Seattle Philosophy Club

The Mythology of S. Clay Wilson

From movies and video games to social media and academic writing, much of the content we engage with today is shaped, or even limited, by existing intellectual property (IP). Some argue that this has led to a creative drought, where new media often feels like a reboot, sequel, or adaptation of something we’ve seen before. Others point out that IP protections are essential for supporting creators and innovators.

We'll explore how intellectual property affects not only the media we consume, but also the ways we form relationships, express ourselves, and engage with culture. Is our sense of identity and community being shaped—or restricted—by who owns the rights to stories, characters, and ideas?

We’ll also touch on how these issues show up in academia, where originality is prized but the line between inspiration and plagiarism can be blurry. And we’ll ask how social media platforms, remix culture, and algorithm-driven content complicate the idea of creative ownership even further.

Some questions to ponder before the meeting:

Is there such a thing as a truly original idea in today’s media landscape?

How do corporate-owned stories affect the way we connect with others?

Who should “own” art—and for how long?

Does IP law protect creativity or limit it?

What would a world without intellectual property look like?

****

Symptom-free (of potentially contagious disease) people with the capacity to listen considerately to diverse viewpoints are invited to attend after successfully RSVPing.

We begin the discussion at 7:30 pm sharp in the mezzanine of the Graduate Hotel. Feel free to come up to 30 minutes early and hang out with us beforehand. After you come down the stairs we may be in either the main room on your left or in the conference room around the corner on your right.

AUDIO RECORDING (AR):
This meeting will be audio recorded for conversational dynamics analysis and testing purposes. This recording will not be made publically available.

OPENING ROUNDTABLE FORMAT (ORF):

1. The topic presenter begins the discussion by explaining why they are interested in the topic and some introductory thoughts on it.
2. Each participant in turn going clockwise from the presenter describes their general thoughts on the topic.
3. If one is not ready to speak they can just say “pass” and the next person speaks.
4. After we've gone around once anyone who passed will get a second chance to comment.
5. Once everyone has given opening remarks or passed twice, Opening Roundtable is completed and the meeting shifts into its main format.

TIMED DIRECTION FORMAT (TDRF>5):
If there are more than 5 people present we will use the format below.

1. We will divide up the timed direction discussion time by the number of participants plus one (for a buffer). A timer will be set for this amount of time.
2. Each participant in turn will become a Discussion Director and lead the group discussion.
3. If one is not ready to direct they dimply say “pass” and the next person becomes the Discussion Director.
4. Anyone who arrives after step 1 (above), may participate but will not get a turn as Discussion Director.
5. The Discussion Director can make statements or ask questions, or interrupt or redirect the discussion at their discretion.
6. The discussion participants can state their own opinions only when asked by the Discussion Director, not Interrupt others and accede to the Discussion Director’s interruptions or redirections.
7. When the timer goes off the person speaking finishes their thought and then the next participant clockwise becomes the next Discussion Director.
8. After we've gone around once anyone who passed will get a second chance to direct.

At the end of the meeting, participants will have an opportunity to vote on the topic and format for the following meeting.