PHILOSOPHY IN PUBS

The Leicester chapter of Philosophy in Pubs (PIPS) meets on the first Wednesday of the month, upstairs in the Crumblin' Cookie on Leicester High Street. There’s a dozen of us around the table, including (as always) a few newcomers. Our stimulus this evening is an article from Metro about the student jailed for inciting racial hatred in his tweets about the footballer Fabrice Muamba.

When I've been talking about PIPS with various people, they usually ask what it's about and how it goes. I've copied this from the national PIPS website, which says it very well:

"The PIP's are a group of like-minded people searching for philosophical stimulation in a relaxed atmosphere (i.e. pubs, bistros, coffee shops, bookstores & community centres). [...]

"Everyone has Philosophical thoughts and as a group we would like to hear yours - whoever you are, wherever you're from and whatever they may be!"The enquiries are relaxed with groups large enough to enjoy a number of diverse opinions, yet small enough to allow each person time to put their views across. As a contributor you can schedule your own subjects for enquiry and debate. Alternatively, just turn up and listen to the thoughts of others.

"Respect for others and their opinions are a fundamental requirement of the group as it encourages people to put forward their views without fear of ridicule or intimidation.

"No academic or philosophical background is necessary, only a passion for enquiry. Just turn up and enjoy."

Check out the Facebook page for Philosophy in Pubs Leicester.

Follow the Crumblin' Cookie on Twitter: @Crumblin_Cookie

The photo above features the mosaic created for the Crumblin' Cookie earlier this year by Laura Hadland and is taken from her blog, Ray Mears Extreme Housewifery. Normally, I'd vary the photo used on a blog entry like this, which recurs regualry on the first Wednesday of each month. But I really like this picture and am happy to keep rolling it out for a while longer. Follow Laura on twitter: @Morrighani