Basic Format
As indicated in the Introduction, a Philosophy Café is intended primarily for the amateur philosopher. Meetings are therefore open to all, there is no charge for admission and there is no obligation to buy food or drink at the café in which the event takes place.
Professional philosophers are, however, very welcome – and, indeed, will frequently be invited to introduce our discussions. They will, however, be expected to accept:
- that they will need to speak to the rest of us in language we can understand(!)
- that they will not necessarily be able to assume any previous knowledge of the subject under discussion on the part of other members of the group
- that, in introducing the discussion, they will need to say what they have to say in much less time than the standard one hour for an academic lecture or paper (i.e in 20-25 minutes at the outside). (But see also 'Future Developments')
The discussion will therefore be expected to proceed on the basis of such material as is provided at the meeting – whether by way of introductory remarks or otherwise (e.g. handouts) – supplemented by the collective knowledge and experience that members bring to the group, guided “by the pure light of reason”!
Everyone is welcome to contribute to the discussion, and, if numbers permit, or require, after the initial period of introduction, followed by questions and answers, the group may split into smaller groups to increase the opportunities for individual contributions, before re-assembling in plenary session before the end.
Meetings will typically start at about 7.30.p.m. end at about 9.00.
Location
Most meetings have been held so far at the Taliesin Arts Centre on the Singleton campus of the University of Swansea (see map above). However, as from January 2012, we are proposing to avail ourselves also of the hospitality of the Metropolitan University of Swansea, and meet in the Staff Dining Room on their Townhill Campus during term time, whilst continuing to meet in the Taliesin Arts Centre in Singleton Park during university vacations.
Food is served in the Taliesin Café until 7.0 p.m. Drinks are available until about 9.0. At the Metropolitan University, food and drink is normally available throughout the evening.
Professional philosophers are, however, very welcome – and, indeed, will frequently be invited to introduce our discussions. They will, however, be expected to accept:
- that they will need to speak to the rest of us in language we can understand(!)
- that they will not necessarily be able to assume any previous knowledge of the subject under discussion on the part of other members of the group
- that, in introducing the discussion, they will need to say what they have to say in much less time than the standard one hour for an academic lecture or paper (i.e in 20-25 minutes at the outside). (But see also 'Future Developments')
The discussion will therefore be expected to proceed on the basis of such material as is provided at the meeting – whether by way of introductory remarks or otherwise (e.g. handouts) – supplemented by the collective knowledge and experience that members bring to the group, guided “by the pure light of reason”!
Everyone is welcome to contribute to the discussion, and, if numbers permit, or require, after the initial period of introduction, followed by questions and answers, the group may split into smaller groups to increase the opportunities for individual contributions, before re-assembling in plenary session before the end.
Meetings will typically start at about 7.30.p.m. end at about 9.00.
Location
Most meetings have been held so far at the Taliesin Arts Centre on the Singleton campus of the University of Swansea (see map above). However, as from January 2012, we are proposing to avail ourselves also of the hospitality of the Metropolitan University of Swansea, and meet in the Staff Dining Room on their Townhill Campus during term time, whilst continuing to meet in the Taliesin Arts Centre in Singleton Park during university vacations.
Food is served in the Taliesin Café until 7.0 p.m. Drinks are available until about 9.0. At the Metropolitan University, food and drink is normally available throughout the evening.