Philosophy Group

“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.”
Plato

Philosophy traces its origins to Ancient Greece in the 6th century BCE, with thinkers like Thales of Miletus initiating a tradition of inquiry that would profoundly shape Western thought. Its golden age unfolded in the 5th and 4th centuries BCE, when Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle laid the intellectual foundations that continue to influence contemporary discourse.

As a discipline, philosophy remains a vital field of study, encompassing profound questions about human existence, ethical frameworks, and the structures of law and governance. It probes what we can genuinely know, how we use language to shape our understanding, and what it means to live a reflective and examined life. In a world saturated with information, philosophy cultivates the art of critical thinking. It trains us not merely to absorb, but to interrogate — challenging assumptions, scrutinizing sources, and seeking clarity amid complexity.

The Group takes a historical approach to the subject, to understand the contributions of philosophers to the subject as it developed through the centuries. Each session will take a specific philosopher, where there will be a short presentation followed by discussion. No one is an expert, but we enjoy the learning experience and so explore what can be difficult issues.

“We know very little, and yet it is astonishing that we know so much, and still more astonishing that so little knowledge can give us so much power.”
Bertrand Russell

The Group is at capacity at the moment, but if you wish to join, please apply in the usual way and your name will be added to the waiting list.

This Group is participating in the pilot trial whereby members can apply to join online - see details on the Self-Registration page.