About us
A group for those with open minds who are interested in reading, discussing, and applying works of philosophy.
This group would meet to discuss works of philosophy, but just as importantly would assist each other in working through passages. We would help each other read philosophical texts, in the process becoming more adept readers and thinkers.
Discussion would focus on the texts but also equally on application of the ideas. In other words, doing philosophy in addition to consuming it. Philosophy is a practice.
Upcoming events
3
Leviathan (Hobbes) - Part 1 & Emerson
Panera Bread, 2410 Landmark Dr, Raleigh, NC, USConversation about Thomas Hobbes's argument about the need for and role of government as a safeguard against the brutish, selfish nature of humans. Also, an alternate perspective on the nature of human from Ralph Waldo Emerson
For our first session, please read Part 1 -- "Of Man" (~ 100 pages) as well as Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay "Self-Reliance" (~35 pages)
Reading
- Hobbes, Thomas (1651). Leviathan [Internet Archive, Anna's Archive]
- Emerson, Ralph Waldo (1841). "Self Reliance" [Internet Archive, Anna's Archive]
I will be using the Hackett (1994) version of Hobbes.
12 attendees
Leviathan (Hobbes) Part 2
Panera Bread, 2410 Landmark Dr, Raleigh, NC, USConversation about Thomas Hobbes's argument about the need for and role of government as a safeguard against the brutish, selfish nature of humans.
For this session, please read Part 2 -- "Of Commonwealth" (~ 130 pages)
Reading
- Hobbes, Thomas (1651). Leviathan [Internet Archive, Anna's Archive]
I will be using the Hackett (1994) version of Hobbes.
4 attendees
Cultural Assumptions in Philosophy
Panera Bread, 2410 Landmark Dr, Raleigh, NC, USReading: Robert Charles Azar (2016). Navigating Japan's Business Culture.
Far Eastern philosophies offer an intriguing juxtaposition to many Western philosophies, sometimes overlapping with a slightly differently twist and other times being fundamentally different. Traditional Japanese culture incorporates the views of the major Asian religions and philosophies (Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism) and also its indigenous Shinto religion. As a result, Japanese values, perspectives and norms differ significantly from what we have studied previously in our group. This discussion will cover their differing views of such topics as:
- self-identity and how individuals achieve contentment
- how values and views of religious salvation differ from those of the West
- the individuals’ relationship with others and society
- what constitutes a well-ordered and healthy society
- the purpose and role of business in the life of the individual and society
- Asia’s unique brand of capitalism and how it is challenging the West today
Robert is a regular to our group and often (along with Windy) helps check cultural assumptions that inform many of the philosophical texts that we read.
This discussion, which Robert and I will jointly facilitate, will help us engage with some of these cultural perspectives.
7 attendees
Past events
21
