Thinking Philosophically with Plato

Session four in the Thinking Philosophically with Plato series was concerned with the ideas of 'Citizenship and Disobedience' and focused on Plao's 'Crito'. As this was the last session in this particular series run by Jane Mummery for the U3A Hepburn Shire, we finished up with dinner at Franco's in Vincent Street, Daylesford. Vying for position next to the pizza oven (it was 2 degrees outside), it was a great way to end this short jaunt with the gadfly.

Thinking Philosophically with U3A Hepburn Shire

'Living the Good Life' was the theme of this week's meeting of the Thinking Philosophically with Plato series delivered by Jane Mummery for the U3A Hepburn Shire in Daylesford. Participants read and responded to selections from 'Gorgias' (468e-479e) and The Republic.

Thinking Philosophically with Plato & U3A Hepburn Shire

The second seminar in the Thinking Philosophically with Plato series had the U3A mob engaged with the topic of 'Thinking without Illusions', which was no small feat given the chilliness of the evening's weather. A combination of woolens, coffee, hot chocolate or the pressed grape gave strength to the small group who braved the elements in the beautiful Daylesford Town Hall on May 11. Using selections from Meno and Phaedo (65b-77a), discussion gravitated around the possibility and implications of virtue et al, being taught or innate. We were undecided if Plato's metaphysical doctrine of recollection solved Meno's paradox or whether the Forms really offered a useful way to think about the Ideal and the practical. Jane held the audience captive with classical conundrums whilst Marnie took photos of members in various stages of winter-woolen undress.

Philosophy Series at U3A Hepburn Shire

Jane Mummery is running a series of philosophy seminars for the U3A Hepburn Shire from April through to June. The series is called 'Thinking Philosophically with Plato'. The inaugural seminar was held on April 20 and looked at 'Living the Examined Life'. Aided by her trusty philosophical side-kick Marnie Nolton, a lively discussion of Plato's Apology ensued between the twenty-or-so participants of the evening seminar series.

Jane Mummery describes the structured series of classes as a sequence that examines some of the most fundamental philosophical teachings of Plato, one of the founders of the western philosophical tradition. In consultation with U3A Hepburn Shire, the series specifically examines Plato's relationship with his predecessor and chosen protagonist of his dialogues, Socrates, via an investigation of philosophical thinking, and what it means to live well in the world.