
What we’re about
## Details
Another enjoyable free flowing discussion after the regular
Saturday Melbourne Existentialist Society Meeting. Please feel free to join the Melbourne Existentialst Society meeting from 2 pm AEST
https://www.meetup.com/existentialist-society/?eventOrigin=event_home_page
Life the Universe Street Philosophy commences at cessation of
The Melbourne Existentialist Society meeting.
Some of the many topics we have discussed previously,
some of which I could almost follow, are-
The Id, Super Ego and Ego
Where did the laws of physics come from?
Why is there something rather than nothing?
Does Truth exist independent of consciousness?
Hard problem of consciousness.
Conspiracy theories - is there a psychological profile of a habitual conspiracy Theorist.
Previously
Is it possible to have ojective Morality without a concept of God?
Definition of "Information"
How do we know how a particle behaves in an unobserved state if "unobserved" by definition means we don't blinking well see it?
Meaning of meaning in "what is the meaning of life?"
Definition of Language
Ship of Thesis - is the "thing" just a construct?
Tranendentalism
Determinism
Observer effect in quantum physics
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Is there a why to human existence?
Definition of experience.
Method of applying reason.
What does it mean to be "your authentic self?"
Idealism v Realism - ABSOLUTE TRUTH - What does that mean ? does it exist ? Ontology, how equipped are we to fathom the nature of things? HARD PROBLEM OF CONSCIOUSNESS: WHERE DOES CONSCIOUSNESS ARISE?: DOES DNA TRANSLATE TO BEHAVIOUR?, IF SO HOW - definition of rationality - origins of "value" - precision of mathematics - concept of infinity.
Definition of Information
- where is the information in an un opened book, does it exist when unobserved?
Reason
- what is the definition of reason
does it exist in physical laws, i.e. if we can we say "the reason the rock fell is because of gravity"?, how is this different to "what is the reason she chose Pepsi max instead of Coke Zero?"
Validity of evolutionary psychology:
- what evidence is there for evolutionarily selected behaviour, given that we cannot observe the history of the emergence of neurological structures as we can observe evolutionarily selected anatomical changes?
Events in Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Philosophy of Mind Consciousness Existentialist Philosophy
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- ONLINE / ENGLISH: Seneca's Essays On AngerLink visible for attendees
## Details
Our group enjoys reading the ancient and modern Stoic texts, so the next series we will go back to the first century, when Seneca wrote his famous essays 'On Anger'. It spans 3 books and 100 chapters. Like most books we've read, we'll be reading in depth. The book is online as a public domain book, so you won't need to buy a book and wait for shipping.
Here are the major themes in the reading:
- The Nature and Origins of Anger
- The Dangers and Consequences of Anger
- The Futility of Anger
- Strategies for Preventing Anger
- Healing after Anger
For those with a Stoic practice, this discussion will be an important exercise: (1) how to pause before reacting with anger, (2) how to improve focus and build awareness of anger, and (3) how to prepare for situations that might cause anger (using Premeditatio Malorum).
For those with an interest in psychology, our discussion will help: (1) to learn how anger leads to poor decisions and regret, (2) how to switch from emotional responses to value-based responses, and (3) how to expect adversity in life and reduce stress.
SCHEDULE
5-23-2025 Book 1 (Chap 1-10)
5-30-2025 Book 1 (Chap 11-21)
6-06-2025 Meeting was skipped
6-13-2025 Book 2 (Chap 1-12)
6-20-2025 Book 2 (Chap 13-24)
6-27-2025 Book 2 (Chap 25-36)
7-04-2025 Book 3 (Chap 1-10)
7-11-2025 Book 3 (Chap 11-20)
7-18-2025 Book 3 (Chap 21-30)
7-25-2025 Book 3 (Chap 31-43)
8-01-2025 Finale (maybe a special guest)
READING MATERIALS
The following materials are optional; read in advance if you have time. StoicDan will collect highlights from each book in an outline to further the discussion.
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Of_Anger
Time
Meeting time (USA):
7:00PM Eastern
6:00PM Central
5:00PM Mountain
4:00PM Pacific
For our international friends,
Please convert time with the free tool
https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/
Zoom Info
CLICK TO START MEETING - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86559843870
If you don't have a computer with camera or mic, then you can attend by telephone. Dial one of these numbers and add meeting ID 865 5984 3870#
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US
In general, Stoicism teaches us how to handle difficult people and events, how to avoid anger and worry, and overall to use moderation in life. We will discuss how Stoic practice can lead to a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Our group enjoys open-minded, respectful conversations on Stoicism and how it relates to science, culture, philosophy, history, other belief systems, and pop culture (books and movies). If we differ in our opinions, then "we agree to disagree". The long-term goal is to improve our minds via group discussions. Our group does NOT discuss religion or politics.
This event is free and open to the public.
Events inAnger ManagementSeneca
Self-Help & Self-ImprovementPsychologyStoicism