About Us

Meeting on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 7 pm at James Joyce Bistro, 1175C Douglas Street (corner of Douglas and View), the Philosophers Cafe in Victoria is one of numerous meetings in British Columbia where people from all backgrounds come together to share their unique differing values and beliefs in an atmosphere of respectful conversation. Return to this site to find additional locations in Victoria.

The sincere reflective statement (e.g. "What I hear you saying is....") is the fundamental communication tool used in Philosophers Cafe Victoria to convey understanding of a differing view before presenting one's own view, especially when the other's view seems unclear to you or is expressed passionately. The format is open free-flowing, organic discussion without structure. The primary role of the Moderator is to stimulate thought and offer frequent reflections of what participants are saying.

History

The original Philosophers Cafe was founded by philosopher Marc Sautet in the Place de la Batille neighborhood at the Café des Phares on December 13, 1992. The intent was and is to return the discussion of philosophy to the general public, emancipated from the academic scholarly environment.

The Philosophers Cafe in BC, now with over 22 locations, gained impetus from Yosef Wosk of Simon Fraser University. For more about our history and other information visit Ihttp://www.sfu.ca/philosopherscafe/about.htm

In Victoria, Michael Picard made a significant contribution to our existence for 12 years with weekly meetings. (His book is in our bookstore here.) Daniel Keeran, the current moderator, takes the approach of encouraging the use of reflective listening and a free flow of interaction among participants and with every effort to avoid injecting his own philosophy.

Participant testimonial

"The Philosophers Cafe is a wonderful way to engage others in meaningful discussion on fundamental issues of human existence and meaning, and all within an environment of safety, acceptance, and understanding rather than agreement."

Here is a review of the topic for the upcoming Philosophers' Cafe.

(Don't forget to visit our bookstore and suggest titles. Click here.)

In the spirit of the first Philosophers Cafe, the topic for our next discussion on Feb 22 (Wed.) will be in self-guided small groups:

Wednesday, 7-8:30 pm at the James Joyce Bistro (1175c Douglas at the corner of View and Douglas)

Topic for Feb 22: Philosophy of Abstract Reality
Remember that this Philosophers Cafe will be in self-guided small groups.
In the self-guided non-directed format, the topic is discussed by those present in small groups of 4 to 10 people observing the rule of respectful conversation.
at the James Joyce Bistro, 7-8:30 pm.
Topic: Philosophy of Abstract Reality
"The most important things cannot be physically observed."

Thought Questions:
1. What is abstract?
2. Does abstract reality exist?
3. If something is only true for you, is it true?
4. Does any truth exist apart from human knowledge or assent?
5. If only scientifically observed things exist, what about compassion?
6. Some say the things that matter most in a relationship are things that cannot be seen.
7. Define a person or relationship that has real "depth" or substance.
8. What makes a person "great"?
9. What is true beauty?

All philosophical inquiry relates to the following fundamental question and its derivatives:

What are your philosophical assumptions?

Philosophy challenges and questions foundational values and assumptions. Everyone has formulated assumptions.

Regardless of the topic or principle being discussed, it is possible to identify fundamental assumptions which may form

an ascending or descending hierarchy of related ideas.

Assessment of Philosophical Assumptions

True or False?

1. Awareness of Human Life

My self-awareness exists and is known by my thoughts, emotions, senses.

The self-awareness of other humans exists, and they also have thoughts, emotions, and senses.

2. Value of Human Life

My value as a human exists.

The value of other humans exists.

My value as a human is greater than the value of other life forms.

All humans possess equal value because they are human (intrinsic value).

Humans possess different value depending on their attributes: intelligence, abilities, age, etc. (practical value).

3. Meaning of Human Life

My life has purpose or meaning.

The lives of other humans have a meaning or purpose.

Human life has a meaning or purpose in itself (intrinsic meaning).

4. Value of Human Behaviour

Some of my behaviour has the value of right or wrong depending upon whether or not it supports the value of my life and the life of others.

Some human behaviour has the value of right or wrong in itself (intrinsic morality).

Our usual format is that the moderator provides a brief introduction followed by an invitation for everyone to contribute their thoughts.

In the self-guided non-directed format, the topic is discussed by those present in small groups of 4 to 10 people observing the rule of respectful conversation.

Where? James Joyce Bistro (corner of View and Douglas in Victoria)

When? 7-8:30 pm

To get regular notices of topics and meeting times, don't forget to sign up as a member at http://www.meetup.com/philosopherscafevictoria

Philosophers' Cafe Victoria

a meeting of minds in respectful conversation