altruism, reciprocity, gratitude, and the deeper values behind holiday traditions.

Introduction (15 minutes)
We start with a short introduction of the guests.
Group Discussion (1 hour and 45 minutes)
Here are some questions to spark the debate:
• What does it mean to give “selflessly”? Is pure altruism possible?
• How does commercialism influence the meaning of giving during Christmas?
• Is anonymous giving more virtuous than giving publicly? Does it matter?
• Can giving ever have negative or unintended consequences?
• How does gratitude shape our experience of gift-giving?
• Beyond physical gifts, what acts of kindness or time deepen bonds?
• How do different cultures naturally understand generosity during holidays?
• Have you experienced a gift that changed your perspective on life or others?
• What lessons about generosity and human connection can we carry beyond the holidays?

The Philosophy Club continues its collaboration with Kovasz and epicurea.hu. You are free to drink whatever you like, but if interested, we arranged for discounts on alcohol-free wine glasses, available to pre-order:
• White wine (Disfrutand00) 1000 HUF: https://epicurea.hu/en/pre-buy-alcohol-free-glasses/verdejo-by-disfrutand00-alcohol-free-white-wine-glass
• Red wine (Tiptop) 1500 HUF: https://epicurea.hu/en/pre-buy-alcohol-free-glasses/tiptop-s-merlot-from-bordeaux-alcohol-free-red-wine-glass
• Red wine (Zeronimo Zweigelt) 2000 HUF: https://epicurea.hu/en/pre-buy-alcohol-free-glasses/zweigelt-by-zeronimo-alcohol-free-red-wine-glass

Looking forward to heartfelt stories and meaningful reflections this festive season!