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
Cultural Assumptions in Philosophy
Panera Bread, 2410 Landmark Dr, Raleigh, NC, USReading: Robert Charles Azar (2016). Navigating Japan's Business Culture.
Focus on chapters 1, 2, and 5. Discussion may also touch on Chapter 3.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.
13 attendeesTheory of Moral Sentiments (Adam Smith)
Panera Bread, 2410 Landmark Dr, Raleigh, NC, USJoin us for a discussion of sections from Adam Smith's The Theory of Moral Sentiments. We will be looking at aspects of Smith's moral philosophy concerning virtue in human interactions and how these behaviors are reinforced and managed in a political society.
To prepare, please read two sections:
- "Part II: Of merit and demerit; or, of the objects of reward and punishment" (~50 pages) and
- "Part III: Of the foundation of our judgments concerning our own sentiments and conduct, and of the sense of duty" (~70 pages)
from Adam Smith's book The Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759). [Internet Archive Link]
9 attendeesWe Have Never Been Modern (Latour)
Panera Bread, 2410 Landmark Dr, Raleigh, NC, USJoin us for a discussion of sections from Bruno Latour's 1993 book We Have Never Been Modern. We will focus on Latour's views about the myth of modernity that wants to separate nature from society and keep those categories distinct and pure. When we envision a world made up of hybrids, where human and non-humans exist in radical symmetry, what are implications for politics? How do we (or should we) include the non-human "parliament of things" in our concept of political order?
Please read these sections:
- Crisis (~13 pages)
- Constitution (~35 pages)
- Redistribution (~16 pages)
You can view a copy of *We Have Never Been Modern *on the Internet Archive.
8 attendees
Past events
27
