London Philosophy Collective

Cube is a 1997 Canadian science fiction horror film directed and co-written by Vincenzo Natali. A product of the Canadian Film Centre's First Feature Project, Nicole de Boer, Nicky Guadagni, David Hewlett, Andrew Miller, Julian Richings, Wayne Robson, and Maurice Dean Wint star as seven individuals trapped in a bizarre and deadly labyrinth of cube-shaped rooms.

Please note we will not be showing the film at the meeting. Make sure you watch the film before you attend and then come and join in with the conversation. It’s just a discussion. It’s not a screening.

Please note: we will be reading the Hugh Aplin translation.

Written in secret during the darkest days of Stalin's reign, The Master and Margarita became an overnight literary phenomenon when it was finally published it, signalling artistic freedom for Russians everywhere. Bulgakov's carnivalesque satire of Soviet life describes how the Devil, trailing fire and chaos in his wake, weaves himself out of the shadows and into Moscow one spring afternoon. Brimming with magic and incident, it is full of imaginary, historical, terrifying and wonderful characters, from witches, poets and biblical tyrants to the beautiful, courageous Margarita, who will do anything to save the imprisoned writer she loves.

Available from all good libraries and book shops.

You don't have to have read it to join us - but it'll probably help.

Connecting people into Philosophy. All welcome. No previous philosophical experience needed.

What it is

Philosophy in the Park is a fun and friendly space for people to come together and have discussions that get deep. It’s a safe space where active creative thinking is encouraged and enjoyed, and where everyone can explore abstract concepts in a way that combines both sincerity and playfulness. Where the most important question is always - what do you think?

What is Philosophy?

Philosophy is about analysing concepts. It's thinking about thinking. It's not about empiricism or the physical world (eg Science and statistics). It's about abstractions, concepts and ideas (eg Identity, Morality, Mind and Truth).

How Philosophy in the Park Works

• Each hour begins with a group vote on which questions to discuss. You can vote for more than one question if you'd like.
• We then break out into groups, each focusing on one of the chosen questions. The question is just a starting point and it's cool if you go on tangents and end up talking about different things. You're welcome to join in and participate or if you'd prefer to sit back and enjoy the conversation, that’s also welcome.
• After an hour we regroup, take a quick break and then repeat all over again. So across the 3 hours, we’ll break out 3 times.

Where it is

We will meet by the fountain in Cabot Square (just next to Canary Wharf).

Please feel free to bring snacks and drinks with you if you want.
After the event finishes most people stay and hang out. You are very welcome to join us. There’s are lots of shops nearby where you can get drinks and snacks, or you can bring your own.

Guidelines

In order to make the conversations as fun, interesting and productive as possible please follow these simple guidelines:

1. Keep it Philosophical
   (No Science, no History, no Sociology, no Evolutionary Psychology, no contestable facts, personal anecdotes etc).
2. Think for Yourself
   (No phones, no looking up definitions, no name dropping Philosophers / books you've read).
3. Tangents are Cool
   (Don't worry too much if the subject drifts and you don't answer the question).
4. Keep it Succinct
   (Like this).
5. Be Excellent to Each Other
   (But of course).

Please remember: It's not about debating and trying to win - it's about listening to people and working collaboratively to increase our collective understanding.

Community

A.I. Artificial Intelligence (or simply A.I.) is a 2001 science fiction drama film written and directed by Steven Spielberg. The screenplay by Spielberg is based on a screen story by Ian Watson adapting the 1969 short story "Supertoys Last All Summer Long" by Brian Aldiss. Set in a futuristic society, the film stars Haley Joel Osment as David, a childlike android uniquely programmed with the ability to love. Jude Law, Frances O'Connor, Brendan Gleeson and William Hurt star in supporting roles.

Please note we will not be showing the film at the meeting. Make sure you watch the film before you attend and then come and join in with the conversation. It’s just a discussion. It’s not a screening.