Philosophy (reading) group Rotterdam: What is Philosophy? José Ortega y Gasset

Today we will delve into what philosophy actually is, by the famous Spanish philosopher Gasset.

"What Is Philosophy?" by José Ortega y Gasset explores the nature and purpose of philosophy itself, rather than delving into traditional philosophical problems. Delivered in the form of lectures in 1928 and 1929, Ortega critiques the decline in philosophy's prestige during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily due to the dominance of physics. He argues that philosophy offers a holistic view of reality that individual sciences cannot provide, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all existence.
Ortega posits that the essence of philosophy lies in understanding life, defined as the fundamental reality, which encompasses both the conscious self and the external world. He introduces a unique framework where thought and the world are mutually dependent, suggesting that one's existence and perception are intrinsically linked. The work also addresses the complex interplay of self-knowledge, freedom, and time, portraying life as a continuous process shaped by choices and future aspirations. This text is significant not only philosophically but also as a cultural milestone in 20th-century Spanish thought, merging various philosophical traditions and offering a fresh perspective on the human condition.

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.