Philosophy club: a well of opinions, insight
Althea Pergakis
On Nov. 4, the Philosophy club came together to discuss the implications of Cybernetics and robotics ethics as part of their twice-monthly discussion series. Within that heading, questions arouse as to what constitutes ethics, what constitutes feeling and what constitutes sentience. However, that doesn’t mean they came up with any conclusions.”I think it would stop being philosophy if we actually came up with a solution. like today, if someone actually solved the robot ethical questions, it would stop being philosophy and start becoming robot ethics,” Eric Berault, president of Philosophy club, said, “That’s the beauty of philosophy. There is no solution that you’re looking for. It’s just questioning each other.”
Although the Nov. 4 discussion was semi-moderated with a list of questions being presented, the formatting for each meeting is different. When the group addressed whether or not there should be a mosque built at ground zero, the discussion was formatted as a debate. When talking about the attributes of a hero, discussion was left open.
“I think philosophy is more fun when the conversation just starts taking on it’s own life,” Berault said.
The club and discussions are open to anyone who would like a chance to talk. However, be prepared to dig deep and defend the points made.
“I would say that the philosophy club is just an exchange of ideas for those who like to think of things more in-depthly than everyone else,” he said.
Though the scene may be scary at first, the perseverance involved is generally worth it.
“I think the intimidation factor definitley plays a part when you first start going to these types of meetings, but after a while. you start to see the same faces every week,” he said, “Even people who are maybe a little bit intimidating, you learn that their ideas are just as messed up as yours. you encourage people to come and speak their minds because no one’s ideas are silly or stupid.”
Further meetings will be held on Nov. 18, Dec. 2, Dec. 9 and Dec. 16 in BP1 at 3 p.m.
