The Analytic Salon 7

WE ARE BACK, FOLKS!

The SEVENTH session of the Analytic Salon is coming up. Our topic this time: decision theory — or, roughly, the philosophical study of what on earth you should be doing.

This time, our speaker will be Columbia professor of philosophy Melissa Fusco!

In our fifth session, a few months ago, we failed to settle the question of free will. We are moving on anyway. We will assume we are free and can choose between options.

But how?

Are there always laws of rationality that can give us a best answer when we are faced with life's choices? Are there such laws at least some times? Or is rational choice a pipe dream and we are doomed to have far less authorship over our life than we think?

We will examine two specific puzzles: Newcomb's dilemma and the Sleeping Beauty paradox.

Newcomb's dilemma genuinely divides philosophers and the general public, almost exactly evenly:

[https://www.theguardian.com/science/alexs-adventures-in-numberland/2016/nov/30/newcombs-problem-which-side-won-the-guardians-philosophy-poll](https://www.theguardian.com/science/alexs-adventures-in-numberland/2016/nov/30/newcombs-problem-which-side-won-the-guardians-philosophy-poll)

And sleeping beauty is keeping mathematicians awake...:

[https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-the-sleeping-beauty-problem-is-keeping-mathematicians-awake/](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-the-sleeping-beauty-problem-is-keeping-mathematicians-awake/)

As always: No prior philosophy knowledge required. We will define all terms. Just come, uhm, as yourself, and we hope this conversation will change you. We will have philosophers on site guiding us through the questions and through some influential theories.

We were struck last time by the intelligence and thoughtfulness of the attendees. We fully expect another smart, vivid discussion.

Daily life offers few chances for discussion on deep topics we actually all have thoughts about. This is a space dedicated to that. Come meet new people, make friends, and share your smartest thoughts in a low-stakes environment. This is not a class!

We will have refreshments (wine, cheese and crackers, fruit).

This event is 100% free. BUT --- our Center needs donations. Such donations can make sure the analytic salons keep running. Any and all amounts help. If you're so inclined, support us here (suggested donation of $5) --- it takes 30 seconds:

[https://www.givegab.com/campaigns/saul-kripke-center](https://www.givegab.com/campaigns/saul-kripke-center)

NOTE ON RSVP-ing: RSVP is *required*.

Our events fill up within hours and there is a significant waitlist. We can only accommodate about 30 people. If you are not reasonably confident you will attend, kindly put yourself on the waitlist/maybe-list and let someone else have the spot.

You can RSVP here on meetup (10 spots available)

OR

Partiful: [https://partiful.com/e/725iz1cixB9Rdjb5smSi?c=UzqNu6Fn](https://partiful.com/e/725iz1cixB9Rdjb5smSi?c=UzqNu6Fn)

OR

Google forms: [https://forms.gle/45xb6NGzyJQKGrLMA](https://forms.gle/45xb6NGzyJQKGrLMA)

----

FOR THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW US YET:

The Analytic Salon is a series of philosophy gatherings where we crack the code of analytic philosophy. What is it? What is it for? And what is it all about? This is your chance to come meet real philosophers. We don't require ANY knowledge of analytic philosophy: this is meant to be a fun mini-lecture event followed by vivid (and respectful) discussion for non-specialists with sharp and curious minds. Let's chat. We believe quite strongly in logic, truth, rationality as a key to conversation and to intellectual exploration.

Come hang with us! We believe in spreading the word of analytic philosophy beyond the ivory tower.

For more info, check out our website:

[https://analytic-salon-nyc.github.io/](https://analytic-salon-nyc.github.io/)

---

*The Analytic Salon is made possible by the Saul Kripke Center. Check out the work we do here:…