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Please note that there will be no Philosophy Forum session on Sunday 19 February 2012. The sessions will resume on Sunday 26 February
If you have ever wondered why the world is as it is, you are already doing philosophy!
Philosophy asks the big questions and tackles the big issues: about how to treat one another, who we are, what kind of society we live in, and what we want most out of our lives.
Philosophy can’t provide all the answers, but it can give you the tools to think the questions through by yourselves. This group provides an accessible introduction to philosophy, drawing on the knowledge and life experience of those who attend.
After a short introductory talk you are encouraged to discuss the issues between yourselves, helped by students and teachers from Cambridge and other universities. All are welcome to attend these free sessions – no previous study of philosophy is required.
Dates: weekly each Sunday. (Please note that there will be no session on Sunday 19 February 2012)
Times: 4.00 to 6.00pm.
Where: a venue in Archway, N19, on 271 and 43 bus routes. Full details provided on registering.
Cost: Free
Contact us for further details and to register.
Notes from Previous Sessions
Click on the links below to view notes on previous sessions, prepared by the group leaders:
Session 1: 18 Sept 2011 – Introduction: Socrates & Plato
Session 2: 25 Sept 2011 – Plato’s The Meno
Session 3: 2 Oct 2011 - Crito and Politics
Session 4: 9 Oct 2011 – Political Obligation: Is There a Reason to Obey the Law?
Session 5: 16 Oct 2011 – The Ship of Theseus
Session 6: 6 November 2011 – Personal Identity: What Am I?
Session 7: 13 November 2011 – Scepticism: What Can We Know with Absolute Certainty?
Session 8: 27 November 2011 – Friedrich Nietzsche
Session 9: 4 December 2011 – Genetic Enhancement
Session 10: 8 January 2012 – The Moral Lives of Animals?
Session 11: 15 January 2012 – Philosophical Diversity
Session 12: 22 January 2012 – Perception and Knowledge of the World
Session 13: 29 January 2012 – Philosophy & Happiness
Session 14: 5 February 2012 – Plato & Art
Feedback from participants
Have the sessions lived up to your expectations?
“More than! The very word philosophy sounded scary – I didn’t think I’d be up to the discussions – but I’ve found it’s not too highbrow. I understand what philosophy is now.”
“Yes 100%”
“Definitely”
What have you most enjoyed about the sessions?
“The interactive quality”
“Discussions of the questions, the tutors, the whole thing!”
“The ability to debate and express myself”
“The teachers have been very good to teach and make it fun”
“The open discussions and opinions”
Other comments
“Intellectually stimulating and thought-provoking”
“I’m feeling in contact with things I’ve missed out on”
“Thank you for the opportunity”
Topics for discussion suggested by participants
Who Am I?
How do I decide what to do?
If philosophy discusses universal truths, why are there different philosophical systems? Why is Indian philosophy different from the philosophy we are discussing here?
Is there a role for philosophy in a contradictory world?
What can philosophy tell us about the mind? Is it just the brain?
Do computers have minds?
Do humans have souls?
Is the will free?
What is the purpose of life?
Do we choose our beliefs?
How do we decide what is right and wrong?
What is the best kind of political system?
How can we make society more equal?
Does anxiety underlie all unhappiness?
