Philosophy

Why should anyone study philosophy, loosely translated from the Greek as ‘love of wisdom’? Mankind has been doing so for millennia, most famously from recorded writings of ancient Greeks almost a thousand years BC. Some say that thinking is the highest form of activity of which the human brain is capable – but, and it is a big ‘but’, depending on the nature, quality and intention of our thoughts. Philosophy began by studying the question ‘What can we know?’, leading almost inevitably into the questions ‘What is the good?’ and ‘How should 1 live?’.

At the present time we are using The Philosophers' Handbook, a compilation of the writings of philosophers through the ages up to modem times, divided into sections on religion, politics, art and culture, science etc. Famous names include Aristotle, Nietzsche, Hegel, Descartes, Poincaré and many more.

Sometimes a volunteer member leads a discussion on the relevant chapter, and sometimes the group co-ordinator does so. Everyone is welcome to join in if they wish; this is an open and friendly group in which newcomers are welcome.

4th Tuesday at 2.30pm