Socrates Café: Philosophy and Critical Thinking Outside the Classroom

In this philosophical discussion group, which meets on Zoom, the evening’s discussion topic is chosen by the participants. Socrates Café is a movement to bring philosophy outside the academic setting. It helps those of us who are not professional philosophers develop our critical thinking skills by interacting respectfully and actively with others who share a love of ideas. The atmosphere is informal and conducive to an interchange among thoughtful people of all ages. Topics are suggested by those present, and one subject is selected by group consensus. The remainder of the time is spent exploring the topic. In the process, the group is exposed to a wide range of ideas, alternative views, and mental stretching. Underlying the evening’s exercise is a process of refining one’s ability to think critically about a subject. Members and non-members are welcome. There is no charge for attending beyond a nominal contribution for coffee. Socrates Cafe groups now number about 100 around the US. The first group was started in Montclair several years ago by Chris Phillips, a philosopher trained at Montclair State University.  You can visit the original Socrates Cafe website at philosopher.org and read Chris Phillips’s book, Socrates Cafe: A Fresh Taste of Philosophy. To receive the Zoom link on the day of the meeting, please rsvp on the Socrates Café Meetup page.