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”!
bpasottiҘ –
2022: We started the term with Sex and Sin. But only talking about them. Are they the same thing? What is the link between sex and love? Or is it more often an expression of power?
We then spent time talking about Time. Does time actually exist or is it just a human construct and would it exist without humans to observe it? Is it subjective?
We then came together to discuss Unity. Should we be united politically or socially? Is nationalism a good or bad concept? Will the United Nations ever work?
Finally, we discussed the Vienna Circle. A group of philosophers who met in coffee shops in (you guessed it) Vienna and whose theories had a great influence, particularly in the 1920s and 1930s, but also up to the present day.
bpasottiҘ –
2023: The Philosophy Circle started the first term discussing our personal philosophy. Do we have a purpose to fulfil, or do we make this up ourselves? Does Monty Python’s ‘The Meaning of Life’ give the complete answer?
Stoicism was next – the ancient philosophy that has had an explosion of interest in the last few years. We discussed some of the helpful stoic ideas, as well as Nietzsche’s objections to stoicism.
Irrationality followed as the next topic. Is it rational to be irrational? Is there a connection between irrationality and creativity? Is it irrational to be too emotional, as Sartre thought? Is it realistic to separate our rational and emotional sides, as Mr Spock supposedly could?
Lastly, we got into drugs. But only talking about them! Their effects, which should be controlled and how? Everyday addictive substances were included plus other addictions such as gambling and whether they should be advertised.
As usual, with all these questions we agreed to disagree.
David
bpasottiҘ –
2025: 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)
bpasottiҘ –
The Thursday morning Philosophy Circle, led by Brian Jones, had lively discussions on a wide range of subjects in 2025, most of them connected with philosophy.
Many were centred on the question ‘What does living a good life mean?’ Does it mean as the Hedonists believed that the most important pursuit in life is pleasure? Or as Confucious thought that it is our relationship with other people, particularly family, friends and colleagues? If that is so, has the internet and social media improved these relationships or diminished them?
Some of the other questions we debated were:
Are good manners and etiquette still important or are they outdated? Is it better to be a pessimist, rather than an optimist? Why do we fear death? Why are some people cruel? Are you the same person you were twenty years ago, and if not, can you be held accountable for the things you did then? Why do superstitions still exist in the modern world?
We also talked about female philosophers and the rise of feminism, and the existentialists’ belief that everyone should decide their own moral code.
All discussions were conducted in a relaxed and friendly way with everyone contributing if and when they wanted to.
We look forward to similar interesting discussions in 2026.
David 2025