London Philosophy Collective

Connecting people into Philosophy. All welcome. No previous philosophical experience needed.

What it is

Philosophy in the Park is a fun and friendly space for people to come together and have discussions that get deep. It’s a safe space where active creative thinking is encouraged and enjoyed, and where everyone can explore abstract concepts in a way that combines both sincerity and playfulness. Where the most important question is always - what do you think?

What is Philosophy?

Philosophy is about analysing concepts. It's thinking about thinking. It's not about empiricism or the physical world (eg Science and statistics). It's about abstractions, concepts and ideas (eg Identity, Morality, Mind and Truth).

How Philosophy in the Park Works

• Each hour begins with a group vote on which questions to discuss. You can vote for more than one question if you'd like.
• We then break out into groups, each focusing on one of the chosen questions. The question is just a starting point and it's cool if you go on tangents and end up talking about different things. You're welcome to join in and participate or if you'd prefer to sit back and enjoy the conversation, that’s also welcome.
• After an hour we regroup, take a quick break and then repeat all over again. So across the 3 hours, we’ll break out 3 times.

Where it is

We will meet in the Barbican Centre on Level Minus 1. Outside The Hall.

After the event finishes we have an area reserved in The Shakespeare pub which is just around the corner from the Barbican. You are very welcome to join us if you'd like.

Guidelines

In order to make the conversations as fun, interesting and productive as possible please follow these simple guidelines:

1. Keep it Philosophical
   (No Science, no History, no Sociology, no Evolutionary Psychology, no contestable facts, personal anecdotes etc).
2. Think for Yourself
   (No phones, no looking up definitions, no name dropping Philosophers / books you've read).
3. Tangents are Cool
   (Don't worry too much if the subject drifts and you don't answer the question).
4. Keep it Succinct
   (Like this).
5. Be Excellent to Each Other
   (But of course).

Please remember: It's not about debating and trying to win - it's about listening to people and working collaboratively to increase our collective understanding.

Community

Don't Look Now is a 1973 English-language thriller film directed by Nicolas Roeg, adapted from the 1971 short story by Daphne du Maurier. Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland portray Laura and John Baxter, a married couple who travel to Venice following the recent accidental death of their daughter, after John accepts a commission to restore a church. They encounter two sisters, one of whom claims to be clairvoyant and informs them that their daughter is trying to contact them and warn them of danger. John at first dismisses their claims, but starts to experience mysterious sightings himself.

Please note we will not be showing the film at the meeting. Make sure you watch the film before you attend and then come and join in with the conversation. It’s just a discussion. It’s not a screening.

The year is 1327. Franciscans in a wealthy Italian abbey are suspected of heresy, and Brother William of Baskerville arrives to investigate. When his delicate mission is suddenly overshadowed by seven bizarre deaths, Brother William turns to the logic of Aristotle, the theology of Aquinas, and the empirical insights of Roger Bacon to find the killer. He collects evidence, deciphers secret symbols and coded manuscripts, and digs into the eerie labyrinth of the abbey (“where the most interesting things happen at night”) armed with a wry sense of humor and a ferocious curiosity.

You don't have to have read it to join us - but it'll probably help.

The All Out of Bubblegum Film Club presents THE SHINING, the legendary 1980 horror classic.

The Torrance family are heading to The Overlook Hotel to spend the winter - but they're got a big surprise coming to them. One of the greatest horror movies of all time The Shining is a masterpiece by one of cinema's greatest directors that has lost none of its capacity to shock and enthral and disturb. A cinematic labyrinth that changes every time you see it. Only one thing is certain - once you check in: you'll never leave.

For fans of popcorn and philosophy, The All Out of Bubblegum Film Club is like a book club - for films with wide-ranging, mind-expanding and fun analytical conversations guaranteed. So why not meet new people, discover new classics and rediscover old favourites?

THE SHINING will be introduced by film club organiser Joel.