Cafe Philo in New York City in two weeks, Thursday, 1/26/2012: Can we assign meanings to one's life?

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

 

Café Philo New York City will meet in two weeks, on Thursday, January 26, 2012 to discuss the topic "Can we assign meanings to one's life?".

 

If you do wish to attend, please sign up on the Meetup page.

 

The suggested topics for the upcoming meeting and their votes (out of 6 attendees):

1. Can we assign meanings to one's life? (4) *
2. Does determinism entail predestination? (1)
3. Would dueling be amenable in a democratic society? (2)
4. How has photography changed the world? (3)
5. What is a system? (3)
6. Should we have referendums in a democratic society? (2)
7. Why is financial inequality so unpopular? (3)
8. Is democracy an illusion? (3)

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