Big questions: Paideia board member Lindsay Dawson addresses Geelong’s Philosophy Cafe.
By John Van Klaveren
Everyone has an opinion – just ask them.
Whether it holds up under scrutiny, debate and discussion is another matter.
One way to find out is to join the chatty folks at Philosophy Cafe, where small talk becomes big.
Not-for-profit organisation Paideia Australian runs the monthly evening specifically to organise interesting and challenging speakers.
Co-chairperson Therese van Wegen said the sessions at The Barking Dog provided lively discussion with questions, opinions and answers on contemporary issues.
“We introduced pub philosophy to the people of Geelong,” Therese said.
Geelong’s first Philosophy Cafe attracted 50 people from all walks of life with differing interests, she said.
“But they had one thing in common: an interest in discussing those issues that affect everyday life from philosophical perspectives.”
Therese said considering the world, life and individuals’ responses to it formed the basis of Philosophy Cafe discussions.
“They’re worldviews that help define the nature of the world, the individual’s place in it and its possible relationships,” she explained.
“That is of course the short version, as patrons of Philosophy Cafe will attest.
“We cover a diversity of topics from Greek tragedy to the ethics of euthanasia.” Therese said the café’s speakers were drawn from both academia and the general community.
“Deakin University was impressed with the project’s worth and committed some funding to support it.”
Therese said the initial Philosophy Cafe was so successful it led to other philosophical ventures such as Fun and Philosophy Weekends and Philosophy and Art.
Paideia Australia now offers a diversity of programs covering many aspects of life long learning, she said.
Reading groups and film nights and facilitated dialogues became part of the program.
Paideia is still affiliated with Deakin and other educational institutions supporting learning in the community.
Paideia operates on a subscriptions basis, offering internet access to all recordings of archived Philosophy Cafe speakers.
More information is available at paideiaaustralia.org.au or by phoning 5272 1214.
