Connecting people into Philosophy. All welcome. No previous philosophical experience needed.
What it is
Philosophy in the Park is a fun and friendly space for people to come together and have discussions that get deep. It’s a safe space where active creative thinking is encouraged and enjoyed, and where everyone can explore abstract concepts in a way that combines both sincerity and playfulness. Where the most important question is always - what do you think?
What is Philosophy?
Philosophy is about analysing concepts. It's thinking about thinking. It's not about empiricism or the physical world (eg Science and statistics). It's about abstractions, concepts and ideas (eg Identity, Morality, Mind and Truth).
How Philosophy in the Park Works
• Each hour begins with a group vote on which questions to discuss. You can vote for more than one question if you'd like.
• We then break out into groups, each focusing on one of the chosen questions. The question is just a starting point and it's cool if you go on tangents and end up talking about different things. You're welcome to join in and participate or if you'd prefer to sit back and enjoy the conversation, that’s also welcome.
• After an hour we regroup, take a quick break and then repeat all over again. So across the 3 hours, we’ll break out 3 times.
Where it is
We meet at Baroness Burdett Coutts Drinking Fountain in Victoria Park (East Park). It is marked down as "13" on the official maps found in the park.
Please feel free to bring snacks and drinks with you if you want.
After the event finishes most people stay and hang out. There’s a local supermarket to get drinks and snacks, or bring your own. You are very welcome to join us.
Guidelines
In order to make the conversations as fun, interesting and productive as possible please follow these simple guidelines:
1. Keep it Philosophical
(No Science, no History, no Sociology, no Evolutionary Psychology, no contestable facts, personal anecdotes etc).
2. Think for Yourself
(No phones, no looking up definitions, no name dropping Philosophers / books you've read).
3. Tangents are Cool
(Don't worry too much if the subject drifts and you don't answer the question).
4. Keep it Succinct
(Like this).
5. Be Excellent to Each Other
(But of course).
Please remember: It's not about debating and trying to win - it's about listening to people and working collaboratively to increase our collective understanding.
Community
Follow us on instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/londonphilosophycollective/](https://www.instagram.com/londonphilosophycollective/)
We have a WhatsApp group if you'd like to continue these conversations between meetings.
To join the Philosophy in the Park WhatsApp Group please click here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK)
In order to stop spam bots this will take you to a Waiting Room. Once in please write your name, answer the joining question and we will add you to the main chat.
Say Thanks
If you would like to help support Philosophy in the Park you can buy me a coffee here: [https://buymeacoffee.com/philosophyjoel](https://buymeacoffee.com/philosophyjoel)
