Do you do any events? |
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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! |
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.
Day | Tuesdays |
From | 18:00, to 20:00 |
Cost | FREE |
Max | 40 attendees |
Type | IN-PERSON Activity |
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!
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!
Chairperson | HANNAH HOLMES |
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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 |
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