Philosophers Cafe

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Wednesday, July 14th, 2010
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Philosophers' Caf� is a series of gatherings featuring high level public conversation responding to the needs of a society under stress from unrelenting rapid change. Our singular focus has been the lifelong passion for the continuing search for meaning. We have facilitated a series of voluntary communities wherein participants learn for the sake of learning, where ideas are championed and camaraderie is subtly extolled.

We often have open-topic discussions. Here are the kinds of things we discuss:

1. Is there objective morality?
2. Do humans possess unique value?
3. Does human life have meaning?
4. Polygamy or monogamy?
5. Theism or atheism?
6. If no afterlife, then....
7. Objective non-tangible reality?
8. Is it necessary to believe something?
9. Does time exist?
10. Do other people exist?
11. What is spirituality?
12. What is love?
13. Is pacifism a good thing?
14. When does human life begin?
15. Secular sexuality?
16. Solutions for homelessness?
17. What is philosophy?
...and other topics suggested by participants

About Us
The Philosophers Cafe in Victoria is one of numerous meetings in British Columbia where people from all backgrounds come together to share their unique differing values and beliefs in an atmosphere of respectful conversation.

The sincere reflective statement (e.g. "What I hear you saying is....") is the fundamental communication tool used in Philosophers Cafe Victoria to convey understanding of a differing view before presenting one's own view, especially when the other's view seems unclear to you or is expressed passionately. The format is open free-flowing, organic discussion without structure. The primary role of the Moderator is to stimulate thought and offer frequent reflections of what participants are saying.

History
The original Philosophers Cafe was founded by philosopher Marc Sautet in the Place de la Batille neighborhood at the Caf� des Phares on December 13, 1992. The intent was and is to return the discussion of philosophy to the general public, emancipated from the academic scholarly environment.

The Philosophers Cafe in BC, now with over 22 locations, gained impetus from Yosef Wosk of Simon Fraser University. For more about our history and other information visit Ihttp://www.sfu.ca/philosopherscafe/about.htm

In Victoria, Michael Picard made a significant contribution to our existence for 12 years with weekly meetings. (His book is in our bookstore here.) Daniel Keeran, the current moderator, takes the approach of encouraging the use of reflective listening and a free flow of interaction among participants and with every effort to avoid injecting his own philosophy.

Participant testimonial
"The Philosophers Cafe is a wonderful way to engage others in meaningful discussion on fundamental issues of human existence and meaning, and all within an environment of safety, acceptance, and understanding rather than agreement."

To see a video about the Philosophers Cafe click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0sDGaBGJZI