Seattle Philosophy Club

We often think of philosophy as the most basic and fundamental inquiry. But what if our inquiries themselves are shaped by even more basic considerations, orientations, or intuitions of which we are not aware?

This seminar will explore one way this might happen: our inquiries might be shaped by a search for arche, for purposive origins or principles which explain everything. We will also explore what constructively happens if we remove this assumption.

This seminar will be based around a close reading of Brook Ziporyn’s Experiments in Mystical Atheism: Godless Epiphanies from Daoism to Spinoza and Beyond, which examines how these assumptions have shaped philosophy and gives an alternative philosophical lineage in both European and East Asian philosophy which fights these assumptions.

We will meet twice a month, aiming to get through about 25--35 pages in one session. Ziporyn has extensive online appendices expanding on his argument; we will definitely read the second appendix, "World Without Anaxagoras," on Buddhist and East Asian thought, and will read parts of the first appendix as needed.

This session, however, is a pre-seminar before the seminar proper begins on January 31st, exploring related ideas (categories, language, translation) through a slightly different lens. These two (quite short) papers will be our main reading:

- Harbsmeier, "Globalisation and Conceptual Biodiversity"
- Kalmanson, "Dharma and Dao- Key Terms in the Comparative Philosophy of Religion"

This is an optional third reading, in which Harbsmeier gives further examples:

- Harbsmeier, "The Hazards of the Use of English as a Default Language in Analytic Philosophy- An Essay on Conceptual Biodiversity"

We meet on the Blinding Cyclops Discord server. You can find us under the "Open Seminar" category in the "OS Meeting Room" Voice/video channel. If you're unfamiliar with Discord, please download the software and familiarize yourself with it before our meeting.

Server join link: https://discord.gg/4uCVFs4vHw

The Graphic Canon of Crime & Mystery

Symptom-free people with the capacity to listen considerately to diverse viewpoints are invited to attend after successfully RSVPing.

We begin the discussion at 7:30 pm sharp in the mezzanine lobby of the Graduate Seattle hotel. Feel free to come up to 30 minutes early and hang out with us beforehand. When you enter the hotel from the front door go between the elevators on your left and the main lobby bookshelves on your right until you find the stairwell to your left. Go up one flight of stairs and open the first door you come upon to the mezzanine lobby.

Rising Above One’s Social Class: Personal Responsibility vs. Systemic Barriers

Rising above your social class can feel nearly impossible, especially when faced with systemic barriers that limit access to opportunities and resources. While personal responsibility is essential, it’s not the only factor in overcoming these challenges. The system may be stacked against you, but it’s crucial to recognize that real change requires not only a shift in your mindset but also a call for action to dismantle the inequalities that keep you down. Success begins when you take responsibility for your actions, but it also requires advocating for changes to the structures that perpetuate inequality.

Growing up in a lower social class often means being kept in the dark, with limited access to education, networks, and resources. This lack of opportunity can trap you in a cycle of poverty and make it difficult to see beyond your immediate circumstances. While you have the power to seek knowledge and expand your network, it's also vital to push for broader societal changes that ensure equal opportunities for all.

Education can be a tool of empowerment, but access to it isn’t always equal. It's within your control to educate yourself, whether through formal schooling, free resources, or self-guided learning. However, to truly rise, society must also ensure that everyone has access to the tools that can break the cycle of poverty.

Personal growth is not only about moving up the ladder; it’s about challenging the mental, social, and institutional barriers that hold you back. It’s about breaking free from self-doubt and fear, while also demanding more equitable systems that support everyone’s growth. While you are responsible for your own progress, true change requires collective action to create a fairer and more accessible society.

The world may seem unfair, but the ability to change your circumstances lies both within your hands and within the hands of the community and society around you. Your future is shaped by the choices you make today, but also by the actions we take together to challenge systemic inequality. Rise up, educate yourself, advocate for change, and take responsibility for your growth. You have the power to shape your future, but so does the collective action of those around you.

-Taylor

OPENING ROUNDTABLE FORMAT (ORF):

1. The topic presenter begins the discussion by explaining why they are interested in the topic and some introductory thoughts on it.
2. Each participant in turn going clockwise from the presenter describes their general thoughts on the topic.
3. If one is not ready to speak they can just say “pass” and the next person speaks.
4. After we've gone around once anyone who passed will get a second chance to comment.
5. Once everyone has given opening remarks or passed twice, Opening Roundtable is completed and the meeting shifts into its main format.

TIMED DIRECTION FORMAT (TDRF>5):
If there are more than 5 people present we will use the format below.

1. We will divide up the timed direction discussion time by the number of participants plus one (for a buffer). A timer will be set for this amount of time.
2. Each participant in turn will become a Discussion Director and lead the group discussion.
3. Anyone who arrives after step 1 (above), may participate but will not get a turn as Discussion Director.
4. The Discussion Director can make statements or ask questions, or interrupt or redirect the discussion at their discretion.
5. The discussion participants can state their own opinions only when asked by the Discussion Director, not Interrupt others and accede to the Discussion Director’s interrumptions or redirections.
6. When the timer goes off the person speaking finishes their thought and then the next participant clockwise becomes the next Discussion Director.
7. If one is not ready to direct they dimply say “pass” and the next person becomes the Discussion Director.
8. After we've gone around once anyone who passed will get a second chance to direct.

At the end of the meeting, participants will have an opportunity to vote on the topic and format for the following meeting.