I didn't know until I went tonight. It does remind me of some stories I've been reading about the "Salons of Paris" which were places for philisophical discussion in the enlightenment.

But since I didn't really understand the concept of what we were doing, I looked it up online when I got home. Here is what I found:

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Caf? Philo

Caf? philos (otherwise known as Philosophy caf?s) have sprung up throughout the world for the past couple of years. Originally starting in Paris, France, (1992) with Marc Sautet and several friends who got together discussing various issues of the day at the now famous "caf? des Phares" at the Place de la Bastille. Since then every Sunday morning, people would gather together to discuss various topics ranging from the classical to the absurd (examples : Is hope a violent thing ?, Santa Claus myth, What is a fact?, etc.) and the caf?s extended to others in Paris and throughout France (about 100 now) as well as internationally (about 50) in countries such as : Japan, USA, England, South America, Germany, Belgium, etc.)


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Why the attraction to a caf? philo?

It's basic principle is to make philosophy accessible to all, trying to revive the Socratic period in Athens, whereby philosophers would dialogue publicly in the "polis". The caf? as a public forum has come to be that friendly place where people can gather together and discuss ideas collectively over a cup of coffee. You could consider it as a 'community salon'.


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What is a caf? philo?

A caf? philo is an organised debate in a public place by excellence. It aims at establishing a philosophical exchange democratically distributing the right to speak amongst the participants. It strives to induce "philosophic moments", to pass from simple opinion to thought, to analyse communally concepts, to decode the various meanings, in the form of a collective search on a particular subject.


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Basic rules for a caf? philo:

the subject comes from the participants suggestions and is chosen by the moderator

there's no 'a priori' : only in the discussion of the subject can its philosophical character be determined

the moderator attentive to listening, uses his knowledge to give guidance to the discussion/debate and enhances the development of the analysis with the participant

each person listens while the other is speaking

to avoid : a course type rendition, conference, lecture, etc. just as well as "coffee hour small talk"

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Basic principles underlying caf? philo:

1) open to everyone
2) to encourage freedom of thought regardless of socio-economic background
3) a free public place where universal subjects can be discussed by the most diverse participants
4) a place beyond the limitations of money, power, and preaching (proselytising)


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Why a caf? philo?

Here's the real challenge to philosophy. By inducing debates in the public arena, can philosophy do what it sets out to do: breakdown people's prejudices based upon general beliefs by inducing them to thinking philosophically (critically).

Caf? philos are vital both socially and politically. They provide the "free" space for people to gather together to think things out collectively as well as individually away from dominating influences. They also allow people to develop their thinking skills and start questioning various aspects of life and how to change them.


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Philos Magazine:

This magazine was created as a unifying instrument for the various caf? philos. It serves to express the various caf? discussions and updates the lists of the new caf? philo start-ups world-wide. In a sense, it tends to centralise the addresses serving as a directory of the caf? philos as well as organising international conventions. The Philos association promotes the creation of caf? philos nationally as well as internationally and actively develops them by sending experienced moderators to help with the starting up logistics.

SOURCE: http://www.philodialogue.com


Jennifer, Mar 31, 2006 @ 04:37

Thanks so much Padobe for organizing and animating a great evening. I loved the way you kept us on the “philosophical” track.

If friendship is indeed “a relationship which involves mutual knowledge, esteem, and affection”, then I think we started down the path of some new friendships last night.

Looking forward to more "Caf? Philo"s,
Rob

P.S. Possible themes for future discussions;
a. The One - ?
b. Destiny - ?
I'll let you fill in the questions ;-)

Rob_M, Mar 31, 2006 @ 12:10

Pascal, and the rest of the participants,

I am so sorry for my no show. Pls accept my apology.

For some reason, I was sure the dinner was on Saturday night. I was looking forward so much to participating! I would have loved to hear the opinions about friendship, and voice my own.

I hope I did not waste too much of your time...)-: If you accept me for the next one, promise to make it up to you...

Nir


Pascal - if you give me a
Nir Ofek, Mar 31, 2006 @ 13:19

Thanks Padobe for organising this amazing evening "F&F" - Filosophy and Food - my eternal favourites I couldn't ask for more!

Uncannily all the guys with the meat(s) didn’t show which was great for me trying to turn vegetarien :) but I think it’s a shame they didn’t call since we waited up for them to start (though I silently thanked God I wasn’t the last one ;)

The evening was interesting to say the least. Evidence being my graduation, (rather rapidly) within the evening from "coming to try it out" to "when's the next Philo dinner" *excitedly*. Thanks to all the others for their wonderful company AND interesting insights AND being their kind, pleasant selves.
tensin, Mar 31, 2006 @ 13:27

padobe you really had the right combination of food, friends and filosofy ( like the poetic alliteration, eh? ) for a great and memorable evening. too bad Nir was confused ( has Nir's GOL success made him overwhelmed? subject of next week's discussion :-). what i really would like to know: if we could travel on a one time return trip in a time machine, which way and where would you travel....and why would you feel the need/or not, to do so.
wow, i'm philopho-sizing......can we do this over BBQ ribs? and beer
bring on summer.
epicure, Mar 31, 2006 @ 21:56

These sites are run by the people who were part of the original "Cafe Philo" movement in Paris, and who publish the magazine "Philo", which can be found here (French only): http://www.philos.org/indexmag.html

In French: http://www.philos.org/

In English: http://www.philos.org/anglais.html

In Italian: http://www.philos.org/italie/index.html

In German: http://www.philos.org/allemand.html
Jennifer, Apr 1, 2006 @ 18:04