Dec 29

Written by: Joe Longo
Saturday, December 29, 2007 

The next Philosophers' Cafe at the Victoria Avenue Library is scheduled for January 7 at 7pm. The theme is "What is Law and Justice?".

A Philosophers' Café is an informal, open forum for those interested in exploring philosophical questions in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. The purpose of the café is nothing less than to help transform the world one conversation at a time. No philosophical training is required - real life experience is desired. A philosopher exists in all of us.

Considerations for discussion include who made/makes the Law? Are any Laws outdated? Does the punishment fit the crime? Why are Laws continually broken? Is Law working? Justice, is it really blind? When does Justice actually occur? How is the prison system working? Is the prison system per capita higher or lower than the past? Are for-profit prisons ethical? Law and Justice: Are they democratic?

We all, at least on occasion, ask the difficult questions: What is the meaning of life? Why am I here? Philosophizing consists of reflecting upon experience and questioning in search of underlying meanings and principles which can offer guidance in life. In our cafes we explore our philosophy of life by discussing questions related to specific themes. The success of a café depends on applying active listening and active conversation skills.

Public libraries have always been gathering places that have given birth to new, innovative and radical ideas. These conversations are light on structure and heavy on dialogue and participation.

The Philosophers' Café "is free and open to all. Please come and bring a friend. The philosopher facilitator is Jim Agar. While at the meeting feel free to explore beyond traditional dialogue. Bring along any form of artistic expression you feel is related to Law and Justice ie poetry, pictures, song, etc. For further information contact Andrew Porteus at the library at 905-356-8080

Both the Victoria Avenue Library and Community Centre Branch are open tomorrow from 1pm to 5pm. All libraries will be closed on Dec. 31 at 1pm and on Jan. 1. Please note that Chippawa Branch Library will be open on Dec. 31 from 9am to 1pm. Use the book return slots and visit anytime the library website www.nfpl.library.on.ca to search the catalogue and databases, place reserves, loan renewals and much more.