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43

Utilitarianism by John Stuart Mill
Pier 57, 25 11th Avenue, New York, NY, USFor this one week event we will continue our investigation into the theory of liberal society by reading Utilitarianism by John Stuart Mill (1806-1873). Seeking a practical criterion for ethical questions, Mill puts forth a moral theory based on minimizing negative consequences amongst a society. Designed as a practical solution to ethical problems in a democratic society, we will specifically discuss how Utilitarianism could or has worked in practice. Join us as we reflect on the values which make a portion of our own democratic society as we consider what the future may hold. I will be reading from this version and a free copy can be found here. We will read the entire book for this week (the font is quite large in the edition I linked) Ch.1-5 (p. 1-101). Participants should read the entire reading before attending this in person meeting. For questions please send me a message or post to meetup.
Best,
Brian
17 attendees
Pragmatism by William James (week 3)
Pier 57, 25 11th Avenue, New York, NY, USA profoundly influential figure in American psychology, William James (1842–1910) was also a philosopher of note, who used Charles S. Peirce's theories of pragmatism as a basis for his own conception of that influential philosophy. For James, this meant an emphasis on "radical empiricism" and the concept that the meaning of any idea — philosophical, political, social, or otherwise — has validity only in terms of its experiential and practical consequences. James propounded his theories of pragmatism in this book, one of the most important in American philosophy.
Join us to discuss this classic book over the course of 4-weeks!
Week 1 Sat 10/25 12:30pm-2:30pm The Seahorse Room @ Pier 57
Week 2 Sat 11/1 12:30pm-2:30pm The Oyster Room @ Pier 57
Week 3 Sat 11/8 12:30pm-2:30pm The Seahorse Room @ Pier 57
Week 4 Sat 11/15 12:30pm-2:30pm The Oyster Room @ Pier 57Reading for Week 3
Lectures 5 & 6 (31pages)I will be reading the paperback penguin edition available here
free pdf download here *click on the first slow download option
(other formats available too —epub & mobi for kindle—just search in search bar)- Rules for Our Group
1. Be Courteous
Respectful disagreement with others is totally acceptable. Condescending behavior is not.
2. Be Concise
Keep comments on topic and relatively brief.
Moderators will do their best to make sure everyone gets a chance to speak who wants to.
3. Do the Reading
If you have not done the reading for the week you are welcome to attend and listen to the discussion, but out of respect for those who have read, you will not be permitted to participate in the discussion.For more info and FAQ on the group click here.
Can't wait to discuss these ideas with all of you!
-Zach22 attendees
•OnlineWilliam Shakespeare: Tragedy of Julius Caesar Part 1/2
OnlineWilliam Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is not just a story about a man’s rise and fall — it’s a timeless drama of power, loyalty, and betrayal. When honor clashes with friendship and freedom wrestles with control, the question becomes: What makes a hero — and what makes a traitor?
In this gripping tragedy, Shakespeare brings history to life, showing how the choices of a few men could shake an empire — and how words, more than swords, can change the fate of nations.
We will split this play into 2 parts
Part 1: Nov. 12th Act 1 scene 1 - Act 2 scene 4 (to the end)
Part 2: Nov 25th Act 3 scene 1 - Act 5 scene 5Pick any edition you would like to read.
Here is a free PDF versionPaul Cantor Youtube series is optional but not mandatory :)
https://youtu.be/llHxxnJge5s?si=SVXSFyT-K3DvHMArThis is one of the movie adaptations that Paul Cantor recommends:
https://youtu.be/qjG_Huf7tZw?si=SfNC5BDFHWRubtvuFor questions please send me a message or post to meetup.
Zita20 attendees
Fear and Trembling by Soren Kierkegaard
City Winery - new location West Side Highway. closest subway 14th Street ACE L, 25 11th Ave, new York , NY, USWhat is the proper role for faith with respect to our beliefs? If explanation must begin somewhere, and where our explanation begins we cannot provide further justification, then why not just take a leap of faith towards the values we want to believe in without the tower of reasons bottoming out on some hinge beliefs which must be taken on faith anyway? In Fear and Trembling, Soren Kierkegaard explores the concept of the Knight of Faith who has the courage to take a blind leap of faith across a chasm in order to commit to beliefs. He uses the story of Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son Isaac by God, as well as alternative versions of the story creatively provided by Kierkegaard, in order to explore these difficult questions. Join us as we immerse ourselves in this thought experiment for two weeks, thoroughly discussing the concept of faith and what role it should play in our lives.
Participants should read the entire reading before attending this in person meeting. I will be reading from this version here and a free copy can be found here. For the first week we will read the Preface, Attunement, Speech in Praise of Abraham, Preamble from the Heart, and Problema I (p. 41-95).
For questions please send me a message or post to meetup.
Best,
Brian
15 attendees
Past events
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