Cafe Philo in New York City in two weeks, Thursday, 12/1: How long can Cafe Philo go on?

(Please note the new time: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM!!)

 

Cafe Philo in New York City will meet in two weeks, on Thursday, December 1, 2011 for a discussion of the topic "How long can Cafe Philo go on?" It will be good to have a soul-searching discussion of what Café Philo is all about, what it hopes to achieve, and how it relates to the modern world, among other things. Bernard suggested the topic.

 

The suggested topics for the upcoming meeting and their votes (out of 7 attendees):

1. Is Zuccotti Park a good thing? (2)
2. Does the fact that the sun will rise tomorrow assure that it will rise in the future? (3, 2)
3. Does determinism entail predestination? (2)
4. Why is it important to say what you mean? (3, 3)
5. How long can Cafe Philo go on? (3, 4) *
6. Would dueling be beneficial to society? (2)
7. Implications of overuse of the word "like." (2)
8. Can war be a good thing? (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 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 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