What we’re about
We are a Great Books reading and discussion group that specializes in political philosophy. Over the years we have read a wide variety of thinkers, from Plato to Richard Rorty. We are currently reading the works of Friedrich Nietzsche from beginning to end. Our group is open to all comers, so please give us a try!
We meet on the third Thursday of every month at Central Market.
There is a one-page Discussion Guide describing how we work. Click on "More" and "Files" to download.
For more information on the group, including an archive of past readings, go to:
Upcoming events
1
Join us for a discussion of Aristltle's Politics
Location not specified yetReading: Aristotle, Politics, Book IV
Chapters 1-9
We begin the new year with Book IV of the Politics, and the first thing we notice is Aristotle making another fresh start -- examining the possible forms of government from the point of view of which are the most likely to be established and what each requires to succeed.
RSVPs will receive directions to our meeting place in Rice Village the week of the event.
And here are three translations to sample:
Cairnes Lord -- most commonly used translation in universities today:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ANLZ3rQyO4a4kQ5sc-RL2U5IRmHpinX0/view?usp=sharing
Cairnes Lord, the Kindle version:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z1jCLFbE02XOLU1qKljshb9T8kBGnbEk/view?usp=sharing
Ernest Barker -- the gold standard when I was in school:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AL8sjX-DsQO6fM1Ht-IQuKDw9Hy_Bvfm/view?usp=sharing
Joe Sachs -- a recent translation that sticks closely to the Greek and is very helpful with Greek terminology:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A3Px3tYlFaXXJwNbwmS9jG9_oZsXZnvi/view?usp=sharing
And, since we are starting a new year, here are two background items about the Great Books idea and methods of reading and discussion. Whether you are a newcomer or a veteran, it is always useful to be reminded of the fundamentals -- the how and the why of what we do.
Shared Inquiry -- a handbook on the basics of our approach to reading and discussion:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IDhAZ5cG6kVSeruK9QinPRa_htbIJEKu/view?usp=sharing
How to Read a Book, a guide to reading the great books by Mortimer Adler, one of the founders of the movement. An electronic edition of this classic text that will make anyone a better, more thoughtful reader:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16du5KmLxq1HDhRyRFxHgnz6cKvIoV-Gd/view?usp=sharing
Happy New Year!5 attendees
Past events
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