Cafe Philo in New York City this week, Thursday, 9/8: Is the world going to the dogs?

Cafe Philo in New York City will meet this week, on Thursday, September 8, 2011 for a discussion of the topic "Is the world going to the dogs?" This topic was originally scheduled for the prior meeting, but was postponed due to the lack of a quorum.

 

The suggested topics for the upcoming meeting and their votes (out of 5 attendees):

1. Does determinism entail predestination? (1)
2. Should we have dueling in a democratic society? (1)
3. What is the minimum schooling necessary for the proper functioning of democratic society? (1)
4. Should we have a universal draft? (3)
5. Is motherhood overrated or underrated? (3)
6. Is the world going to the dogs? (4) *
7. How do we decide how much money to decide to spend on social services? (3)

I have been acting as guest moderator lately. Bernard Roy has been attending as a participant, although he heads to France for the summer.

 

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