Philosophy & Debating Society

Man was formed for society and is neither capable of living alone, nor has the courage to.

Latest News 2

	Guest speaker: Daniel Vazquez (MIC) [15th Mar] Dr. Daniel Vazquez, of Mary I, joins Phildeb for this coming Tuesday as our first ever guest speaker! His discussion will focus on the ethics of arguing. Is it always possible to productively discuss some sides of a topic? is it too taboo of a claim to make, or does justifying the idea simply cause more harm than good, by adding fuel to the fire of dangerous or malformed concepts? Dr. Vazquez has lectured all over the world, including Oxford and London, and is currently head of the Philosophy ...	Read More »
	Open Mic Event!! [9th Mar] Hi everyone! Following on from our speed debating event a couple of weeks ago, we are collaborating with the Literature Society for an Open Mic evening at the Pavilion. This will take place soon, on the 11th of March (this coming Tuesday), from 7:30 pm until 10 pm. There will be open prose of all sorts, ranging from the most articulate writers known to humanity to the most brilliant thinkers to roam this planet (and with plenty of cross-over). Any and all members are welcome to participate, ...	Read More »

Guest speaker: Daniel Vazquez (MIC)

Dr. Daniel Vazquez, of Mary I, joins Phildeb for this coming Tuesday as our first ever guest speaker! His discussion will focus on the ethics of arguing. Is it always possible to productively discuss some sides of a topic? is it too taboo of a claim to make, or does justifying the idea simply cause more harm than good, by adding fuel to the fire of dangerous or malformed concepts? Dr. Vazquez has lectured all over the world, including Oxford and London, and is currently head of the Philosophy ...

15th Mar Read More »

Open Mic Event!!

Hi everyone! Following on from our speed debating event a couple of weeks ago, we are collaborating with the Literature Society for an Open Mic evening at the Pavilion. This will take place soon, on the 11th of March (this coming Tuesday), from 7:30 pm until 10 pm. There will be open prose of all sorts, ranging from the most articulate writers known to humanity to the most brilliant thinkers to roam this planet (and with plenty of cross-over). Any and all members are welcome to participate, ...

9th Mar Read More »

Philosophy & Debating Links

Message Philosophy & Debating

Philosophy & Debating FAQs

Do you do any events?
Yes! Every semester we host our popular "Speed Debating" event, which is widely enjoyed by our members. We also run movie nights, picnics, invite guest speakers and more!
What topics do you discuss/debate?
We cover a broad range of topics, from social and political issues, to more philosophical ideas and sometimes sillier debates! We welcome any suggestions for topics from members, just ask.
Do I need to have experience in debating or philosophy to be a member?
Nope, not at all! We at the Philosophy and Debating Society have a very relaxed environment. There's no pressure to be a expert in anything. An interest in expressing your opinion and listening to others is all that's needed! More challenging topics will be explained by our committee. Don't be afraid to ask questions, we love to help!

All UL Wolves FAQs »

Upcoming Event 1

Only logged in / active Philosophy & Debating Society members can book / attend this event

	GUEST SPEAKER: Daniel Vazquez (MIC)
		Starts: Tue 18th Mar at 18:00	Ends: at 20:00	Cost: FREE	Max: 54	IN-PERSON Event

Location: Kemmy Business School (KBG-15) Meeting: KBG15 Guest speaker: Daniel Vazquez joins us from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, to discuss the ethics of arguing both perspectives of a topic. With many thanks to Dr. Vazquez, UL's Philosophy and Debate Society is glad to announce its first guest speaker event! With focus, as previously mentioned in this post, on the ethics of a given topic's varied perspectives, Daniel Vazquez has provided the following abstract to his discussion: Allowing space to argue for both sides of a difficult question or case often benefits our understanding, belief formation, risk assessment, and decision-making. But is it always morally appropriate to discuss both sides of an issue? Should we always allow equal time to advocate for both sides? Examples like pseudoscientific theories, political filibusters, and vested interests that manufacture doubt suggest not. But where and under what minimal moral principles should we draw the line? Philosophers and scientists have disagreed about the appropriateness and limits of arguing both sides since ancient times. Two ideals seem to clash. On the one hand, discovery and the search for truth require the freedom to assess all possible arguments to maximize the chances of success. On the other hand, sometimes pondering both sides strikes us as morally intolerable, a waste of time or falling into rhetorical traps that harm rather than benefit an investigation. He has provided a brief autobiography as well, seen below. Dr Daniel Vázquez is an Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Philosophy, and co-director of the Institute for Interdisciplinary and Engaged Philosophy at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. He is also a member of the Trinity Plato Centre and the philosophy reviewer for the journal Greece & Rome. Dr Vázquez has published in various areas of ancient philosophy, especially on Plato, the Stoics, and the scepticism of Sextus Empiricus. His recent and forthcoming publications include Suspension of Belief (Cambridge UP 2024) and Escepticismo, metafísica y argumentación (NUN, Mexico City 2024), as well as three co-edited volumes: Cause and Explanation in Ancient Philosophy (Routledge 2024), Plato on Time and the World (Palgrave McMillan 2023), and Time and Cosmology in Plato and the Platonic Tradition (Brill 2022).In addition to his work on the history of philosophy, Dr Vázquez has taught ethics, political philosophy, and epistemology around the world (including Oxford, London, Barcelona, Sao Paulo and Mexico City) and is co-founder and volunteer for the Centre of Human Rights Studies, based in Mexico City. The not-for-profit think-tank works on combatting all forms of violence, oppression and discrimination, advancing social justice, and strengthening the respect for human rights, equity and diversity. Refreshments will be provided.

GUEST SPEAKER: Daniel Vazquez (MIC)

Starts	Tue 18th Mar at 18:00
Ends	at 20:00
Cost	FREE
Max	54 attendees
Type	IN-PERSON Event

Guest speaker: Daniel Vazquez joins us from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, to discuss the ethics of arguing both perspectives of a topic.

With many thanks to Dr. Vazquez, UL's Philosophy and Debate Society is glad to announce its first guest speaker event! With focus, as previously mentioned in this post, on the ethics of a given topic's varied perspectives, Daniel Vazquez has provided the following abstract to his discussion:

Allowing space to argue for both sides of a difficult question or case often benefits our understanding, belief formation, risk assessment, and decision-making. But is it always morally appropriate to discuss both sides of an issue? Should we always allow equal time to advocate for both sides? Examples like pseudoscientific theories, political filibusters, and vested interests that manufacture doubt suggest not. But where and under what minimal moral principles should we draw the line? Philosophers and scientists have disagreed about the appropriateness and limits of arguing both sides since ancient times. Two ideals seem to clash. On the one hand, discovery and the search for truth require the freedom to assess all possible arguments to maximize the chances of success. On the other hand, sometimes pondering both sides strikes us as morally intolerable, a waste of time or falling into rhetorical traps that harm rather than benefit an investigation.

He has provided a brief autobiography as well, seen below.

Dr Daniel Vázquez is an Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Philosophy, and co-director of the Institute for Interdisciplinary and Engaged Philosophy at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. He is also a member of the Trinity Plato Centre and the philosophy reviewer for the journal Greece & Rome.
Dr Vázquez has published in various areas of ancient philosophy, especially on Plato, the Stoics, and the scepticism of Sextus Empiricus. His recent and forthcoming publications include Suspension of Belief (Cambridge UP 2024) and Escepticismo, metafísica y argumentación (NUN, Mexico City 2024), as well as three co-edited volumes: Cause and Explanation in Ancient Philosophy (Routledge 2024), Plato on Time and the World (Palgrave McMillan 2023), and Time and Cosmology in Plato and the Platonic Tradition (Brill 2022).In addition to his work on the history of philosophy, Dr Vázquez has taught ethics, political philosophy, and epistemology around the world (including Oxford, London, Barcelona, Sao Paulo and Mexico City) and is co-founder and volunteer for the Centre of Human Rights Studies, based in Mexico City. The not-for-profit think-tank works on combatting all forms of violence, oppression and discrimination, advancing social justice, and strengthening the respect for human rights, equity and diversity.

Refreshments will be provided.

Weekly Activities 2

Only logged in / active Philosophy & Debating Society members can book / attend these activities

	Weekly Hang-outs
		Day: Tuesdays	Starts: 18:00	Ends: 20:00	Max: 40	IN-PERSON Activity

Location: KBG-15, Kemmy Buisness School Our weekly hang-outs focusses on discussing philosophy and social topics and takes place every Tuesday at 6-8pm, You do not need to have any prior knowledge of philosophy to join in, just an interest in the subject and a willingness to keep things civil!
	Weekly Debates
		Day: Thursdays	Starts: 18:00	Ends: 20:00	Max: 40	IN-PERSON Activity

Location: KBG-14, Kemmy Buisness School Our weekly debating event takes place in two 1 hour debating sessions, this takes place every Thursday from 6-8pm. No prior experience of debating needed!

Weekly Hang-outs

Day	Tuesdays
From	18:00, to 20:00
Cost	FREE
Max	40 attendees
Type	IN-PERSON Activity

Weekly Debates

Day	Thursdays
From	18:00, to 20:00
Cost	FREE
Max	40 attendees
Type	IN-PERSON Activity

About Philosophy & Debating Society

What is the Philosophy & Debating Society all about?

The aim of the Philosophy & Debating Society is to provide a place where students can get together to talk philosophy and to debate topics of interest to them. We focus on cultivating an environment where people feel comfortable to share their own opinions and back themselves up when disagreement arises!

We separate our philosophy and debating events, so you can engage with whichever part you're interested in! The first event of every week focusses on philosophy and takes place in the form of 'hangouts' every Tuesday at 6-8pm.

You do not need to have any prior knowledge of philosophy to join in, just an interest in the subject and a willingness to keep things civil!

The second weekly event focusses on debating, this takes place every Thursday from 6-8pm. This is a very open and relaxed environment, and a great opportunity to have your say and debate your opinions.

You shouldn't fear not having debating experience, we're here to help each other improve and there's still plenty of space for friendly banter!

Additionally, the Philosophy & Debating society hosts occasional events such as our very popular Speed Debating event, coffee mornings, movie screenings and outdoor discussion sessions!

Philosophy & Debating News Archive Philosophy & Debating Event Archive Philosophy & Debating Activity Archive

Philosophy & Debating Society — Constitution

Philosophy & Debating Society — Safety Statement

Current Committee 11

Chairperson	HANNAH HOLMES
Secretary	CHRISTINA LATYSHEVA
Treasurer	Michael Herbert
Health and Safety Officer	Sam GLEESON
Public Relations Officer	Alex Harvey
Assist. Treasurer	Cillian Moore
Assistant Public Relations	Katherine Savage
Discord Moderator	JAKUB NOWICKI
Librarian	PETER
Ordinary Committee Member	Andrew McLaren
Ordinary Committee Member	Aidan Kelly