Sydney’s Philosophy in the Café - Philo Agora.

Every Second Tuesday at 7:30 pm at the Fair Trade Coffee Company, 33 Glebe Point Road, Glebe.

This Tuesday, June 30, Abhijit Pal on Suicide, Literature and Philosophy - To Be or Not to Be?

Abhijit is currently a student in medicine who graduated with a first class honours degree in neuroscience from the University of Sydney and has the intention of doing research in psychiatry.  He's also President of the Russellian Society (philosophy society) at the University of Sydney. 

Suicide is a popular theme in both literature (eg. Shakespeare) and philosophy (Camus referred to it as the only truly serious philosophical problem).  In the increasing awareness of mental health issues, why have both fields been largely absent from discourse on suicide? Current attitudes are based on the medical model of suicide, as a pathological state in need of treatment (antidepressants and CBT).  What are the reasons for this absence and what is to be done?

Our format is a talk relating to a philosopher, philosophy or philosophical theme, for 20 minutes. The presenter then answers any questions of clarification from the floor. We then take a break of 10 minutes for more coffees and to mull over the talk and discuss it within small groups. The microphone is then passed around the audience in turn for comment, opinions, and often counter argument to a maximum of 3 minutes. The presenter is then given a 5 minute right of reply.

Come early from 6pm and join the regulars in a meal before the presentation. Philo Agora's home is the Fair Trade Coffee Company at 33 Glebe Point Road.  This is a coffee house with its own particular ambience offering specialty fairtrade coffee and a relaxing spot to sit around and talk with new friends, both before and after the Philo Agora talks.  It is located close to the Parramatta Road and can be easily reached by public transport.  Take advantage of the free, three hour parking in the Broadway shopping complex.

We look forward to seeing you on the night.

Regards,

Sam, Cara, Hazel and Peter.