Obligation, Power, Self, Meaning, and Moral Order

Recently we considered the moral architecture of commitment, power, self, and value across human and historical dimensions. Theories of promises treated obligation as a structure of trust and voluntary binding, while intergenerational justice extended moral concern beyond the present. Analyses of domination examined how freedom is compromised by arbitrary power, and egoism probed the tension between moral duty and self-interest. Well-being asked what makes a life go well; ideology exposed how belief systems reinforce or resist power; the philosophy of music traced aesthetic order and meaning; Searle and Mulgan together asked how facts and futures reveal purpose. We also listened to Mozart and piano in the park.

Each of us has his or her own philosophical history and journey, and during these walks, we introduce each other to our recent questions and reflections. There is no assigned reading, no required text. Bring your own recommendations, or see what has been recommended by others before. In this dropbox folder you'll find texts and videos that have been discussed on previous occasions. You'll also find a list of recommended texts, if you are new to philosophy.

We gather at Flywheel Coffee, near Stanyan and Page. At 11:15am we begin a hike through Golden Gate Park and return to Flywheel by 1:00pm. During the walk, we'll discuss your philosophical topics, whatever they may be.