Philosophy Roundtable: Truth and the pragmatism tradition

Please join us this Sunday to discuss truth and the pragmatism tradition.

We will meet at the Captain Melville at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp.

The pragmatism tradition is a philosophical tradition originating in 1870s America that evaluates ideas, theories, and beliefs based on their practical consequences and real-world usefulness. It asserts that truth is not absolute but is an evolving tool for problem-solving, continuous adaptation, and effective action. Key thinkers involved include Pierce, James, Dewey, Rorty and Putnam.

Please note the new $5 mandatory donation entry fee (cash or transfer on day) to help with MeetUp subscription costs, venue costs, etc.
There is no pre-requisite preparation necessary, nor a philosophical background, all that is required is a curious mind.

These discussions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and lively metaphysical dojo, in the spirit of learning and friendly debate, so please feel free to challenge assumptions and be prepared to have your own assumptions challenged.

This event is also posted to the Philosophy Circle group.

Topic questions below, however please note these are open sessions not strict to the below:

• 1. When you say something is "true," what are you actually claiming about it?
  2. How do you decide whether something is true — in practice, not in theory?
  3. Could a belief be true if it made no difference to anything — nothing you'd ever see, do, or expect?
  4. Is a useful belief that turns out to be false worth less than a true belief that's completely useless?
  5. Is there any difference between "true" and "what everyone would end up agreeing on if we investigated as thoroughly as humanly possible"?
  6. When science tells us something is true, is it uncovering the world as it really is — or building tools that work well enough for now?
  7. Can any description of the world be completely neutral — free of all judgment about what matters?
  8. If most of your deepest beliefs are products of where and when you happened to be born, does that make them less trustworthy?

Hope to see you there!