Description
Introducing the tutor: My interest in philosophy was born out of the change in life, called retirement, several years ago, when I was keen to try anything that was not engineering or science. I enjoyed the novel experience of listening to other people’s thoughts and opinions and discovering the interrelationship of history and philosophical ideas. I fell into the “tutor’s” position because no-one else wanted the job and I was keen to explore the vast range of subjects which have a philosophical dimension. Fortunately no qualifications or experience are necessary (and sometimes a hindrance) as the focus is not on learning facts but on thinking. My job is just as a facilitator. I feel that novelty and variety are vital to life, so we jump around from week to week to keep everyone awake. What I find most satisfying is when someone (mostly me) says “I had never really thought about that before” or “having looked into it I have changed my opinion”. I look forward to sitting around each week with a group pf people who value patience and tolerance and who would never say “I don’t want to talk about that”!
jean beck (verified owner) –
great group
bpasottiҘ –
There have been plenty of ins and outs this term with several members departing for other pastures and being replaced by some new thinkers and talkers. Obviously, it’s always good to welcome new faces with new ideas and a fresh approach to topics of interest. Sometimes we delve into some pretty heavy stuff and other times we release the pressure valve a bit with some light-hearted banter. Unlike many of the great philosophers we often introduce humour into our contributions. Historically, philosophers have not been known for becoming uproariously amused about life.
During the past few weeks we have become less of a circle and more of a semi-circle as our tutor, Brian, has required us to face the screen to view details about the lives and philosophies of Aristotle, Plato and Socrates. For the uninitiated, they were three blokes who lived a long time ago and had a bit to say about specific topics and life in general. We have also dabbled in Zeno of Citium, Cleanthes, a range of types of Ethics and Virtue/Morality, as well as Logic, Spirit and Appetite. If this has whetted your appetite for lively debate, you might consider joining the fray.
Peter (2025 semester 1)