We are delighted to welcome guest speaker François Hallac, who will give a short talk on Spinoza’s pantheism. The talk will provide a starting point for a broader, open discussion of pantheism during the meeting.
Spinoza invites us to rethink everything by identifying God with Nature: a single infinite Substance whose attributes—thought and extension—shape all that exists. Human beings are modes of this vast unity, our minds and bodies expressions of the same divine order. To live well is to actualise our essence through understanding our desires, for joy is the fruit of clarity.
Like Descartes, Spinoza seeks clear and distinct ideas, yet he rejects dualism and embraces determinism: nothing is contingent, only misunderstood. Freedom arises when reason aligns us with Nature itself. In this union, the philosopher discovers genuine happiness and a profound sense of belonging to the whole.
No prior expertise is required—curiosity and a willingness to think together are enough.
Early bird tickets at £3 will be available until Mon March 9
Where: Downstairs room, Square Pig, Holborn (private room)
NB: The event begins at 7pm, doors open at 6:50pm. Event ends at 9pm
Format: 10-minute intro talk → vote on questions → small-group discussion → share insights with the whole room
Keep in touch: Join our Philosophy Café Discord to continue the conversation anytime → https://discord.gg/UGxBqJXM
