Terms

Philosophy of Nature (also called ‘natural philosophy’) is, broadly speaking, the study of nature. Philosophers have been writing about nature ever since the dawn of philosophy, and yet there is no consensus on the topic! Today, advances in scientific understanding are driving a revival of interest in philosophy and particularly in philosophy of nature.

Some people say that nature is being progressively destroyed by human activities. Others say that environmental conditions (such as climate change and species extinction) are an aspect of ‘natural’ order or evolutionary processes which is outside the control of humans. These opposing views raise questions about:

• the meaning of ‘nature’ and ‘natural’
• how nature is best studied
• whether there are discernible ‘laws of nature’
• whether it makes sense to talk of nature as the manifestation of an all-powerful God
• the relationship between humans and environment
• the distinction between conditions which humans are powerless to change (natural or necessary conditions) and conditions which humans do or can change (non-natural or contingent conditions)
• the ethical implications of each answer

In this series of talks, 10 speakers will help us explore these questions. Please see course programme below. There will be ample opportunity to ask questions and discuss.

The course will suit anyone with an enquiring mind. The course content does not assume any prior knowledge. Newcomers are welcome.

Why, in the 21st century, should we read the writings of philosophers? What is the relevance of Plato and his successors for us today? Or should we be asking: what is it about our own time that stimulates our interest in philosophy?

When the question is put in the latter way, some answers may suggest themselves. Our contemporary world is riddled with problems, such as: climate change; wars; poverty; disease; relationship breakdowns; injustices; despair; anxiety; and so forth. We might then turn to past philosophers to help us understand our world and guide our decision-making. Alternatively, we might think that past philosophers have nothing to offer us because we are grappling with completely new issues (eg. Artificial Intelligence).

Nowadays, we are bombarded with information from a multitude of sources and anyone, anywhere, can say anything. Photographs and videos, which once were considered reliable evidence, can now be modified. Factual truth that goes against the interests of individuals or groups may be dismissed as ‘fake news’. Truthfulness and honesty, once considered prized virtues, no longer seem important or even desirable. Some philosophers claim that truth is irrelevant or redundant. We might then think that we need to invent new philosophies in order to grapple with new phenomena. Or, perhaps, the perennial interest in philosophy is best explained in terms of entertainment value or a fascination with how and what others think rather than as a pursuit of truth or a means for understanding reality.

In this 12-week course, a mix of professional and amateur philosophers will help us explore what philosophy is about and its relevance today.

This course is suitable for anyone with an interest in philosophy. No prior knowledge is required. Audience participation is actively encouraged.

Creativity and imagination are important aspects of human life without which art, fiction, and technological advancements are impossible. Yet when we think deeply about the significance, nature, origins, and limits of creativity and imagination it turns out to be a difficult task that has puzzled generations of philosophers.

Over the last century there has been an evolution in the philosophy of creativity and imagination following significant contributions from other disciplines, including (but not exclusively): art, psychology, physiology, physics, cosmology, neuroscience, sociology, primatology, anthropology, education, healthcare, technology, computer science, and artificial intelligence.

Debates about the nature of creativity, the role of unconscious processes, and the ethical implications of creative work ensure that the philosophy of creativity and imagination is a dynamic and vital field of inquiry.

These 10 presentations are run as 2 hour Zoom meetings on  Wednesdays starting at 2:00 p.m.  You can book attendance to all 10 meetings for £50.  To enquire joining please contact us via the Contact Us tab to receive payment and joining details.

The theme of the current term is “The Philosophy of Emotions”. The term runs from 17th January 2024 to 20th March 2024. The remaining presentations are listed below. Recordings of the presentations that have already occurred are available in the Archive to those who have signed up for the term. You can browse the list below or use the Search function. From each event entry you can find more details about the presenter or background to the presentation by following the links.

In the past individuals sought information and assistance from other humans. Nowadays, many individuals turn instead to human-made devices (so-called ‘Artificial intelligence’ or ‘AI’). AI seems to be affecting how people conduct their daily life, and relate with others, in ways which previously might have seemed unimaginable.

The emergence and prevalence of AI raises diverse philosophical, ethical, political, and educational issues, such as: about the nature of AI; what AI might tell us about what it is to be human; what AI’s future capabilities might be; how AI might affect work, education, human relations; whether it is reasonable to view the development of AI as a threat to humanity or as a universal good; what laws (if any) should be put in place to control AI; and so forth.

In this 11-week course we shall grapple with some of these issues and explore the relevance of philosophy in our digital era.

It is sometimes said that philosophy makes no progress. Whether that statement is true depends on how progress is measured and what philosophy aims to achieve.

It is undoubtedly true that philosophers have put forward ideas which have contributed to change. Whether it is true that the purpose of philosophy is, or should be, to bring about change or progress is an open question.

In this 11-week course, we shall attempt to address these questions by studying the history of philosophy and philosophy of history.

Western and Eastern philosophies might appear to have nothing much in common. They might seem like ‘chalk and cheese’. But is this true? Is Chinese philosophy of any relevance to the contemporary Western world?

In this series of talks, we shall explore and consider modern Western and ancient Chinese philosophical ideas and argumentation.

This course will suit anyone with an enquiring mind. Each session will be led by a speaker and there will be ample opportunity to ask questions and discuss.

Professor Ray Billington (1930-2012) was an inspirational philosophy teacher and advocate for living philosophy (the philosophy of experience).

The Guardian described Ray as ‘A maverick philosopher who fell in and out of love with God’. He was a Methodist minister for 19 years. He was expelled from church ministry after publication of The Christian Outsider (1971) in which he argued that a personal God did not exist, Jesus was not his son, and there is no after-life.  His other books include: Living Philosophy: An Introduction to moral thought (1988); East of Existentialism: The Tao of the West (1990); Understanding Eastern Philosophy (1997); and Religion Without God (2001).

After a period espousing materialism and existentialism, he went on to challenge the assumption that religion and atheism are incompatible. Drawing on his life-time’s study of Eastern philosophies, he explored the religious dimensions of the encounter with nature, other people, and the arts. He developed an understanding of religion which identifies the transcendental in our daily experience.

In a series of twelve sessions, we reflect on Ray Billington’s philosophy and its contemporary relevance.