Philosophy
Group Leader: David Peachey
Where: Clacton
1st Monday at 2.30 pm
It is not easy to say what philosophy is. Dictionary definitions are all very well but they fail to stress that philosophy is essentially an activity; one discovers what philosophy is by doing it.
Basically philosophers attempt to use logical argument to explore all aspects of human experience and endeavour. Questioning is a vital part of philosophy. Nothing is taken for granted. Philosophical questioning offers fascinating insights into ourselves, the world around us, how we live together, how we choose right from wrong and the nature of our basic beliefs and prejudices.
The word "philosophy" is derived from the Greek (philos-lover and sophia-wisdom). However it does not follow that one needs to be wise to philosophise or that wisdom will necessarily be acquired.
All this probably appears to be desperately serious but our meetings are always most friendly and certainly not without humour.
We are currently studying the historical development of philosophical ideas. This study shows us how fundamental questions have been approached during the course of social, political and economic changes.
Previous knowledge or experience in philosophy is not essential to become a group member.