Philosophy Café

Held online via Zoom. Facilitated by Peter Whitfield

Next Café - Friday 17 May -  7pm Sydney time & 7pm UK time.

Register to take part.

A weekly get together of like minded people, who want to engage or recharge their interest in the practical benefits of studying philosophy.

Free drop-in sessions on Zoom, no need to attend every week. You will need to register, please click here to register. 

  • Weekly topics taken from the philosophy courses with a focus on Practical Philosophy, and what works in ‘my’ life.

  • Breakout rooms are allocated to allow time to meet and discuss ideas in smaller groups

  • Participants are encouraged neither to accept nor reject ideas, but to keep an open mind to discover what might be useful. 

  • We will use the four principles of platonic dialogue.
  • Next session

Platonic dialogue

  1. Truth is the goal
  2. Be willing to be refuted
  3. Listen with full attention; give space to the other person, don’t monopolize the stage – everyone’s voice is important
  4. Ask questions
Peter Whitfield

Peter Whitfield has been teaching the introductory courses in Philosophy for over 30 years. His love of great stories and belief in an eternal wisdom that provides practical help to live life fully, truly and happily has helped thousands of students.

The Introductory Philosophy course has transformed so many lives and the Philosophy Café  is an opportunity for anyone, current students, past students, family or friends to come along and be inspired. 

With Peter’s facilitation, the Friday night Philosophy café promises to be a new, flourishing event. Come along, be a participant and Find Yourself, in good company.

Friday 17 May 2024

We go to the movies- with Peter Whitfield - 7pm Sydney time (10am UK time)

 

The Churning of the Ocean - Finding bliss in a changing world - with Warwick Jessup - 7pm UK time

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7PM Sydney – We go to the movies



"Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport." Richard Curtis, opening lines of Love Actually

 

You may have heard me reference this movie scene as a beautiful example of the joy of not wanting anything. The moment that the loved one is met, all wants, stresses, desires, anger, jealousy, and fears disappear. Buddha’s second Noble Truth states that all suffering is caused by the clinging of the mind. He then says, no clinging means no suffering. Is this a demonstration of what the Buddha was saying? What makes the scene so powerful?

 

Do you have an especially memorable or favourite movie scene? Why is it your favourite? Could it be that a particular movie tells you a little about yourself? Does it relate to your given potential, your talents, and even your heart's treasure?

 

This Friday we will look at some great movie and TV scenes. You might like to reflect on what your favourite movie or TV scene is and consider how it relates to your philosophical journey. Does it give a clue to who or what you are?

 

7PM London - 'The Churning of the Ocean' - Finding bliss in a changing world

 

We are always thrilled to have Warwick, one of our master presenters, share his wisdom and insights on all things Veda and Sanskrit. He will explore an ancient story from the Sanskrit tradition which teaches how to discover bliss amidst the challenges of life.

I know it’s a Friday 4 AM for the antipodeans, but if you snooze, you lose. It will be worth setting the alarm.

 

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