Sydney’s Philosophy in the Café - Philo Agora

The first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm, at the Lastdrop Café at 538 Marrickville Road, Dulwich Hill.

On July 5th, Barry Rafe will discuss Richard Rorty and his philosophy of social hope.

Barry Rafe is a 'mature age' full time  postgraduate student in philosophy at the University of Sydney. He is taking a sabbatical from his professional career as an actuary and management consultant. Barry's research is focused around the question of moral progress and how modern liberal societies conceive of freedom and equality and assess the progressive essence of moral debates.

Barry will explain key aspects of Rorty's pragmatic philosophy and illustrate, through some contemporary moral debates, how we, as individuals, can identify with very different views of the 'good' and drive to a better world for our great grandchildren. 

Richard Rorty has been described as one of the 20th century's greatest thinkers. Rorty turned his back on traditional 'foundationalist' philosophy and developed his own brand of philosophical pragmatism. He is more interested in the future than of the past and therefore has strong views about how society should be organised to "make our institutions and practices more just and less cruel". Rorty does not want to deal with abstractions; he is a philosopher of action and he wants a positive vision of philosophy where the philosopher is the cultural warrior. Rorty offers a philosophy of social hope that is both empowering and accessible.

The following month on August 2th, Peter Bowden on Existentialism.

Drawing on Kierkegaard, Camus, Sartre and many others, Peter Bowden examines the underpinnings to this philosophy, in asking the question on what is behind our existence.

Philo Agora's format is a talk for 20 minutes starting at 7:15 for 7:30. The presenter then answers any questions of clarification from the floor. We then take a break of 10 minutes for more coffee and to mull over the talk and discuss it within small groups. The microphone is then passed around the audience for comment, opinion, and often counter argument to a maximum of 3 minutes. The presenter is then given a 5 minute right of reply. We usually finish up at 9pm. The cover charge is now $8 for the talk which includes your first cup of coffee or tea.

Come early from 6:30pm and join the regulars in a bite to eat before the presentation. Details on how to get to the café are on the website  http://www.lastdropcafe.com.au/

We look forward to your attendance and participation.

Kind regards,

Hazel, Sam & Peter.