Coffee talk gets philosophical with Cafe Philo
By: Deena Watts
Issue date: 10/7/04 Section: Culture
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Aristotle. Socrates. Double-shot espressos. Whether feeding an addiction to philosophy or a need for caffeine beverages, the discussion forum Café Philo promises to tend to both in an hour-and-a-half flat.
"I've noticed for some time a growing thirst for soulful conversations about things that matter," said David Hilditch, adjunct professor of the philosophy department, who delegates the discussion. "People yearn to think together, to meet each other at a level deeper than that of commercial exchange or causal meeting. Café Philo fills this need in a unique way."
At Café Philo, students and non-students meet to discuss philosophical questions and ideas. The forum meets at the Starbucks in Webster Groves about three times a semester and discussion topics come as suggestions from the group. After voting on a topic the group then settles in, taking sips of their non-fat lattes and channels their inner Plato.
Café Philo originated in France, then moved across Europe and drifted to the United States on both coasts. In 1998, Hilditch brought the concept to St. Louis.
The most recent Café Philo meeting was Sept. 28. The number of those who attended this particular meeting was 12, and four were Webster students. The topics for this week included salvation and the motivation to be ethical.
One attendant at the discussion, Bill Haske, has been a part of Café Philo since the existence of the forum in St. Louis. When asked why he faithfully comes to these meetings, his answer was simple.
"Because of David," Haske said. "He brings philosophy out of the scholastic setting and gives those who cannot be in the classroom opportunity to still talk about philosophical issues."
Britt-Marie Schiller, assistant professor in the philosophy department, said she believes philosophy to essential to all.
"Philosophy addresses the questions people really think about," Schiller said. "It is a great relevance in today's world because it involves critical thinking and addresses important issues in society such as racism, sexism and human rights."
"I've noticed for some time a growing thirst for soulful conversations about things that matter," said David Hilditch, adjunct professor of the philosophy department, who delegates the discussion. "People yearn to think together, to meet each other at a level deeper than that of commercial exchange or causal meeting. Café Philo fills this need in a unique way."
At Café Philo, students and non-students meet to discuss philosophical questions and ideas. The forum meets at the Starbucks in Webster Groves about three times a semester and discussion topics come as suggestions from the group. After voting on a topic the group then settles in, taking sips of their non-fat lattes and channels their inner Plato.
Café Philo originated in France, then moved across Europe and drifted to the United States on both coasts. In 1998, Hilditch brought the concept to St. Louis.
The most recent Café Philo meeting was Sept. 28. The number of those who attended this particular meeting was 12, and four were Webster students. The topics for this week included salvation and the motivation to be ethical.
One attendant at the discussion, Bill Haske, has been a part of Café Philo since the existence of the forum in St. Louis. When asked why he faithfully comes to these meetings, his answer was simple.
"Because of David," Haske said. "He brings philosophy out of the scholastic setting and gives those who cannot be in the classroom opportunity to still talk about philosophical issues."
Britt-Marie Schiller, assistant professor in the philosophy department, said she believes philosophy to essential to all.
"Philosophy addresses the questions people really think about," Schiller said. "It is a great relevance in today's world because it involves critical thinking and addresses important issues in society such as racism, sexism and human rights."
