While the University prides itself on fostering intellectual discussion outside the classroom, the new Philosophy Club, a group most capable of contemplating infinity, counts only a minute fraction of the school’s population as usual members. While the regulars are mostly friends of the club’s founders—Rob Carrington ’11 and Ali Burstein ’11—anyone’s welcome to come discuss philosophical works over wine and cheese at the meetings.
“It’s a great way to approach philosophical works without the formal aspect of the classroom,” Burstein said.
Carrington agreed, noting the more relaxed approach to grappling with philosophical questions the club promotes.
“When you hear the word ‘philosophy,’ you probably picture people in togas getting all glassy-eyed while they try to apprehend eternal truths,” Carrington said. “But I think philosophy is a lot more practical and active than that.”
Carrington, who was a member of the University of Puget Sound’s philosophy club, came to the University as a transfer last year. Surprised at the absence of such a club here, he took it upon himself to form one of the University’s very own with Burstein, a philosophy major.
Anyone who’s taken a philosophy course knows it may be difficult to relate abstract texts with everyday life, but that’s just what the club aims to do.
“Even though some of the topics of philosophical study seem removed from day-to-day life, the exercise of studying them and developing trains of thought in response to them can be a rigorous way to test critical thinking skills and enhance reasoning,” Burstein said. “They’re tools that can be usefully applied in any real world instance.”
Carrington observes the benefits of tackling the philosophical in a way that’s more down-to-earth.
“It [studying philosophy] is supposed to be enjoyable and a bit more personal,” Carrington said. “Sometimes it’s hard to connect what you’re reading in class to what you care about. And I just enjoy talking philosophy with people.”
Professor of Philosophy Brian Fay commended the club for its contribution to intellectual life at the university beyond the classroom.
“That people take [philosophy] seriously enough to take it out of the classroom is something a teacher can only applaud,” Fay said.
However, as for the assertion that philosophy seems removed from an everyday context, Fay agrees with Burstein and Carrington.
“Philosophy is directly related to everyday life. So many things we ask ourselves are philosophic questions,” Fay said. “They range from little ones like ‘Should I be a vegetarian?’ to ‘Should I choose to take the job with that big firm or join Teach for America after graduation?’ which are questions these seniors are surely faced with.”
Carrington offers a metaphor for the application of philosophy in the so-called real world.
“I think philosophy is organization on a grand scale—like taking a trip to the ultimate Container Store,” he said. “It helps you to organize your thoughts, your picture of the world, and eventually your life.“
The club has tried different structures for its meetings. The first attempt, a trivia game set-up, didn’t pan out. It didn’t deliver what people showed up for- namely, philosophy- as opposed to games.
“Philosophy trivia is also just too damn nerdy,” Carrington said with a laugh.
The group has also tried hosting guest speakers for each meeting, but it’s difficult to arrange for speakers to come to meetings on a regular basis. Yale experimental philosopher Josh Knobe spoke at the university on Feb. 2 as a guest of the club, and philosophy professors are often asked to join in on the meetings.
Carrington and Burstein finally settled on meetings that are centered around close-readings of short passages.
“You need something to focus on or it turns into a rambling bullshit session,” Fay said.
However, those excited about philosophy’s potential to inspire drastic life changes might have to restrain such excitement—at least a little bit.
“Well, this doesn’t make for an exciting story, but I don’t think the club has changed anyone’s life so far,” Carrington said. “I think we all sort of have an itch to understand things in the big picture, and this club helps to scratch that itch.”
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