Existentialism series 3. Guilt, Shame and Alienation

# Café Philo Eindhoven – August Edition

Dear friends,
As a continuation of our Existentialism Series, the August edition of Café Philo Eindhoven invites you to explore the profound themes of guilt, shame, and alienation.

Although most of us experience these emotions and states at different moments in life, we often fail to recognize them while they are unfolding within us. Yet they appear to play a significant role in shaping how we relate to ourselves, to others, and to society. They may even become woven into our identity. But how authentic is this identity? Is it truly our own, or has it been shaped by forces we have never consciously examined?

Together, let us venture into these questions with curiosity, openness, and inquiring mind.
We would like explore questions such as:

• What are guilt and shame?
• Is there a fear of alienation that accompanies them?
• Where do guilt and shame originate?
• Are guilt and shame essential for human life, or is it possible to live without them?
• What do existential philosophers mean by existential guilt and existential shame?
• How have existential thinkers understood and responded to these experiences?
• What are the differences between guilt cultures, shame cultures, and fear cultures around the world?
• Which of these cultural patterns most influences our own lives?
• How do cultural expectations shape our experience of guilt and shame?
• Is it possible to free ourselves from inherited patterns of guilt and shame? If so, how?
• What might a more authentic way of living look like beyond these patterns?

And many more questions you bring with!

Welcome to another harmonious, thoughtful and revelatory conversation circle of cafe philo Eindhoven!

Welcome!