What we’re about
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
Last week, according to A.I -
The group engaged in philosophical discussions about democracy, technology, and consciousness, exploring various perspectives on voting, AI, and the nature of reality. They examined different philosophical concepts including idealism, materialism, and the existence of God, while also discussing the role of religious institutions in society and the factors contributing to happiness. The conversation concluded with analyses of political dynamics, particularly focusing on the United States, China, and India, along with discussions about religious abuse and international relations.
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.
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
213
•Online"Travels with Epicurus"
OnlinePLEASE RSVP VIA ORLANDO STOICS LINK BELOW
https://www.meetup.com/orlando-stoics/
ORLANDO STOICS, "TRAVELS WITH EPICURUS"
DETAILS: This is our Friday night series starting on 11/28/2025. Join us as we read Daniel Klein’s book, “Travels with Epicurus.” We will accompany the then 73-year old author on his travels to the Greek island of Hydra where he seeks the answer to aging happily. His quest leads him to focus on the teachings and inspiring life of Epicurus. Along the way, the author also explores the wisdom of Stoicism, Bertrand Russell, Eric Erikson, Aristotle, William James, and others. Is Aristotelian old-age grumpiness the most personally honest way to go? Is Stoicism more about denying rather than transcending pain? Are the best years of our lives in our old age? Join us as we explore these questions and read one of NPR’s best books of 2012, a UK Sunday Times Bestseller, and a book the UK’s Daily Telegraph coined “wry, whimsical, amusing, and intelligent.”
SCHEDULE
11-28-2025 Prologue and Chap. 1
12-5-2025 Chap. 2
12-12-2025 Chap. 3
12-19-2025 Chap 4
12-26-2025 Chap. 5
1-2-2026 Chap. 6
1-9-2026 Chap 7 and Epilogue
READING MATERIALS: The book is available on Amazon and at other booksellers in audio, paperback, and Kindle. Reading in advance is optional. We will collect highlights from each part of the book in an outline for the meeting.
https://www.amazon.com/Travels-Epicurus-Journey-Island-Fulfilled/dp/0143126628
MEETING TIME (USA): Conversion tool for our international friends: www.worldtimebuddy.com
7:00PM Eastern
6:00PM Central
5:00PM Mountain
4:00PM Pacific
In general, Stoicism teaches us how to handle difficult people and events, how to avoid anger and worry, and to use moderation in life overall. 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.1 attendee
•OnlineAgnosticism: An Open Consideration of All Versions.
Online## SEA OF FAITH IN AUSTRALIA (SoFiA) - Melbourne.
Some of us are participating in SoFiA's online event.
"Agnosticism: An Open Consideration of All Versions."
Dr. Neville Buch will present the topic and lead the discussion.
INTRO: "The concept of agnosticism, far exceeding a mere simplistic doubt regarding the existence of a deity, can be broadly understood as a suspension of judgment rooted in the recognition of epistemic uncertainty or the inherent limits of human knowledge regarding a proposition or domain.
Philosophically, agnosticism is often presented as a form of skepticism, characterized by the commitment to circumspection and intellectual honesty, demanding that one withhold belief when the available evidence is deemed insufficient.
In its highest philosophical form, it recognizes that knowledge about ultimate reality or theological claims is unknowable or incomprehensible to finite human reason, a position Kant himself adopted regarding metaphysical matters.
This intellectual posture, however, is not necessarily passive; it can be an active belief that knowledge of "x" is not known and not knowable, leading to an ethical stance where one "ought to be agnostic" and act in accordance with that principle, or conversely, it can be dismissed as a "foolish stance" or "wilful ignorance" when used as a dishonest rhetorical device or against clearly established knowledge.
This perspective holds that because agnosticism about the existence of God is a non-commitment on ontology, it becomes an uninteresting and indifferent philosophical stance compared to focusing on what meaning or universal value can be derived from the realm of signs and symbols."
Wikipedia on Agnosticism
The ZOOM LINK will appear on this page for those who RSVP.
Meeting ID: 828 1591 9455 - - Passcode: 786285
~ SoFiA promotes the open exploration of religion, spirituality and the search for meaning. They welcome ALL viewpoints, including Atheism.~
SOFiA Website.
Facebook: 'Sofiatalk' - Please join their ongoing discussions.3 attendees
Past events
281
