Philosophy in the City

Good beer. Great conversation. What’s not to like?

The Department of Philosophy at the University of Liverpool has strong links with Philosophy in Pubs, the network for philosophical discussion that started in Liverpool and has now spread to other regions of the UK.

The PIPs are a group of like-minded people searching for philosophical stimulation in a relaxed atmosphere – including pubs, bistros, coffee shops, bookstores and community centres. Currently the venues are in the Liverpool area and meetings are run on a weekly or monthly basis.

The group’s regular meetings, called ‘enquiries’, are relaxed with groups large enough to enjoy a number of diverse opinions, yet small enough to allow each person time to put their views across. Contributors can schedule their own subjects for enquiry and debate, and everyone is welcome to just turn up and listen to the thoughts of others.

No academic or philosophical background is necessary – all participants need is a passion for enquiry. Respect for others and their opinions is a fundamental requirement of the group, as this encourages people to put forward their views without fear of ridicule or intimidation. Everyone has philosophical thoughts, and as a group Philosophy in Pubs would like to hear yours – whoever you are, wherever you’re from and whatever your ideas may be!

To find out more, visit the Philosophy in Pubs website.

Philosophy in Pubs at the 2010 Philosophy in the City festival

During Start Something New at the Bluecoat, David Knowles proffers his new book on morality (arguably a book on new morality) to a group including A-level students and their teacher, as well as people interested in philosophical discussion.

The discussion turns to ‘the new’
in technology, and whether we
can create new concepts, or only
use the ones we already have.

At the event celebrating the
music and lyrics of John Lennon
at the Bluecoat, PIPs regular
Rob Lewis (second from left)
tackles the difficult question of
Lennon’s attitude to women…