Are you curious about the fundamental questions that shape our lives? Do you find yourself questioning the mysteries of life, ethics, and reality? If so, the newly established Philosophy Club is the perfect place for you!
In room 110 during lunch, the Philosophy Club holds discussions led by students and guided by advisor Mr. Malyack, addressing topics where students will question their assumptions, analyze arguments, and explore diverse perspectives through open discussion. The club is low commitment, meaning you do not have to attend all the meetings and if you go to the meetings, you do not have to talk– you can go just to listen to the discussion and discover! For specific meeting dates and more information about the club, contact Mr. Malyack to join the Google Classroom.
What will happen in the meetings?
A Google form will be made available to everyone in the club to vote on topics of discussion for the next meeting. Mr. Malyack will spend a brief period introducing the topic and the philosophers that came up with the ideas. The group will then open up for a Socratic seminar or philosophical discussion. Mr. Malyack emphasizes, “the idea of a Socratic seminar is not to win by proving your side of the argument, but to simply realize what you think.” These discussions are better seen as respectful sharing of ideas where students can learn from the perspectives of others and better realize their own, finding answers to big questions that are difficult to answer.
Why should I be interested in philosophy?
“Philosophy is at the root of everything” claims Mr. Malyack. It teaches you to be a deeper thinker and a curious person. The ways of thinking you gain from studying philosophy reach into all subject matter. Mr. Malyack found philosophy in college while studying math and fell in love with the subject. He ended up minoring in philosophy and shares that he is happy to have the opportunity to share it with students at Becton.
How is philosophy relevant?
There has been a rise in interest in the topic of philosophy among younger students. With social media and technological advancements happening at a fast rate, philosophical concepts that were once theoretical are now being realized. Mr. Malyack references the philosophical concept of the experience machine, which questions the idea of living in a virtual world. Today, technology can bring you into these worlds, and the implications should be explored. Philosophy will always be relevant as people seek out answers to questions that address basic human emotions like what it means to be a good person and live a good life.
The Philosophy Club has already had its first meeting. Students share that they found the discussion fascinating and look forward to their next meeting. Mr. Malyack describes the first meeting as having been a great experience, “Everybody there had lively, respectful conversations with one another, and I believe it’s going to be amazing in the future!”
