December, 2009 Daytime
Socrates vs. St. Paul: one says, “You must believe!”; the other says “Think for yourself!” Can they be reconciled?
What’s wrong with Kansas? Would education fix it?
Would your ego allow you to remain silent for the rest of this session?
Why is love important?
Is the quality of life in American better today than it was 100 years ago?
What is the purpose of wishing?
Monday, December 21, 2009
December, 2009 Evening
December, 2009 Evening
I say I believe all men are created equal. Why should or how come I do or should give this idea merit?
Does God have a belly button?
Is it true that: “Mankind does not pose problems for itself for which it does not already have a solution”?
If you could travel in time, would you go to the future or the past? Why?
Why is love important?
November, 2009 Daytime
November, 2009 Daytime
What should be the most important goals of education?
Are values focused on the family inherently Jim Crow?
Is racism alive and well in the U.S.?
What are your core values?
At what stage of “maturity” do we find sex to play a minor part in our relationships?
Gays in the military.
November, 2009 Evening
November, 2009 Evening
What is truth and is it relative or absolute?
What was the last thing you learned that “moved” you?
Have you ever had an epiphany? What was it?
What is it about Rush Limbaugh?
Is it best that an individual not have any illusions?
Is it bad to tell “everything”?
October, 2009 Daytime
October, 2009 Daytime
Should control and responsibility of our children’s education be returned to homes, townships, counties and/or states?
Do you come here to express your opinion to others or to have your thoughts expanded?
Evil carries the deeds of its own destruction.
Is pure altruism possible?
Should corporations enjoy the same rights as individuals?
Nothing is true unless there is empirical truth.
Should control and responsibility of our children’s education be returned to homes, townships, counties and/or states?
Do you come here to express your opinion to others or to have your thoughts expanded?
Evil carries the deeds of its own destruction.
Is pure altruism possible?
Should corporations enjoy the same rights as individuals?
Nothing is true unless there is empirical truth.
October, 2009 Evening
October, 2009 Evening
Can we be educated without being indoctrinated?
Is it best that an individual not have any illusions?
How is a debate different from a Socratic dialog?
Tell us why you know there is/is not a God.
Is pure altruism possible?
Can we be educated without being indoctrinated?
Is it best that an individual not have any illusions?
How is a debate different from a Socratic dialog?
Tell us why you know there is/is not a God.
Is pure altruism possible?
September, 2009 Daytime
September, 2009 Daytime
What is the problem with getting to the truth?
Politically, what do we hold sacred?
Are “State Rights” still a valid concept?
What constitutes a full life?
What is the problem with getting to the truth?
Politically, what do we hold sacred?
Are “State Rights” still a valid concept?
What constitutes a full life?
September, 2009 Evening
September, 2009 Evening
Has the natural order of the universe been enhanced or inhibited by the presence of humans?
Is God an atheist?
Should everybody get a free college education?
Should sex, politics and religion be taboo in formal conversation?
Is morality based on biology rather than religion?
Our greatest strengths can also be our greatest weaknesses.
Has the natural order of the universe been enhanced or inhibited by the presence of humans?
Is God an atheist?
Should everybody get a free college education?
Should sex, politics and religion be taboo in formal conversation?
Is morality based on biology rather than religion?
Our greatest strengths can also be our greatest weaknesses.
August, 2009 Daytime
August, 2009 Daytime
Is it possible to have a true democracy in the US?
Should the power of the media be controlled?
Would you want to know the results of your DNA testing? Or to what
diseases you are predisposed?
Do we need something to believe in?
Is emotion more important than thinking?
Is it possible to have a true democracy in the US?
Should the power of the media be controlled?
Would you want to know the results of your DNA testing? Or to what
diseases you are predisposed?
Do we need something to believe in?
Is emotion more important than thinking?
August, 2009 Evening
August, 2009 Evening
Should there be limits to free speech?
Is there a sixth sense?
Is there a cure for envy?
What is the purpose of life?
Is it ever justifiable to tell a lie or lies?
Should there be limits to free speech?
Is there a sixth sense?
Is there a cure for envy?
What is the purpose of life?
Is it ever justifiable to tell a lie or lies?
July, 2009 Daytime
July, 2009 Daytime
Should an individual be dismissed from, or denied, a high public office because of infidelity?
Can anger be a positive emotion?
Is gender essential to our social self?
What is the value of obsession?
If freedom is a state of mind how is it achieved?
Is public mourning beneficial?
Should an individual be dismissed from, or denied, a high public office because of infidelity?
Can anger be a positive emotion?
Is gender essential to our social self?
What is the value of obsession?
If freedom is a state of mind how is it achieved?
Is public mourning beneficial?
July, 2009 Evening
July, 2009 Evening
Can a Nazi ever be good?
Do we act according to how we see ourselves or how we think others see us?
What brings about romantic love and what sustains it?
Should a person be denied an award or honor in his field because of an ethical wrong he committed earlier in his personal life?
If every event is unique, how can we judge?
What sentence, aphorism, brief thought has “turned you around” in your life?
Does unrestrained capitalism adversely affect the public welfare? If so, how can this be reconciled?
Can a Nazi ever be good?
Do we act according to how we see ourselves or how we think others see us?
What brings about romantic love and what sustains it?
Should a person be denied an award or honor in his field because of an ethical wrong he committed earlier in his personal life?
If every event is unique, how can we judge?
What sentence, aphorism, brief thought has “turned you around” in your life?
Does unrestrained capitalism adversely affect the public welfare? If so, how can this be reconciled?
June, 2009 Daytime
June, 2009 Daytime
Should religious institutions and ministers receive tax benefits in the US?
If an individual has acted immorally or unethically should these factors be disqualifying when an award or high honor for professional achievement is considered?
Can world population be sustained without wars or disasters?
What is the right thing to say to a person who is grieving?
What would you allow a machine to decide for you?
Does the certainty of death make life more valuable?
Should religious institutions and ministers receive tax benefits in the US?
If an individual has acted immorally or unethically should these factors be disqualifying when an award or high honor for professional achievement is considered?
Can world population be sustained without wars or disasters?
What is the right thing to say to a person who is grieving?
What would you allow a machine to decide for you?
Does the certainty of death make life more valuable?
June, 2009 Evening
June, 2009 Evening
Is this a true statement? “If ignorance is bliss, ‘tis folly to be wise.”
Where is the line between dissent and disruption?
Should we respect people who do not respect us?
Are we asking the right questions?
From a moral standpoint-why are naked people dangerous?
Is this a true statement? “If ignorance is bliss, ‘tis folly to be wise.”
Where is the line between dissent and disruption?
Should we respect people who do not respect us?
Are we asking the right questions?
From a moral standpoint-why are naked people dangerous?
May, 2009 Daytime
May, 2009 Daytime
Will artificial intelligence exceed our own?
Is the public advertising of prescription drugs desirable?
It has been proven that domesticated animals have smaller
brains than their wild originators. Has this happened to mankind too?
What brings on romantic love and what course or courses may ensue?
If you had the power to make one change in the world, what would that change be?
Will artificial intelligence exceed our own?
Is the public advertising of prescription drugs desirable?
It has been proven that domesticated animals have smaller
brains than their wild originators. Has this happened to mankind too?
What brings on romantic love and what course or courses may ensue?
If you had the power to make one change in the world, what would that change be?
May, 2009 Evening
May, 2009 Evening
When does injustice to another become our problem?
If a belief is false but it has long provided comfort and sustained its adherents is it better to follow this belief than to acknowledge the truth?
What is our fascination with abomination (i.e. mass murders,
accidents, natural disasters)?
Have we become confused about good and evil? Are we still searching
for their definitions?
When does injustice to another become our problem?
If a belief is false but it has long provided comfort and sustained its adherents is it better to follow this belief than to acknowledge the truth?
What is our fascination with abomination (i.e. mass murders,
accidents, natural disasters)?
Have we become confused about good and evil? Are we still searching
for their definitions?
April, 2009 Daytime
April, 2009 Daytime
When does life no longer become worth living?
Is modern advertising, on balance, good or bad for the American public?
Is love based on tangibles?
Do souls come in sizes-and if so, is one size “better” than another?
Will computers beat humans at our own games?
Will artificial intelligence exceed our own?
When does life no longer become worth living?
Is modern advertising, on balance, good or bad for the American public?
Is love based on tangibles?
Do souls come in sizes-and if so, is one size “better” than another?
Will computers beat humans at our own games?
Will artificial intelligence exceed our own?
April, 2009 Evening
April, 2009 Evening
Do we have, or is it possible to have, a true democracy in the United States?
One man crossing the desert has only enough water to reach the
next oasis; his companion has no water. How should they
resolve this problem?
Why does Bob T. have so much trouble with women?
Is there any such thing as “free will” and is it absolute?
Should the US have the best public officials money can buy?
Do we have, or is it possible to have, a true democracy in the United States?
One man crossing the desert has only enough water to reach the
next oasis; his companion has no water. How should they
resolve this problem?
Why does Bob T. have so much trouble with women?
Is there any such thing as “free will” and is it absolute?
Should the US have the best public officials money can buy?
March, 2009 Daytime
March, 2009 Daytime
How will we control artificial intelligence when it exceeds
the human mind’s capability?
Is philosophy part of the human condition?
Is advertising, on balance, a desirable or undesirable factor in modern America?
Is it possible to separate church and state?
What gives some people the strength to endure terrible hardships?
How will we control artificial intelligence when it exceeds
the human mind’s capability?
Is philosophy part of the human condition?
Is advertising, on balance, a desirable or undesirable factor in modern America?
Is it possible to separate church and state?
What gives some people the strength to endure terrible hardships?
March, 2009 Evening
March, 2009 Evening
What validates our values?
If humans were the only species would they be vegetarians or cannibals?
Can democracy flourish in the age of mass media?
What are the philosophical implications of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution?
What validates our values?
If humans were the only species would they be vegetarians or cannibals?
Can democracy flourish in the age of mass media?
What are the philosophical implications of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution?
February, 2009 Daytime
February, 2009 Daytime
Is privacy a right or a privilege?
Is a capitalistic system the best one?
What is a moral value?
Are there degrees of perfection?
Is there more pleasure in the pursuit of an object or its actual possession?
Is privacy a right or a privilege?
Is a capitalistic system the best one?
What is a moral value?
Are there degrees of perfection?
Is there more pleasure in the pursuit of an object or its actual possession?
February, 2009 Evening
February, 2009 Evening
Does morality need a basis? Can’t one just do good for goodness’ sake?
Is it worthwhile to continue membership in the UN?
How can the Socrates Café questioning and dialog be improved?
Do all things have a reason?
If primitive beings had no language how did the “inner voice” of thoughts talk to them?
Does every person have a philosophical dimension naturally or is it
something that is nurtured?
Does morality need a basis? Can’t one just do good for goodness’ sake?
Is it worthwhile to continue membership in the UN?
How can the Socrates Café questioning and dialog be improved?
Do all things have a reason?
If primitive beings had no language how did the “inner voice” of thoughts talk to them?
Does every person have a philosophical dimension naturally or is it
something that is nurtured?
January, 2009 Daytime
January, 2009 Daytime
Plato said that if one “knows” what is good, then one will do it. In what sense is Plato’s hypothesis true?
If the Socrates Café attendees were to attempt to have a wider influence in society, what would we do?
Can “steady-state” capitalism exist (i.e. is growth necessary)?
Is privacy a right or a privilege?
What is going to happen to broadcasting or printed news if the economy implodes?
Plato said that if one “knows” what is good, then one will do it. In what sense is Plato’s hypothesis true?
If the Socrates Café attendees were to attempt to have a wider influence in society, what would we do?
Can “steady-state” capitalism exist (i.e. is growth necessary)?
Is privacy a right or a privilege?
What is going to happen to broadcasting or printed news if the economy implodes?
Janurary, 2009 Evening
January, 2009 Evening
Does morality evolve?
Is worrying useful or detrimental?
In life or death situations who should be saved-the old or the young?
Have we become confused about good and evil? Are we still searching for their
definitions?
When it comes to “human behavior and interactions” is there anything new under the sun?
Does morality evolve?
Is worrying useful or detrimental?
In life or death situations who should be saved-the old or the young?
Have we become confused about good and evil? Are we still searching for their
definitions?
When it comes to “human behavior and interactions” is there anything new under the sun?
Saturday, December 19, 2009
December, 2008 Daytime
December 2008 Daytime
What is patriotism?
What advice would you give to a child or adult or senior citizen about avoiding being
manipulated by advertising?
Is God a good Samaritan?
Plato said that if one “knows” what is good, then one will do it. In what sense is Plato’s hypothesis true?
What is patriotism?
What advice would you give to a child or adult or senior citizen about avoiding being
manipulated by advertising?
Is God a good Samaritan?
Plato said that if one “knows” what is good, then one will do it. In what sense is Plato’s hypothesis true?
December, 2008 Evening
December, 2008 Evening
What would happen to the information “revolution” if there was a prolonged power failure?
To do more good for society should I join a church or be active in a political party?
Is there a mission in each of our lives?
What would happen to the information “revolution” if there was a prolonged power failure?
To do more good for society should I join a church or be active in a political party?
Is there a mission in each of our lives?
November, 2008 Daytime
November, 2008 Daytime
Could society develop a moral ethical code without the basis of religion?
Do you think the internet has been a positive or negative experience?
Is there a case for the existence of a God?
Should the government protect us from being “offended” (rebel flags, nooses,
Swastikas, etc.)?
Should I go to a church or political party to act on a sense of moral obligation?
Could society develop a moral ethical code without the basis of religion?
Do you think the internet has been a positive or negative experience?
Is there a case for the existence of a God?
Should the government protect us from being “offended” (rebel flags, nooses,
Swastikas, etc.)?
Should I go to a church or political party to act on a sense of moral obligation?
November, 2008 Evening
November, 2008 Evening
Does popular culture discourage critical thinking?
Are meaning and happiness two separate paths?
Is tradition another word for habit?
Is there a mission in each of our lives?
What is moderation?
Does popular culture discourage critical thinking?
Are meaning and happiness two separate paths?
Is tradition another word for habit?
Is there a mission in each of our lives?
What is moderation?
October, 2008 Daytime
October, 2008 Daytime
Is the USA on an irreversible decline in its world importance and influence?
Do we have a right to not be offended? Who decides?
Do you think people should take a civics test before they are allowed to vote?
What have you “morally struggled” about in your life?
Is the USA on an irreversible decline in its world importance and influence?
Do we have a right to not be offended? Who decides?
Do you think people should take a civics test before they are allowed to vote?
What have you “morally struggled” about in your life?
October, 2008 Evening
October, 2008 Evening
If you had a ring which makes one invisible when worn, what would you do that you don’t do now?
Discuss a moral dilemma: see the following three examples.
Should the partiality of friendship be allowed in business?
Is it justifiable to kill an innocent person to save many people?
Is killing a person worse than not saving a person?
If you had a ring which makes one invisible when worn, what would you do that you don’t do now?
Discuss a moral dilemma: see the following three examples.
Should the partiality of friendship be allowed in business?
Is it justifiable to kill an innocent person to save many people?
Is killing a person worse than not saving a person?
September, 2008 Evening
September, 2008 Evening
Can mankind change “direction” from intelligence rather than catastrophe?
What about the confederate flag? Ok/not ok?
Does privatization work better than government?
Should the Ten Commandments be the basis for our legal system?
Is government necessary to society?
Can mankind change “direction” from intelligence rather than catastrophe?
What about the confederate flag? Ok/not ok?
Does privatization work better than government?
Should the Ten Commandments be the basis for our legal system?
Is government necessary to society?
August, 2008 Daytime
August, 2008 Daytime
What will be the impact of artificial intelligence on the human mind in the 21st century?
What are you optimistic or pessimistic about?
Is cloning an ethical procedure?
Should offensive speech and displays be banned/regulated? Where’s the line?
Are we losing our rights as citizens of the United States?
Do you think the internet has been a positive or negative experience?
Does belief in God necessitate rejection of intellect, science and fact?
What will be the impact of artificial intelligence on the human mind in the 21st century?
What are you optimistic or pessimistic about?
Is cloning an ethical procedure?
Should offensive speech and displays be banned/regulated? Where’s the line?
Are we losing our rights as citizens of the United States?
Do you think the internet has been a positive or negative experience?
Does belief in God necessitate rejection of intellect, science and fact?
August, 2008 Evening
August, 2008 Evening
Should public “tax” funds be used for private or parochial schools (education)?
If you had a ring which makes one invisible when worn, what would you do that you
don’t do now?
Should we have universal health care?
How well will the United States deal with not being the world power?
Freeman Dyson says his technology will create non-CO2 creating energy-enough for the
whole world. Do you have such faith in science?
Should public “tax” funds be used for private or parochial schools (education)?
If you had a ring which makes one invisible when worn, what would you do that you
don’t do now?
Should we have universal health care?
How well will the United States deal with not being the world power?
Freeman Dyson says his technology will create non-CO2 creating energy-enough for the
whole world. Do you have such faith in science?
July, 2008 Daytime
July, 2008 Daytime
What are you optimistic about?
Why do you attend Socrates Café and what do you get out of it?
What is intuition?
What big idea have you changed your mind about in the last five years?
What are you optimistic about?
Why do you attend Socrates Café and what do you get out of it?
What is intuition?
What big idea have you changed your mind about in the last five years?
July, 2008 Evening
July, 2008 Evening
Is it natural for individuals to extend the range of their empathy as they mature?
If you had a ring which makes one invisible when worn, what would you do that you
don’t do now?
Is peace valuable in a materialistic world?
Is flying the confederate flag a matter of free speech or a matter of ignorance?
Is it natural for individuals to extend the range of their empathy as they mature?
If you had a ring which makes one invisible when worn, what would you do that you
don’t do now?
Is peace valuable in a materialistic world?
Is flying the confederate flag a matter of free speech or a matter of ignorance?
June, 2008 Evening
June, 2008 Evening
Is it desirable to exit Iraq in 10-12 months? Is it possible?
Is the extension of empathy a natural human tendency?
Is the humanizing of value a natural tendency?
Can you have ego without self confidence?
Is it desirable to exit Iraq in 10-12 months? Is it possible?
Is the extension of empathy a natural human tendency?
Is the humanizing of value a natural tendency?
Can you have ego without self confidence?
May, 2008 Evening
May, 2008 Evening
Would sharing the world’s resources be effective in a better life for the majority of society?
Is God necessary for justice?
Can you have ego without self confidence?
If humans become happy what happens to conflict?
Will the average American be able to adjust to a less materialistic condition?
Why do they say “Laughter is the best medicine”?
Are we controlled by advertising? How can we prevent being controlled by advertising?
Would sharing the world’s resources be effective in a better life for the majority of society?
Is God necessary for justice?
Can you have ego without self confidence?
If humans become happy what happens to conflict?
Will the average American be able to adjust to a less materialistic condition?
Why do they say “Laughter is the best medicine”?
Are we controlled by advertising? How can we prevent being controlled by advertising?
April, 2008 Daytime
April, 2008 Daytime
How do you know you know what you know?
What big idea have you changed your mind about in the last five years?
Can wages (pay) be too high or too low?
Was Socrates right to commit suicide?
How do you know you know what you know?
What big idea have you changed your mind about in the last five years?
Can wages (pay) be too high or too low?
Was Socrates right to commit suicide?
April, 2008 Evening
April, 2008 Evening
Can we control our own happiness?
Does the death penalty have a negative impact on society?
Why is positive change harder than negative change?
Will the human race survive without morality?
Can we control our own happiness?
Does the death penalty have a negative impact on society?
Why is positive change harder than negative change?
Will the human race survive without morality?
March, 2008 Evening
March, 2008 Evening
What would you talk about if you were to give the “last lecture of your life”?
Can a society make adjustments on information or just on crisis?
Do people really want the truth?
Will the human race survive without morality?
Do people have the right to set up roadside memorials for loved ones who have died
(i.e. in an auto accident)?
What would you talk about if you were to give the “last lecture of your life”?
Can a society make adjustments on information or just on crisis?
Do people really want the truth?
Will the human race survive without morality?
Do people have the right to set up roadside memorials for loved ones who have died
(i.e. in an auto accident)?
February, 2008 Daytime
February, 2008 Daytime
When is thinking outside the box good/bad?
What do you believe that you have no evidence for?
Does no good deed go unpunished?
How would you prove your sanity?
Is pedophilia a treatable disease?
When is thinking outside the box good/bad?
What do you believe that you have no evidence for?
Does no good deed go unpunished?
How would you prove your sanity?
Is pedophilia a treatable disease?
February, 2008 Evening
February, 2008 Evening
Is the understanding of “good” universal?
Who owns “American” corporations and how does ownership affect us?
Is marriage necessary?
Have you ever had what you would call, specifically, a “spiritual” experience? Did it
happen more than once?
Is the understanding of “good” universal?
Who owns “American” corporations and how does ownership affect us?
Is marriage necessary?
Have you ever had what you would call, specifically, a “spiritual” experience? Did it
happen more than once?
January, 2008 Daytime
January, 2008 Daytime
What is more important, questions or answers?
Is anarchy good?
Do words clarify or confuse?
How do we recognize the difference between our delusional thinking and our wise
thinking?
What is more important, questions or answers?
Is anarchy good?
Do words clarify or confuse?
How do we recognize the difference between our delusional thinking and our wise
thinking?
January, 2008 Evening
January, 2008 Evening
Does self-knowledge come more from submitting one’s cherished beliefs to open
dialog or from expressing one’s doubts in a supportive group?
What does “life” begin?
Who are you ultimately responsible to? Who are you ultimately responsible for?
Is the medical profession’s goal to save lives or make profit?
Does self-knowledge come more from submitting one’s cherished beliefs to open
dialog or from expressing one’s doubts in a supportive group?
What does “life” begin?
Who are you ultimately responsible to? Who are you ultimately responsible for?
Is the medical profession’s goal to save lives or make profit?
Friday, December 18, 2009
December, 2007 Daytime
December, 2007 Daytime
What is truth?
Should government regulate stem cell research and its applications?
What is the difference between spirituality and religion?
What are cures for loneliness?
What is truth?
Should government regulate stem cell research and its applications?
What is the difference between spirituality and religion?
What are cures for loneliness?
December, 2007 Evening
December, 2007 Evening
What, if any, is the right of the government to intervene in the self-determined choice of an individual to make end of life choices?
What is the value of common sense in the scheme of modern human life? Can it be taught in school?
Is it true that no good deed goes unpunished?
How did Scientology become a religion?
What, if any, is the right of the government to intervene in the self-determined choice of an individual to make end of life choices?
What is the value of common sense in the scheme of modern human life? Can it be taught in school?
Is it true that no good deed goes unpunished?
How did Scientology become a religion?
November, 2007 Daytime
November, 2007 Daytime
Are things that are valuable valuable because we value them or do we value them because they are valuable?
Should the candidate who can raise the most money win?
Should government regulate stem cell research and its applications?
Does God punish?
Are things that are valuable valuable because we value them or do we value them because they are valuable?
Should the candidate who can raise the most money win?
Should government regulate stem cell research and its applications?
Does God punish?
November, 2007 Evening
November, 2007 Evening
Is freedom more important than religion?
Is capitalism out of control?
What does the US owe to the world-if anything?
What do you think was the purpose of the Ten Commandments?
Are science and religion compatible?
Is it true that no good deed goes unpunished?
Is freedom more important than religion?
Is capitalism out of control?
What does the US owe to the world-if anything?
What do you think was the purpose of the Ten Commandments?
Are science and religion compatible?
Is it true that no good deed goes unpunished?
October, 2007 Daytime
October, 2007 Daytime
Are pride, greed, and hate flaws in human nature?
Were you put on earth to serve a purpose?
When is war justified?
How should choices be made?
Are pride, greed, and hate flaws in human nature?
Were you put on earth to serve a purpose?
When is war justified?
How should choices be made?
October, 2007 Evening
October, 2007 Evening
The separation of church and state! Do you agree or disagree with our founding
fathers?
Is television to blame for the breakdown of the American family?
Is intuition valid?
Have we, as Americans, over-civilized ourselves?
The separation of church and state! Do you agree or disagree with our founding
fathers?
Is television to blame for the breakdown of the American family?
Is intuition valid?
Have we, as Americans, over-civilized ourselves?
September, 2007 Daytime
September, 2007 Daytime
Is there a difference between absolute truth and reality?
What can we do about propaganda?
Does God exist?
Is healthcare a due by the community, government, etc. or is it a personal responsibility?
Is there a difference between absolute truth and reality?
What can we do about propaganda?
Does God exist?
Is healthcare a due by the community, government, etc. or is it a personal responsibility?
September, 2007 Evening
September, 2007 Evening
Is a conviction in the court of public opinion equivalent to a conviction by a jury of your peers?
Is the God of the Old Testament worthy of worship, or was he a monster?
Given a double assumption what do you envision doing in heaven?
What are the dangers to democracy from a patronage system?
Is a conviction in the court of public opinion equivalent to a conviction by a jury of your peers?
Is the God of the Old Testament worthy of worship, or was he a monster?
Given a double assumption what do you envision doing in heaven?
What are the dangers to democracy from a patronage system?
August, 2007 Daytime
August, 2007 Daytime
Alzheimer’s disease is a powerful argument against life after death! (If you can be
dead when you are alive then you can certainly be dead when you are dead!)
Do you believe in life after death or a “near” death experience?
What do we do about propaganda?
Alzheimer’s disease is a powerful argument against life after death! (If you can be
dead when you are alive then you can certainly be dead when you are dead!)
Do you believe in life after death or a “near” death experience?
What do we do about propaganda?
August, 2007 Evening
August, 2007 Evening
Is being “politically correct” being moral?
Is democracy dangerous? There has been a deep despair about whether and how the USA
should spread democracy.
Americans do not think like economists! (Free market, spending, immigration.)
If religion is man-made—did God create man or man create God?
Is being “politically correct” being moral?
Is democracy dangerous? There has been a deep despair about whether and how the USA
should spread democracy.
Americans do not think like economists! (Free market, spending, immigration.)
If religion is man-made—did God create man or man create God?
July, 2007 Daytime
July, 2007 Daytime
Should “we” be responsible for the acts of someone else?
What constitutes moral action?
A challenge facing our nation is how we react to terrorism and how we manage our fears
and achieve security without losing our freedom.
“A ‘prince’ would maintain his authority is often compelled to be other than good. For
when the class, be it the people, the soldiers, or the nobles, on whom you judge it
necessary to rely for your support, is corrupt, you must needs adapt yourself to its
needs and satisfy these, in which case virtuous conduct will only prejudice you”.
Should “we” be responsible for the acts of someone else?
What constitutes moral action?
A challenge facing our nation is how we react to terrorism and how we manage our fears
and achieve security without losing our freedom.
“A ‘prince’ would maintain his authority is often compelled to be other than good. For
when the class, be it the people, the soldiers, or the nobles, on whom you judge it
necessary to rely for your support, is corrupt, you must needs adapt yourself to its
needs and satisfy these, in which case virtuous conduct will only prejudice you”.
June, 2007 Daytime
June, 2007 Daytime
Is there any aspect of society not influenced by money?
Can love change any negative into a positive?
What is piety?
How much do you owe to other people (i.e. family, society)?
Is there any aspect of society not influenced by money?
Can love change any negative into a positive?
What is piety?
How much do you owe to other people (i.e. family, society)?
June, 2007 Evening
June, 2007 Evening
What is the difference between an atheist and a person who believes in God, both individuals living morally decent lives?
Is it better to believe in something or is it better to believe in nothing?
Is the earth better off without the human species?
Do our laws change or are different if they originate from a patriarchy or a matriarchy?
Is “time” a human concept?
What is the difference between an atheist and a person who believes in God, both individuals living morally decent lives?
Is it better to believe in something or is it better to believe in nothing?
Is the earth better off without the human species?
Do our laws change or are different if they originate from a patriarchy or a matriarchy?
Is “time” a human concept?
May, 2007 Daytime
May, 2007 Daytime
Do you believe in a near death experience (i.e. white light)?
How does society control propaganda?
What is a cult?
Why poison for Socrates?
Do you believe in a near death experience (i.e. white light)?
How does society control propaganda?
What is a cult?
Why poison for Socrates?
May, 2007 Evening
May, 2007 Evening
Who should decide what is medically ethical?
Can compassion be taught?
Were all life forms on earth created from one initial source?
Is excellence still possible?
Who should decide what is medically ethical?
Can compassion be taught?
Were all life forms on earth created from one initial source?
Is excellence still possible?
April, 2007 Daytime
April, 2007 Daytime
Does the relentless media coverage of tragic events harden society and make us less
compassionate?
Can we achieve justice without war?
What is courtesy?
Does the relentless media coverage of tragic events harden society and make us less
compassionate?
Can we achieve justice without war?
What is courtesy?
April, 2007 Evening
April, 2007 Evening
Is the concept of God fundamentally irrational?
Change tax structure to a more fair system?
How does the morality or lack thereof affect our country’s standard of culture?
What is the most important non-domestic issue facing our nation?
Is civil gone in the civilization of the United States?
What is truth?
What duty does public education have to its students? To society?
Is the concept of God fundamentally irrational?
Change tax structure to a more fair system?
How does the morality or lack thereof affect our country’s standard of culture?
What is the most important non-domestic issue facing our nation?
Is civil gone in the civilization of the United States?
What is truth?
What duty does public education have to its students? To society?
March, 2007
March, 2007
Do the media today truly reflect our society?
What obligation do we as individuals have to society?
Is selflessness more admirable than selfishness? Is selflessness inherently better than
selfishness?
How do we define and teach morality?
What is the most important foreign policy issue facing our nation?
Is God necessary for religion?
What is justice in today’s Western society?
Do the media today truly reflect our society?
What obligation do we as individuals have to society?
Is selflessness more admirable than selfishness? Is selflessness inherently better than
selfishness?
How do we define and teach morality?
What is the most important foreign policy issue facing our nation?
Is God necessary for religion?
What is justice in today’s Western society?
February, 2007
February, 2007
What is courage?
What is the most important foreign policy issue facing our nation?
Iraq.
Our education system leaves a lot to be desired. Why is it then that America gets more Nobel prizes than any other country?
Is marriage necessary for family formation?
What is courage?
What is the most important foreign policy issue facing our nation?
Iraq.
Our education system leaves a lot to be desired. Why is it then that America gets more Nobel prizes than any other country?
Is marriage necessary for family formation?
January, 2007
January, 2007
Can science and religion co-exist?
Does truth exist?
Is suffering necessary for learning?
Is enlightenment a worthy goal or a trick?
Iraq.
Where does our animal nature begin and end?
Can science and religion co-exist?
Does truth exist?
Is suffering necessary for learning?
Is enlightenment a worthy goal or a trick?
Iraq.
Where does our animal nature begin and end?
December, 2006
December, 2006
Is retribution necessary?
How might a case decided by the courts 2000 years ago have a different result when decided by a modern day jury?
Can a blind person possible understand “red”? How does the answer relate to “realism”
and “subjectivism”?
What is courtesy?
Is science the only “true” religion?
What is listening?
Is retribution necessary?
How might a case decided by the courts 2000 years ago have a different result when decided by a modern day jury?
Can a blind person possible understand “red”? How does the answer relate to “realism”
and “subjectivism”?
What is courtesy?
Is science the only “true” religion?
What is listening?
November, 2006
November, 2006
(As a non-fundamentalist Christian): How do we define “evil” in the 21st century of psychology and mental health disease awareness?
What is education?
Is contemporary schooling true education that will benefit the advancement of our
society?
What is the just in justice and where did it come from?
What is in store for the university system?
(As a non-fundamentalist Christian): How do we define “evil” in the 21st century of psychology and mental health disease awareness?
What is education?
Is contemporary schooling true education that will benefit the advancement of our
society?
What is the just in justice and where did it come from?
What is in store for the university system?
October, 2006
October, 2006
Cults.
What are the differences between men and women that go unspoken?
What role does civic virtue play in a (representative) democracy?
Can religion exist without a belief in God(s)?
Will “manners” and “dress codes” ever return in the USA?
Cults.
What are the differences between men and women that go unspoken?
What role does civic virtue play in a (representative) democracy?
Can religion exist without a belief in God(s)?
Will “manners” and “dress codes” ever return in the USA?
September, 2006
September, 2006
If life were found elsewhere in the universe how would it “change” religion as we
know it?
Why didn’t the library referendum pass? Apathy? No new taxes? What referendum?
Limit terms of elected officials?
What is courage?
Is marriage necessary for family formation?
What is our obligation to search for truth?
State vs. man.
If life were found elsewhere in the universe how would it “change” religion as we
know it?
Why didn’t the library referendum pass? Apathy? No new taxes? What referendum?
Limit terms of elected officials?
What is courage?
Is marriage necessary for family formation?
What is our obligation to search for truth?
State vs. man.
August, 2006
August, 2006
Political parties existing now likely to remain or be replaced?
Is total equality for women inevitable?
Is God a good Samaritan?
What is patriotism?
Is marriage necessary for family formation?
Political parties existing now likely to remain or be replaced?
Is total equality for women inevitable?
Is God a good Samaritan?
What is patriotism?
Is marriage necessary for family formation?
July, 2006
July, 2006
Technology. Beneficial/harmful?
Why am I me and not someone else?
What has happened to the “gentleman”?
The media.
Technology. Beneficial/harmful?
Why am I me and not someone else?
What has happened to the “gentleman”?
The media.
June, 2006
June, 2006
Did God create man or man create God?
Is human nature natural?
What is courage?
Why are “we” here?
Must we disagree to agree?
What is the purpose of “man”?
Will the current political parties continue or be replaced by a new party?
Did God create man or man create God?
Is human nature natural?
What is courage?
Why are “we” here?
Must we disagree to agree?
What is the purpose of “man”?
Will the current political parties continue or be replaced by a new party?
May, 2006
May, 2006
What is just? (Not justice)
How can we avoid being overly optimistic or pessimistic about the human condition?
Television, computers, cell phones, nanotechnology, technology in general.
Positive/negative? Beneficial/harmful?
What can we do to save the environment?
What is just? (Not justice)
How can we avoid being overly optimistic or pessimistic about the human condition?
Television, computers, cell phones, nanotechnology, technology in general.
Positive/negative? Beneficial/harmful?
What can we do to save the environment?
Socrates Cafe Discussion Topics
The following posts will be a list of topics from the beginning of our group to present day. The chosen topic of discussion for each session is written in bold.
During the calendar year 2008 the Palm Harbor Library was being renovated and meeting space was not always available. This explains the absence of topics for certain dates. In April of 2007, a second session was added each month, so at this point I will distinguish between evening (first Wednesday of each month at 6:00 P.M.)and daytime (third Thursday of each month at 1:00 P.M.) sessions.
During the calendar year 2008 the Palm Harbor Library was being renovated and meeting space was not always available. This explains the absence of topics for certain dates. In April of 2007, a second session was added each month, so at this point I will distinguish between evening (first Wednesday of each month at 6:00 P.M.)and daytime (third Thursday of each month at 1:00 P.M.) sessions.
History of the Palm Harbor Library Socrates Cafe
The first session of the Palm Harbor Library Socrates Cafe was held in April, 2006. We met once a month (the first Wednesday of each month at 6:00 P.M.). The group was so successful that we decided to add a second session beginning in April, 2007 (the third Thursday of each month at 1:00 P.M.). We continued to meet twice a month on this same schedule, however, October of 2010 brought a new library schedule that forced us to change both sessions to Thursday meetings. OUR CURRENT SCHEDULE, AS OF OCTOBER 2010, is: The first Thursday of each month at 6:00 P.M. and the third Thursday of each month at 1:00 P.M. We have had anywhere from 6 to 36 people per session, with the average number of attendees about 18. If you were one of the attendees, we look forward to seeing you again. If you have never attended, you are welcome. This is an experience you should not miss.
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