What we’re about
## What we’re about
## Details
## Another enjoyable free flowing discussion after the - Melbourne Existentialists meetup - Please feel free to join the Existentialists meeting from 1pm AEST -
## https://www.meetup.com/existentialist-society/?eventOrigin=event_home_page-
Life the Universe Street Philosophy commences at cessation of existentialists meeting.
Some of the many topics we discussed in last week's after discussion , some of which I could almost follow, were -
Meaning of the word "Moral"
Did possibilities exist prior to the Big Bang? ( if there was a big bang)
Indeterminacy
Definition of Language
Need for religion to enforce order/morality
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Previously
Meaning of meaning in "what is the meaning of life?"
Definition of Language
Ship of Thesis - is the "thing" just a construct?
Transcendentalism
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.
Have been having some great flowing discussion as topics arise following conclusion of existentialists meeting, Melbourne, Australia. Thanks to all attendees.
General chat for the philosophically inclined about whatever comes up,
suggest topics as suits you or -
- possible topics
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 rock fell 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?
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 - Zarathustra's influence on the Abrahamic Religions.Link visible for attendees
## EXISTENTIALIST MEETUP - Melbourne, Australia.
Our monthly online Meetup presentation on the History of Religion.
The presentations are followed by questions, comments and discussion.
All viewpoints welcome.Early Religion: An Alternative History
What do the historians and archaeologists think of the veracity of religious legends? Legends are an amalgamation of history and mythology.
But how much of each?"ZARATHUSTRA'S INFLUENCE ON THE ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS"
There were only two short episodes of 'Yahweh-alonism' (Monolatry) interrupting the traditional polytheism of the ancient Israelites and Judeans. These were within the reigns of two Judean Kings: Hezekiah (727 to 698 BC) and Josiah (639 to 609 BC).
It is contended that, in roughly 550 BC, Second Isaiah got into conversation with one of the Zoroastrian (Zarathustrian) propagandists sent by King Cyrus of Persia into the Median and Babylonian Empires.
It seems that Isaiah, with his Judean tribal God, got influenced by the Zoroastrian concept of a Universal Creator God, but rejected the Zoroastrian concept of an equally powerful oppositional God of Evil.
This fateful occurrence inaugurated Judaism's Monotheism.We will be looking at A History of Zoroastrianism Vol.2 by Mary Boyce
Emeritus Professor of Iranian Studies, University of London.David Miller will present the topic and lead the discussion.
Background information for those interested:
Nietzsche's Zarathustra and the historical Zoroaster.
Wikipedia's entry on Zoroaster/ZarathustraThe Zoom link will appear for those who RSVP.
Meeting ID: 835 1572 5803 - - Passcode: 897795Existentialist Society's Website - - - YouTube - - - Facebook
