About us
This reading group is dedicated to exploring major works in the Western philosophical tradition through careful, accessible discussion. Rather than assuming prior expertise, we approach classic texts as living arguments that still shape how we think about morality, politics, truth, and the good life. Our selections range from ancient dialogues to modern critiques, allowing participants to see philosophy both in its historical development and in its contemporary relevance.
Meetings are discussion-driven and open to newcomers as well as experienced readers. The goal is not simply to understand what philosophers said, but to examine their arguments together, question their assumptions, and consider what they might mean for us today.
Upcoming events
1
What Separates Man from Machine: Magnifica Humanitas
Boston Public Library, 700 Bolyston Street, Boston, MA, USThis is the reading-
https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html
We will discuss the encyclical from the current Pope about Generative Artificial Intelligence. If you are not religious, this text is still relevant, as it is a work of moral philosophy which can be read from the standpoint of a secular humanist as well.
The text is a good point to jump off from and discuss the following questions-
Do we owe moral consideration to machines?
How can we implant moral sensibility within machines so that they view humans with moral consideration and what moral programming should we encode them with (consequentialist, deontological)?
If the political project has been to enable the good life for humans, how will that change now that machines are more productive? Will our politics become even more focused on raw economic growth and productivity?
What do distinct traditions, such as humanism and Christianity, say differently about AI?
Does the current Pope have the moral authority to speak on AI and the higher value of the human? Who will listen to him?I don’t agree with much of this, but it complicates the categorization of human minds as natural intelligence and machines as AI
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entitled-opinions-about-life-and-literature/id81415836?i=1000643870613And for a more right wing point of view, from one of my favorite podcasts- https://www.patreon.com/posts/160055481?utm_campaign=postshare_fan
9 attendees
Past events
12
