Philosophy in Pubs, Oxford

Did Guy Fawkes have a point?

Bonfire Night is a celebration of the victory of the King over rebels who would have burned down the House of Parliament … Well actually the rebels were long-suffering Catholics who bravely fought for freedom of worship, after years of cruel persecution by tyrannical monarchs.

Were they justified in using force to try to bring down the King?

And what about the violence used to punish the rebels - hung, drawn, and quartered after weeks of torture?

In tonight’s bonfire we will think about violence: what is it? And can its use ever be justified?

(If you want to do some pre-thinking, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dh4G1Gjv7bA)

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Anyone can attend this session. No experience in philosophy or knowledge of the subject is required in advance. Just come along and enjoy. Our events use the the 4Cs of community philosophy:

• Caring for others, making space for their contributions
• Collaborating to get a better mutual understanding rather than scoring points
• Critically assessing what we say, clarifying what is meant and asking what reasons support assertions
• Creatively coming up with alternative perspectives, rather than dogmatically sticking to our initial positions

We welcome everyone of a wide range of ages, social and educational backgrounds etc. Don't worry if you don't have a qualification in philosophy - almost no-one does. Occasionally, attendees will be asked to watch, read or listen to a short piece of material in advance of the session (as the 'stimulus' for discussion), but this will be minimal and will be made clear in the description of the session.

We ask for donations of £1 per session from those who can afford to pay to cover the costs of the Meetup subscription. First timers are exempt. Don't feel obliged to pay if you can't afford it - or pay less. Feel free to put £5 to cover five sessions or however you want to donate - this is left entirely up to you.

Topic Should we look forward with hope rather than back with regret

Anyone can attend this session. No experience in philosophy or knowledge of the subject is required in advance. Just come along and enjoy. Our events use the 4Cs of community philosophy:

• Caring for others, making space for their contributions
• Collaborating to get a better mutual understanding rather than scoring points
• Critically assessing what we say, clarifying what is meant and asking what reasons support assertions
• Creatively coming up with alternative perspectives, rather than dogmatically sticking to our initial positions

We welcome everyone of a wide range of ages, social and educational backgrounds etc. Don't worry if you don't have a qualification in philosophy - almost no-one does. Occasionally, attendees will be asked to watch, read or listen to a short piece of material in advance of the session (as the 'stimulus' for discussion), but this will be minimal and will be made clear in the description of the session.

Note that we collect voluntary contributions from attendees to cover the cost of the Meetup subscription. First time attendees and anyone who is financially stretched need not contribute.

Where do we get our morals from?

For millennia there has been no doubt as to what the steadfast reply to this question is. Our morals come from God. Whatever our religious belief has been it has always been assumed that how we behave would be dictated from above and God’s appointed representatives on Earth will tell us what is right or wrong not only with that we do, but also with how we think. God has been the first and most important Thought Police in our lives.

Part 1
The fact that all of the above may not quite wash with us in this new millennium is the subject of tonight’s talk and suggestions are invited as to:

1. What makes us behave, comply and obey?
2. How relevant is the religious control of our morals today?
3. What alternatives can be discussed as a viable and effective way to control society?

Part 2
The terms "morals" and "ethics" are sometimes used interchangeably in everyday conversation, but they denote distinct concepts. Whilst morals are personal principles of right and wrong, ethics are codes of conduct that members of a group, society or profession agree to follow.

1. Do ethical considerations simply add to our individual moral values in determining what we consider to be the right or wrong thing to do?
2. What happens if ethics and morals clash? (For instance, a journalist's code of ethics may require them to protect the anonymity of their sources whereas their own moral code may tell them that they should be honest and name those sources.)

These and other points are encouraged in tonight’s discussion bearing in mind, as always, the philosophical recommendations of our debates embodied in the four Cs outlined below..

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Anyone can attend this session. No experience in philosophy or knowledge of the subject is required in advance. Just come along and enjoy. Our events use the the 4Cs of community philosophy:

• Caring for others, making space for their contributions
• Collaborating to get a better mutual understanding rather than scoring points
• Critically assessing what we say, clarifying what is meant and asking what reasons support assertions
• Creatively coming up with alternative perspectives, rather than dogmatically sticking to our initial positions

We welcome everyone of a wide range of ages, social and educational backgrounds etc. Don't worry if you don't have a qualification in philosophy - almost no-one does. Occasionally, attendees will be asked to watch, read or listen to a short piece of material in advance of the session (as the 'stimulus' for discussion), but this will be minimal and will be made clear in the description of the session.

We ask for donations of £1 per session from those who can afford to pay to cover the costs of the Meetup subscription. First timers are exempt. Don't feel obliged to pay if you can't afford it - or pay less. Feel free to put £5 to cover five sessions or however you want to donate - this is left entirely up to you.