Despite its associations with antiquity—think Plato, Socrates and Aristotle –the study of philosophy is more relevant than ever, according to Tyler Doggett, UVM associate professor of philosophy, and principal organizer of the second annual Public Philosophy Week Monday, April 30 through May 5.
To bring vital philosophical questions out of the academy and into the public square, Public Philosophy Week includes 15 different discussions, presentations and readings that apply a philosophical lens to modern questions, from the ethics of food, to immigration issues, to animal rights.
“We came up with a variety of venues and presenters,” explains Doggett. “We wanted to make it convenient for people to attend sessions and move the discussion away from the campus and into the community.”
On Thursday, May 3, from 5-6:30 p.m., Windfall Orchards in Cornwall, Vt., hosts “Food and Moral Fundamentalism,” a round-table discussion about issues related to our food system. Archie’s Grill on the Shelburne Road hosts “Philosophy, Animal Cruelty, and a Side of Fries,” a discussion about the philosophical and psychological elements of the treatment of animals Saturday, May 5 at 3 p.m. "Why Would God be Hidden?" is a discussion led by UVM professor Terence Cuneo at the College St. Congregational Church in Burlington, Wednesday, May 2, from 7-8 p.m.
The list of presenters includes Doggett’s philosophy colleagues at UVM and other Vermont colleges, and many non-academics who bring thoughtful perspectives to their daily lives and work.
Doggett was inspired to create the festival several years ago, after reading a Burlington Free Press interview with the director of a local homeless shelter who commented on acute feelings of isolation and hopelessness among homeless people in the city.
“Those are feelings we’ve all experienced to varying degrees,” explains Doggett. “These are things philosophers have worked on, things that philosophers can help with, but things that people wouldn’t know philosophers work on and help with.”
Shortly afterwards, he traveled with his family to Barcelona where he was spending a year on sabbatical. The city was hosting the Festival de Filosofia, an annual event that featured art, music, poetry readings and philosophy lectures and discussions about contemporary issues. Doggett was determined to do something similar in Burlington.
Last year’s inaugural event included eight presentations in and around Burlington.
For more information and updates, visit the Public Philosophy Week Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/publicphilosophyweek