Cafe Philo in New York City in two weeks, Thursday, 5/19: Free market economy vs. socialism

Cafe Philo in New York City will meet in two weeks, on Thursday, May 19, 2011 for a discussion on the topic of "Free market economy vs. socialism."

 

The suggested topics for the upcoming meeting and their votes (out of 9 attendees):

1. Are there limits to rationalization? (2)
2. Where do we go from here? (4)
3. What makes a good generalization? (5, 4)
4. Preconceived notion vs. experience. (3)
5. Is consumption the new meaning of life? (5, 4)
6. How can judgment account for ambiguity? (4)
7. What is recognition? (2)
8. Free market economy vs. socialism. (5, 6) *
9. How much free market, how much socialism? (4)
10. Can education avoid the influence of capitalism? (5, 4)
11. The myth of the news media and us knowing local events. (2)

I have been acting as guest moderator lately. Bernard Roy has been attending as a participant.

 

As usual, the meeting will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the back room at Bamiyan Afghan Restaurant at the northwest corner of Third Avenue and 26th Street in New York City. In exchange for free meeting space, it is expected that each attendee will purchase a minimum of $5 of food or drink. A glass of red wine can be had for $6 (plus tax and tip.)

 

After winding down our discussion, we entertain and vote on proposals for the topic question for the next meeting.

 

There are also usually some attendees who go across the street to McCormack's Pub for drinks and food and extended discussion after Cafe Philo, but not limited to the scheduled discussion topic.

 

There are a number of small groups in the U.S. and Europe who meet regularly to discuss topics related to philosophy. Some of these groups go by the name "Cafe Philo." There is one here in New York City that meets every two weeks, every other Thursday. It is organized and moderated by Bernard Roy, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Ramapo College of New Jersey. Each meeting focuses on a specific topic which was suggested and voted on by the participants at the last meeting.

 

-- Jack Krupansky