What makes a life real, rather than merely felt?

We recently discussed a cluster of philosophical topics that orbit around how human life, meaning, and value are situated with respect to experience, normativity, cognition, and power. One thread—via the experience machine—challenges hedonism by asking whether being plugged into bliss is sufficient for a good life. Another theme concerns the nature of meaning: what it is for life or content to have meaning, purpose, or significance. Closely linked are discussions of consciousness and desire—how mental states, cognition, and wants relate to what truly matters. Moral-and‐political issues appear in the readings on gratitude, economic justice, and domination—how social structures, power, and our responses to beneficence shape value and ethical life. Underlying many of the pieces is the notion of normativity: that meaning, content, and value are not merely descriptive but bound up with what ought to be. Together these inquiries interrogate both individual well-being and collective justice, asking what we owe one another, what we owe ourselves, and what it is to live a life that counts.

Each of us has his or her own philosophical history and journey, and during these walks, we introduce each other to our recent questions and reflections. There is no assigned reading, no required text. Bring your own recommendations, or see what has been recommended by others before. In this dropbox folder you'll find texts and videos that have been discussed on previous occasions. You'll also find a list of recommended texts, if you are new to philosophy.

We gather at Flywheel Coffee, near Stanyan and Page. At 11:15am we begin a hike through Golden Gate Park and return to Flywheel by 1:00pm. During the walk, we'll discuss your philosophical topics, whatever they may be.