Agua & Audio: Simone de Beauvoir’s “The Second Sex”

Details

Want to join a book club but don’t have the time? Join us for a philosophy listening session at Mitchell Park!

Grab your headphones, bring your water bottle, and find a comfortable spot on the grass.

For the first 30 minutes, individuals will tune into their own devices to process the weekly “reading” at their own pace. Weekly philosophy audio and guided questions are included below. During this time, listeners may engage in quiet activities—stretching, vinyasa, journaling, drawing, mediation—whatever inspires you!

For the next 60 minutes, we will come together for a guided discussion, break into small groups, and rejoin for final reflections.

*THIS WEEK: THE SECOND SEX

The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir is seminal work delves into the construction of femininity and the societal forces that shape women's experiences. De Beauvoir employs a blend of existentialist thought, illuminating the complexities of women's oppression and liberation.

Simone de Beauvoir— https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/beauvoir/

Listen here:

Note—Mitchell Park does not have wifi, so ensure you have data streaming enabled on your device or down prior to attending.

*Guiding Questions: What do you notice? What philosophical questions are being raised here? What arguments and reasoning are being invoked? Do you agree or disagree? How does this mirror or differ from modern feminist arguments? How might we apply concepts such as “othering” or “oppression” in today’s world?

Aqua & Audio Schedule:
10:00am — Fill water, meet & greet
10:10am — Listening Session
10:30am — Reflections, breakout sessions, final thoughts

If you plan to attend, please bring:

Phone (or other listening device)
Headphones
Yoga mat or blanket
Water bottle

Other recommended items:

Journal (for reflections / notes)
Fitness wear (for ‘active’ listeners)
Outdoor items (backpack, sunscreen etc.)

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Discussion Guidelines:

Prioritizing intellectual growth. We will explore, reflect, and weigh complex concepts together. The primary goal of these discussions is to elevate our search for wisdom and expand our understanding of philosophy—not merely to debate, persuade, or convert.
Keep an open mind. Don’t assume others share your background, values, or beliefs. Our diversity is a strength. Speaking as if we all think alike can make others feel excluded or unsafe.
Personal experiences welcome. You are welcome to bring your real experiences—with purpose. We are a nonpartisan, non-denominational space. People from all walks of life are welcome. Personal experiences may include politics or religion, but no ideology—political, religious, or otherwise—should be promoted or belittled.
Equity of voice. While sharing personal experiences can be valuable, please avoid venting or over-sharing in a way that detracts from group discussions. Be mindful of how much space you’re holding. If you speak often, consider stepping back. If you’re usually quiet, know your voice matters—we’d love to hear from you.
Disagreements. Intellectual challenges and inquiry are an essential part of the Socratic process. When conflict arises, look for areas of common ground. Acknowledge what others are sharing, and practice active listening. Be willing to “agree to disagree” if necessary. Remember two reasonable minds can differ.