The Philosophy Club is a space to share your viewpoints and those of the philosophers you may be studying, learn ideas   from different schools of thought, and be present as the discussion unfolds.  The discourse typically ranges from discussions to debate and new topic ideas are always welcome.  Please join us at any time, whether you've stopped by before, or are just curious about philosophy.
 

The philosophy club of Penn State Harrisburg now has a group on Angel.  Just stop by at a meeting or email an E-board member to be added.




PREVIOUS MEETINGS/EVENTS:


Spring 2012 Semester:

R 2/2/2012:  

The focus Thursday was on the philosophy of entertainment.  The discussion began with a fundamental questioning of whether entertainment has certain obligations of morality, and if so, are they being met.  Later, there was a look back at historical interpretations of entertainment and how their context has changed today.  A fundamental theme seemed to be that entertainment once focused on affirming social values and situations, while today it appears more consumer driven.  Unresolved, the topic will resume again on Thursday the 9th.

 

M 1/30/2012:  

The discussion on Monday was initiated by examining the current presidential primary.  From there participants began questioning 'what makes a good leader?'.  Morals, decision-making and culpability were the highlights.

 

R 1/26/2012: 

Income Inequality and class structure was the basis for the discussion.  The conversation then quickly narrowed to the concept of a shrinking middle class.  Discussion focused on the drivers, as well as potential fixes.  There was a lively debate regarding the primary causes of class mobility.  Also addressed was the subjective meaning of class structure, besides the obvious financial cohorts.

M 1/23/2012:

 

R 1/19/2012 SOPA and PIPA:

The discussion Thursday focused specifically on the bill SOPA, but this soon expanded to a general discussion on censorship vs copyright. In the end there was an enriching divergence of opinions and ideas.



Fall 2011 Semester:

R 12/1/2011 Conceptualization of the Spirit:
Spirituality can differ from religion. Though God is often seen as a source of spirituality in some form or another; there was an admission that there exists a spiritual sense to, of, in, or belonging to people apart from religion.

M 11/28/2011 The Great Debate:
Paul and MT debated over issues ranging from perception, meaning, and truth to science, progress, religion, and God, and various points were interjected throughout the debate.

R 11/17/2011 Ontology and Language:
Ontology is the study of the nature and meaning of being. Can we conceive of nothing? Can there be nothing? Must something exist somewhere? Most would say something exists, even if only in a solipsistic sense. Meaning and definitions are often tied to one another. For example, art and painting. Art and its maning are described by its purpose (aesthetic) or by the characteristics of things which define art. How can one truly know a painting without its context? How can art be described or defined without a class of things or some other idea that relates to it? Heideggar raises some interesting ontological questions as the nature of being requires using some form of being to explain the nature of being. The importance of being is that we use it all the time in the English language as every sentence has a subject and verb (a form of being or to be); verbs [especially as applies to linking, but may extend to others] define some kind of equivalence or comparison relation. Semiotics, sematics, and language were also discussed. Should we be politically correct? Who has the responsibility--the person speaking or the listener? Do contextual clues matter? What about the original use of the word which is likely no longer used? Some use derogatory words within one group of people, but when an outsider uses such a word, it is not okay. Why or why not is this an inconsistent allowance of words? Self-referenceing sets, Bertrand Russell, and Ludwig Wittgenstein were also mentioned with regard to their views on language--Russell's views on the problems in mathematics and language and Wittgenstein on his views about the purpose, though not so great function, of language.

M 11/14/2011 Obligation:
It seems many have opinions, feelings, and judgments about the scandal. The consensus seemed to feel that those who see such an incident have an obligation to respond on the spot, and call the police. What about those who hear secondhand? How far should a person go to make sure something is done? What happens when legality and practicality of what should happen does not work?

R 11/10/2011 Objective Truth:
Paul Bussard lead with the mention of being able to know beyond probablistic certainty the speed and position of a particle due to recent scientific developments that can be empirically verified. It can supposedly be verified by using a third observer which will have no affect on the system. Philosophically, logical positivism was long thought of as dead, and may be revived by such discoveries. Is there objective truth? More importantly, can we find and use it, and what does it mean to or for us? It was also mentioned that the rioters at University Park may have just been generally upset or angry at the corruption or cover-up.

Our hearts and minds go to the victims, we must be vigilant, but not afraid, and refuse to let a few bad apples spoil the rest. It is terrible for the person responsible, and a shame for those who covered up the truth and pushed it aside. We should not resort to violence for change, especially in as free a state as ours. Nonetheless, we are called to act! Peace from Penn-State Philosophy Club!

T 11/08/2011 Ethics--the Scandal:
The recent sex scandal of the assistant coach was upsetting to some, along with the cover-up. It was mentioned that some ethically and legally did the right thing by reporting the incident(s), but not the morally right thing since he did not follow up. It was noted that in an earlier incident a prosecutor goes missing in a case, which looks very suspicious. Apparently, a camp was also named after the individual . . ., but the question remains of why so many incidents continud for so many years. It is likely the case, that the person responsible has friends in high places as several people within the administration knew and as some of the police were involved.

M 11/07/2011 Sex (and Marriage):
Questions ranged from the morality and what should be done to the reality of why the divorce rate is so high. Are people marrying too young; are they unprepared for marriage; or is it just an expectation of marriage that cannot be met? Is it an outdated commitment that is so socially, culturally, and religiously repressive and unrealistic? Or perhaps some can commit, and others will not, (or will naturally cheat)? Is serial monogamy cheating if marriage is about strict commitment to one partner? Should sex be between a man and woman? Even governments and corporations might have a vested interest in preserving the social family structure/unit. There was a joke involving social the norm about two people who slept together and the guy asks if they are now boyfrend and girlfriend. Then the girl responds the relationship is not moving that fast!

R 11/03/2011 Human Rights or Intrinsic Value:
Intrinsic value was the key focus with human rights being an important and possibly-related idea, yet both might be independent of each other. Some seemed to think rights do not exist. Nonetheless, one cannot deny the practicality of rights (or possibly intrinsic value) for that matter. The short cuts in longer reasoning have some beneficial consquences--like fear of an animal threatening attack. It was suggested that since all values were ascribed, no values were inherently intrinsic. Does value exist outside of an ascribed meaning, and what, if any, specific example might show this? If values are are ascribed, why are they ascribed? What reason or justification exists for assigning such a value? (And might this reason imply some greater intrinsic value or end that cannot be identified?) Is it possible that value exists without one of us ascribing a value? (Perhaps there is no perceivable use to us, but a value exists according to the reason for which one assigning values--a tool that has not been invented or a biological entity that is significant to an ecosystem.) Everything is connected in some way.

M 10/31/2011 Government:
We examined different types of government along with analyzing the associated benefits and deficiencies along with often associated and relevant economic systems. Some government types and styles explored included: anarchy, democracy, republic, oligarchy, theocracy, monarchy, dictatorship (military), socialist, communist, and capitalism. Issues for thought involve the antithetical ideal vs. reality and the primary function of government--generally understood to be protection of the people. The end of the discussion reminded me of Freud's Civilization and Its Discontents, where government, civilization, and culture end up destroying the very liberty and freedom they try to protect while leaving many people very unhappy.

R 10/27/2011 Social contract:
With all the changes taking place in Libya, it seems pertinent to deal with the political philosoph in Post-Revolution Libya. The political philosophy of the social contract by Thomas Hobbes was the primary element of discussion. People agree to a social contract submit their wills, at least partially, to the the government for the some purpose--possibly protection from those who would exploit and endanger them. Does and should it matter who breaks the implied social contract? Externally, internally, individuals, governments? What if change is not written into the current social contract? Can it be changed or should it? Should a social contract be accepted and followed if not agreed upon in its entirety? What if a social contract cannot be enforced or secured by the government? My guess is that many would agree the primary function of government is to protect the people. What political philosophy is going to form the foundation of new government for Libya?

M 10/24/2011 Gaddafi:
Gaddafi has been killed. Where Libya goes from here is unknown. Also, the question of terrorism and the promise of comfort were mentioned. (New York now has anti-aircraft guns, but whether enough are trained to use them correctly, and whether they can respond to such an immenent threat with all the political red tape remains.)

A 10/22/2011 Penn State Day!:
We meet a variety of people and introduced them to the philosophy club. Some took an interest, and it was noted that a letter was left out of the sign. Melissa flipped the sign over and did a nice poster. Maybe we should display it outside of our meeting room.

R 10/20/2011 Occupy ______:
The Occupy Wallstreet (Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York) was the focus of the meeting. The main idea of the protest seems to be the fight against corruption--political, economic, or other. Many protesters have legitimate reasons for being there, and may work two jobs or go to college. I find it hard to believe that people would be too apathetic to work and still choose to attend such a long protest. One major criticism is the lack of a proposed solution and definitive explanation of how to stop the cronyism, favoritism, along with the reckless and wasteful spending.

M 10/17/2011 Lying, cheating, and stealing:
Is technically correct wording that gives the wrong impression lying? Is the joke about the roles of women good or bad in the moral sense? "Make me a sandwich woman!" (Some say it is good we recognize this as false, mean, or just an out-dated stereotype about the role of women; others say it promotes wrong ideas and might give the wrong impression.) The topic diverged into the subject of overpopulation and a mention of scare resources noted by Malthus (sp?). How does one deal with different types of lying, such as lies of ommission or white lies? Should one report a cheater? (Many seemed to want to avoid being a snitch and avoid confrontation with the cheater or the teacher, and many did not want to get in trouble themselves while at the same time feeling cheating was wrong.) Is pirating music and older video games stealing? (How does profit and availability affect one's answer?)

R 10/13/2011 Equality:
Can we achieve equality? (Animal rights, human rights, economic equality, etc.) The consensus seemed to be that economic redistribution of wealth would erase the incentives for production--financial success and rewards. The question of affirmative action, particularly with regard to college grants and scholarships, was whether such a system would be fair, equal, or just, and more data was needed to determine if such was the case, namely, whether monetary correlations between race and those who actually need income could be ascertained.

M 10/10/2011 Free-for-all:
Perception--optical illusions: the mind assumes location based on shadows of a basketball; colors look different because of borderlining context. Both empirical sense data and innateness? Protests (occupy Wall-Street): feasible? Objective? Clear goals/objectives? Well-meaning? Immigrations: war on drug cartels, but government misuse of immigration to stop all immigration? Immersion in culture more important than technical citizenship by birth? (As Obamas birth certificate was brought to attention.) Budgets, healthcare, and education. Preventative, universal healthcare: long-term benefits, such as decreased obesity, diabetes, et cetra. Education, lack of knowledge, misuse and abuse of government, policy, and regulation (by officials, corporations, or other political groups), for example welfare and disability, seem to be recurring problems or themes.

R 10/06/2011 Confirmation of Exististence:
Monism and dualism were addressed with the separation of mind/brain question. The fundamental forces of matter and whether they could be unified was also discussed along with knowing redness. Old fluorescent lights used to release an eerie ultraviolet light producing a chilling psychological effect.

M 10/03/2011 Knowledge:
Knowledge to the ancient Greeks was noted to be a pulling out of forgetfulness and oblivion, and into the light. Knowledge transitioned into other topics--phenomenology, empiricism, emotions, desires, judgement, and what we can actually know. Knowledge was also described as a process or as a statement such as knowing truth or false claims.

R 9/29/2011 Ethics:
Ethical questions included, but were not limited to: imperialism, aggression, motivation for war, and isolationism--from everyone in general to a specific country for a specific reason.

M 9/26/2011 Marxism:
Marx's ideas for collective good were compared with utilitarianism, and his attacks on utilitarianism were noted.

R 9/22/2011 The Supernatural:
Discussion included questions concerning the supernatural, life beyond earth, faith, belief, superstition, verification, authenitication, provability, and the Machiviavellian means as a justification of an end.

M 9/19/2011 Existentialism:
The meaning of existence, the focus on the here and now, and assertation of freedom were topics of discussion.

R 9/15/2011 Free Will/Predeterminism:
The inevitability, safety, meaning, and justification of already determined acts were discussed along with free will.
F 5/14 at 11:30 - Panel Discussion - with the three Penn State Harrisburg philosophy professors:  Dr. Mazis, Mr. Haas, and Mr. Hess  
(Gallery Lounge)

F 5/21:  "The final frontier before summer appears"- Movie Night and discussion of anything imaginable!

TIME (4/29):
Discussion of Tartung Tulku's sense of time in the book Time, Space, Knowledge followed by talk of relevant viewpoints pertaining to current culture.

WHY MODERN PHILOSOPHY SUCKS, WHY IT MATTERS, AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT:  Part 2 (4/22):  
Guest presentation by Doug Morrow on recent thoughts about epistemology followed by open discussion with club members and Dr. Glen Mazis.

OBJECTIVISM (4/8):
Ayn Rand's work was presented by Elad Vaida and compared to Kant.  HIghlights included Kant's right to lie, whether or not we act from selfishness, and if one truly does good for others "for the good" versus just to help one's self, among other topics..

WHY MODERN PHILOSOPHY SUCKS, WHY IT MATTERS, AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT (4/1):  
Guest presentation by Doug Morrow on recent thoughts about epistemology.

EXISTENTIALISM (3/25):
An excerpt from Sartre's Existentialism is a Humanism was read prior to the meeting.  The following points were discussed:  "existence precedes essence," Sartre's notion that we are condemned to freedom and where this leaves us in our day-to-day lives, "cowards and stinkers," and how Sartre's doctrine influences mankind.

WAKING UP TO "NOW" (3/18):
Discussed the following with regard to The Matrix and Fight Club:  What is "real" - is it an outside construct or something we must be "hit" over the head with, whether literally or through some other life-altering event, how the films translate broad concepts of how we "ground ourselves" into our day-to-day existence, how they interpret our cultural ideas of what it means to be "alive" (or not), what it takes to "wake up" in both films, what this means in relation to our culture, and how the films ask us to live our lives more fully, creating meaning and value for ourselves and others in the process of becoming "awake."

METAPHYSICS (3/4):
The history of metaphysics, including Hume, Kant, Sartre, Heidegger, and Merleau-Ponty, as well as the relevance of some of their theories to themes elicited from The Matrix were discussed in preparation for movie night.

INTERDISCIPLINARY INTERPRETATIONS OF THE BODY (2/24) event:
Faculty presentation with Dr. Glen Mazis, Dr. Robin Veder, and Dr. Julie Kearney.  Click link for presentation details.

GREEK PHILOSOPHY (2/18):
Phillip Nelson presented his paper, The Republic:  Book XI, on the philosophy of Aristotle and Plato and the warrior. Discussion of ancient Greek Philosophy in relation to the warrior returning from battle, in ancient times and present day, and how this relates to Aristotle and Plato's theories of duty in society followed the presentation.

TECHNOLOGY (2/4):
Discussed the pros and cons of technology, noting medical technology, e-books, media such as Facebook and Twitter, GPS, robots, implications of technology on our lives and our ability to concentrate, asking ourselves how has technology changed our lives for the good and the bad, highlighting the "in-between" of this topic as both positive and negative - overlapping in the ways we let it integrate into our lives and the control or non-control we feel we may have at times.  

PBS Frontline: Digital Nation  - program mentioned by Mr. Haas during discussion

RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHY (1/28):
Discussion included:  our (U.S.) treatment of death, dying, the older population; cultural views of age and mortality;  homosexuality and the Bible; and the soul as separate, given by God, or intermingled with nature.

FIRST MEETING (1/21):
Discussed upcoming events, including movie-watching night March 5th (please think of suggestions), a trip to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D followed by a discussion of reality, and other event ideas.

UPDATES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS (Fall 2009):

QUANTUM PHYSICS AND PHILOSOPHY (12/2):
Books by scientists/authors in the film (links to amazon.com page):

Amit Goswami - The Self-Aware Universe: How Consciousness Creates the Material World
Andrew B. Newberg - Why God Won't Go Away: Brain Science & the Biology of Belief
Candace Pert - Molecules of Emotion
Fred Alan Wolf - The Yoga of Time Travel: How the Mind Can Defeat Time
Shimon Malin - Nature Loves to Hide: Quantum Physics and Reality, a Western Perspective

WHAT THE BLEEP DO WE KNOW (Movie Night 11/20):
Quantum physics and water:  Quantum Physics Makes Water Different
More about Hado:  Hado's relation to Quantum Physics

VETERANS (11/18):
A major art collection of works done mostly by U.S. Army soldiers about Army troops from early wars to the present day is all hidden from public view behind closed doors in the basement in Washington, D.C.  The link is to the CBS Sunday Morning clip on this topic:  The Army's Hidden Treasures

PHENOMENOLOGY Part 2 (11/11):
Dr. Mazis' paper:  Phenomenology is a way of doing philosophy
From Rose's description of her Shakespeare experience (the project was made into a film): Shakespeare Behind Bars

PHILOSOPHY AND THE ARTS (11/5):


HENOMENOLOGY Part 1 (10/28):
Don't believe your lying eyes
Reading/seeing colors

PRAGMATISM (10/22):
Quirky Minds - Synesthesia

COMMUNITY (10/14)

FREEDOM (10/8)

PATRIOTISM (9/10):  
Local Store Decides To Not Sell American Flags
The American Flag And Good's Store, TalkBalk from LancasterOnline.com

NATURE (9/16):
Paper presentation:  Wisdom Walking Me by Sarabeth Orlowski

EMBODIMENT (9/24) - updated 10/21:
NPR article on Bionic Eye:  Bionic Eye Opens New World Of Sight For Blind
Link to the movie trailer:  Surrogates
YouTube Robotics video:  Cog/Kismet

USEFUL INFORMATION:

Notes from first meeting (includes suggested topics and book recommendations)

Related Course listings for the Current Semester:

Philosophy (PHIL)
Religious Studies (RL)
Interdisciplinary Humanities (IHUM)
Humanities (HUM)