What we’re about
The NPS is a registered charity welcoming everyone with an interest in philosophy, especially novices. It aims to promote philosophy education to the local public with meetings in pubs, cafes, and community centres.
There are various group leaders spanning very different approaches but all aim for interaction, sharing, and dialogue in a spirit of mature enquiry rather than debate. For one thing that philosophy tells us is that right answers are hard to find.
Please see these Useful Resources
For any queries, please message B or Leigh, as messages to the user NPS are currently unmonitored.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Plato (reading group): Euthyphro dialogueJesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne
Having now read the Apology, Crito, and Phaedo dialogues, we will now move on to Euthyphro. The last dialogue set within the period of the trial and death of Socrates, it considers the concepts of piety and justice. (Please note that it is not a requirement to have read any of the previous dialogues to attend this session - each dialogue is stand-alone).
Starting from 20th September the Friday evening reading group will begin an examination of the works of Plato. Regarded as perhaps the most influential figure in shaping Western philosophy, this ancient Greek philosopher (427 - 348 BC) is renowned for arguing for the primacy of ideas over the things that ideas are about.
Plato produced his work in the form of a series of dialogues between characters, of which Socrates is the central figure. Each of our sessions will examine a different dialogue, and involve preparatory reading of that dialogue (estimated reading time is less than an hour each). We will intend to cover most of the dialogues over the coming months, selecting those that are regarded as most important and that are accessible in terms of reading commitment. Plato's dialogues are readily available both online and in print, and can be found at:
https://www.platonicfoundation.org/translation/
The reading group usually consists of around 10 regular members, and newcomers are very welcome. None of us are professional philosophers and most have no formal training in philosophy. We approach each text requiring no prior knowledge of any philosophy.
Please contact the group leader, Leigh, for venue details.
- Echoes of the Ancients (reading group)Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne
Journey into Augustine's Confessions
Although prior reading is not required, we will explore Book 4 of Augustine’s Confessions for those who wish to delve deeper into the text. A number of participants will present and discuss themes and ideas from Book 4, offering a range of perspectives that enrich our collective understanding.
To further illuminate Augustine’s thoughts, we’ll take brief detours into the philosophies of Plato and Plotinus, providing valuable context.
This interactive session offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect, share insights, and engage in thoughtful dialogue with others.
Join us on a journey through the rich tapestry of thought, spanning from the late Greek and Roman eras to the dawn of early modern philosophy. Discover how ancient ideas laid the groundwork for the intellectual transformations that shaped the modern world.
Location: Café in Newcastle West, Fenham – contact David for more details.
