Sydney’s Philosophy in the Café - Philo Agora.

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

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.

This Tuesday, October 6, Joffre Balce on "Markets? What Markets? When Philosophy Truly Meets Agora."

Joffre is an economist who has worked in both developed & developing economies.  His obtained a Bachelor of Arts at the Ateneo de Manila University. He has lectured on the history of economic thought at the University of Asia & the Pacific, where he earned a Master of Science in Industrial Economics.  He is currently working on his PhD in Law at the University of New South Wales.

The talk will provide a philosophical treatment of economics by returning to its very foundations. Who produces what; for whom? Why should commodities be traded and valued as they are? Where is that "free market" that everyone is talking about, how does it work & when is it going to make poverty history as its advocates claim it would? If we don't like the way the world economy is run, how can philosophers begin to participate in building a new market economy?
 
As an aside, Peter Bowden, Philo Agora convenor, will be giving a talk on, "The New Atheists - A Near-Total Failure?" 6 pm, 11th October, at the Clarendon Hotel,156 Devonshire Street, Surrey Hills.

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.

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 Tuesday night.

Regards,

Sam, Hazel, Cara and Peter.