Sydney’s Philosophy in the Café - Philo Agora.

A fortnightly exchange of ideas on the issues facing ourselves and our world within a philosophical format. A talk relating to a philosopher, philosophy or philosophical theme.

We meet at the Fair Trade Coffee Company, 33 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, at 7.30pm on alternate Tuesdays.

With regard to our venue, the cafe has been entered in the City of Sydney Business Awards 09. To vote, SMS, FAIR33 to 0407 877 677. Let's all give something back to Roger and his staff for hosting us this past 3 years!

This Tuesday, August 11, John Furedy discusses "Free Speech and the Issue of Academic Freedom - Is the Canadian velvet totalitarian disease coming to Australian campuses?"

John J. Furedy, Ph.D.is Emeritus Professor of Psychology, University of Toronto with cross appointments at Ege University, Turkey; Bar-Ilan and Haifa Universities, Israel.

John will argue, with detailed reference to Canadian universities and some preliminary comments regarding Australian campuses, that free speech is being stifled. That features of totalitarian regimes have appeared on Canadian campuses, and may appear on Australian ones:  uninterpretable laws; pseudo experts; status-defined ethics; fear of engaging in public discussion on controversial issues; demonization of dissidents.  The suppression is taking place on issues that are regarded as racist, sexist or otherwise socially unacceptable or uncomfortable.

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.

Philo Agora's format is a talk 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. We usually finish up at 9pm.

We look forward to seeing you on Tueasday night.

Regards,

Peter, Sam, Cara and Hazel.