Rotterdam philosophy reading group: Frankenstein and Philosophy

Unstitch the Monster Within: A Day of Philosophy, Ethics, and Modern Prometheans
Ever since Mary Shelley’s creation first shocked the world, the story of Victor Frankenstein and his Creature has been more than a tale of horror—it is a profound mirror held up to our deepest fears about creation, responsibility, and what it means to be human.
Join us for a captivating evening of discussion inspired by the book "Frankenstein and Philosophy: The Shocking Truth." We will gather to explore the electrifying philosophical questions that this timeless story forces us to confront.
What will we discuss?
Drawing from the essays in the book, our conversation will stitch together themes such as:

• The Ethics of Creation: From genetic engineering (GMOs, or "Frankenfood") to AI—when does ambitious science become a monstrous transgression?
• The "Monster" as the "Other": How do societies create and alienate outsiders? We’ll connect Shelley’s Creature to discussions on refugees, transgender rights, and systemic prejudice.
• Who is the Real Monster? Is it the abandoned Creature or the irresponsible creator? We’ll debate responsibility, blame, and the nature of evil.
• The Silver-Tongued Creature: Unlike the grunting film monster, Shelley’s original is eloquent and philosophical. What does his voice tell us about intelligence, soul, and personhood?

This is more than a book club. It is a salon for curious minds to examine how a 200-year-old story provides the perfect framework for understanding contemporary dilemmas in technology, social justice, and identity.
Whether you’re a philosophy enthusiast, a science fiction fan, or simply someone pondering the complexities of our modern world, you are welcome. Come and help us reanimate these classic questions with fresh, vital debate.

Want to have deep conversations on philosophy and life in good company, which always consist of at least one person with a good sense of humour? Then please join this reading group.

We aim at making this a kind and inclusive group, where everyone feels appreciated and warmly welcomed. No background knowledge or reading is obligatory; everyone is free to join and listen in or join the discussion we're having.

The purpose of this group is to delve into philosophical topics and classic and modern philosophers. Each month we read a book of a contemporary or old philosopher, which we dan delve into in an informal and accessible manner. As a philosopher I can guide these meetings if wanted or needed, but will do minimum lecturing, except if anyone feels like it.

A professor of mine said: 'Bring philosophy everywhere' and that is what I try to do, also to give away my philosophy degree for free to a group such as this.

I have more than a decade worth of teaching experience, which also consists in engaging in philosophical and Socratic dialogue in the university of applied sciences, highschool, primary school and in prison. I also used philosophy as a conversational tool in the field of social work in the past.

The events are free, but you can pay as you please, which would be much appreciated. I donate 10% of the revenue, as I do with all of my income, to effective charities that are recommended by the Effective Altruism Movement (see: https://www.effectivealtruism.org/).

You can send me a one-time donation on:
https://www.paypal.me/FBIJoeri

Or you can support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/filosofischbureauvoorinzichtsvergaring

For those that would like to see me speak about other philosophy stuff, see:

https://www.youtube.com/user/1986Joeri

For those that like to complement or replace their reading with audio-visual material, I will post these in the comments aforehand of the meeting.