What we’re about
CURRENT READING LIST: Google Spreadsheet
Welcome! As the name suggests, this group aims to explore the history of ideas through some of the most influential texts in science, philosophy and literature. Each month we will choose a text or topic to read/research and discuss. The group is open to everyone and is intended as an informal way of engaging with some of the key ideas that have shaped our societies and cultures down through the centuries. No prior understanding of any of the texts or ideas is required and newcomers are always welcome!
It is not a requirement to have read the assigned text to join in the discussion. For those with less time, I will post links to abridged versions, as well as short videos and podcasts providing a general overview of the topic.
Members are welcome to suggest texts/topics and share links to resources such as study guides, podcasts, documentaries, etc.
Upcoming events (1)
See all- The Doors of Perception and Heaven and Hell by Aldous Huxley discussionCostigan's Pub, Cork
In 1953, in the presence of an investigator, Aldous Huxley took four-tenths of a gram of mescalin, sat down and waited to see what would happen. When he opened his eyes everything, from the flowers in a vase to the creases in his trousers, was transformed. Huxley described his experience with breathtaking immediacy in The Doors of Perception.
In its sequel Heaven and Hell, he goes on to explore the history and nature of mysticism. Still bristling with a sense of excitement and discovery, these illuminating and influential writings remain the most fascinating account of the visionary experience ever written.
Doors of Perception...
- Text https://thephilosopher.net/huxley/tvorchestvo/the-doors-of-perception/
- Audio https://youtu.be/whdFQLRKnBM?feature=shared
- Various Formats https://www.fadedpage.com/showbook.php?pid=20200328
Heaven and Hell...
- Text https://thephilosopher.net/huxley/tvorchestvo/heaven-and-hell/
- Various Formats https://www.fadedpage.com/showbook.php?pid=20171022
Video...
- The Psychedelic Philosopher: A Guide To Aldous Huxley https://youtu.be/5zi-mRIik3w?feature=shared
- Aldous Huxley on Mescaline ( Interview ) 1961 https://youtu.be/SzlsBxqV20k?feature=shared
Podcasts...
- Erika Dyck: Psychedelic Prophets: The Letters of Aldous Huxley and Humphry Osmond https://newbooksnetwork.com/erika-dyck-psychedelic-prophets-the-letters-of-aldous-huxley-and-humphry-osmond-mcgill-queens-up-2018
Other Resources..
- Art in The Doors of Perception by Aldous Huxley – in pictures https://www.theguardian.com/books/gallery/2012/jan/19/art-doors-of-perception-aldous-huxley
- When Aldous Huxley Opened the Doors of Perception by Ido Hartogsohn https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/when-aldous-huxley-opened-the-doors-of-perception/
