Hello Philo Agorans,

This Tuesday, July 8 at 7:30 Kees Bakhuzen will discuss Montaigne’s essay: To study philosophy is to learn how to die.

Since the dawn of mankind the unavoidable truth of our mortality has been an essential topic in all philosophies and religions and as such in art in all its diversity. How to deal with this truth? Which is the best way to face the fact that our life will end one day? Do we give in with full force to all the pleasures life has to offer or do we choose to dedicate our life to contemplation in an effort to overcome the unavoidable end by making our enemy into our friend? Obviously a balance of both is the most logical answer, but how do we decide what is the right balance?

 
Echoing Cicero's famous saying that 'to philosophize is to learn how to die', French 16th century philosopher Michel de Montaigne dedicated one of his most famous, interesting and beautiful Essays to exactly this topic, by using Cicero's quote as its title. Kees Bakhuyzen takes a closer look at what Montaigne tries to tell the reader in this essay by placing it in a wider context. Don't expect a perfect answer; the joy in thinking about and discussing this subject lies in the search for that perfect answer itself.

After studying languages at the University of Amsterdam, Kees was a teacher and journalist for twelve years before moving to Sydney in 2002. He is currently looking for ways to get back into journalism.

Our fortnightly exchange of ideas on the issues facing ourselves and our world within a philosophical format. We meet at the Fair Trade Coffee Company, 33 Glebe Point Road, at 7:30 on alternate Tuesdays. The charge is $6 per attendee, this will entitle you to a free coffee or tea. Many of us come early from 6 to enjoy a meal and some conversation before the start of the talk.

We generally have a talk of 20 minutes relating to a philosopher, philosophy or philosophical theme. The Chair will take a few specific questions on the talk. Then a 10 minute break. The Chair then invites responses to the talk to a maximum of 3 minutes. The meeting closes with the Speaker having the last word.

Our program can be found on our website at www.philoagora.com , 

Regards,

Sam Alexander
Joint Convenor.