What we’re about
P&G is more than just a group of people. It is a community. A community of philosophers, thinkers, book readers, paper readers, and folks that ask the foundational questions. What is the meaning of life? How do we know what we know? What makes us human? These are some of the questions that P&G members explore together through lively discussions and debates. But P&G is not only about intellectual pursuits. It is also a community of thoughtful people coming together to hike, and hangout. Whether it's enjoying the beauty of nature, sharing a meal, or playing games, P&G members bond over their common interests and values. P&G is a community where you can find friends who challenge you to grow and support you along the way.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Huw Price | Shifting from Representation in LanguageLink visible for attendees
Reading is sent via Email instantly: By simply adding your email to our form, you'll be subscribed to P&G's weekly philosophy reading materials. You can expect to receive next week 's read on Tuesday PTS-time, with the reading materials sent via email immediately after you enter your email.
https://forms.gle/biYrDyLPa8xZHvo96The Readings we have done so far and other past meetings:
https://opaque-artichoke-859.notion.site/Phil-Gamblers-Events-Reading-List-a8ec151f63c045808c5faa4f25aeb554?pvs=4Our Discord Group:
https://discord.gg/Ee6FwrNmjaPodcast:
You can also learn about this paper using our podcast.
Please watch the presentation for section 1.1 to 1.3 here. The videos in the playlist give coverage of the paper so far. During the next meeting, we will go straight to live reading section 1.4 and text-based discussion.
Following our introduction to "Naturalism Without Mirrors" in sections 1.1 through 1.3, this meeting will focus on Section 1.4, titled "Naturalism without representationalism" . In this section, the author explores a key aspect of naturalism by questioning the idea that the primary function of language is to represent the world . We will discuss the view presented in this section that suggests while global expressivism might have local applications, it differs from other local forms . Specifically, we will examine the possibility of a non-representational account of language, where language's role is not necessarily about mirroring reality . This section also touches upon the implications of relativity as they relate to our understanding of language and the world . By focusing on "Naturalism without representationalism," we will be considering an alternative perspective on how language functions within a naturalistic framework, potentially building on or offering a contrast to the ideas discussed in the earlier parts.
- Aristotle's On Interpretation - Live-Reading--European StyleLink visible for attendees
Organon means "instrument," as in, instrument for thought and speech. The term was given by ancient commentators to a group of Aristotle's treatises comprising his logical works.
Organon
|-- Categories ---- 2023.02.28
|-- On Interpretation ---- 2023.12.12
|-- Prior Analytics
|-- Posterior Analytics
|-- Topics
|-- On Sophistical Refutations
|-- Rhetoric*(* Robin Smith, author of SEP's 2022 entry "Aristotle's Logic," argues that Rhetoric should be part of the Organon.)
Whenever we do any human thing, we can either do it well or do it poorly. With instruments, we can do things either better, faster, and more; or worse, slower, and less. That is, with instruments they either augment or diminish our doings.
Do thinking and speaking (and writing and listening) require instruments? Yes. We do need physical instruments like microphones, megaphones, pens, papers, computers. But we also need mental instruments: grammar, vocabulary words, evidence-gathering techniques, big-picture integration methods, persuasion strategies. Thinking while sitting meditatively all day in a lotus position doesn't require much instrumentation of any kind, but thinking and speaking well in the sense of project planning, problem-solving, negotiating, arguing, deliberating--that is, the active doings in the world (whether romantic, social, commercial, or political)--do require well-honed mental instruments. That's the Organon in a nutshell.
Are you an up-and-coming human being, a doer, go-getter, achiever, or at least you're choosing to become one? You need to wield the Organon.
Join us.
- FTI: Educational Session: Residential Solar – What You Need to KnowLink visible for attendees
Speaker: Albie Delgado
Join us for an informative session on Residential Solar and how it can benefit homeowners. This non-sales educational event will cover essential topics to help you make informed decisions about solar energy and upcoming changes in utility costs.
Topics Covered:
> Utility Rate Increases (June 1st) – Understand how upcoming price hikes from utility companies may impact your energy bills.
> Benefits of Residential Solar – Learn how solar can reduce energy costs, increase home value, and provide energy independence.
> Solar + Roofing Solutions – Discover how a new roof can be seamlessly integrated with a solar installation.
> $0 Out-of-Pocket Options – Explore financing solutions that allow you to go green with no upfront costs.
> Donation Program – Find out how your switch to solar can contribute to a good cause.This session is designed to educate and empower homeowners—no sales pitch, just valuable insights! Whether you’re considering solar or simply want to understand your energy options, this is a great opportunity to learn.
Date & Time: April 29, 2025 6:45 pm to 9:00 pm EST
Reserve your spot today!
Format: Lecture and discussion
Note: social time for our community 15 minutes before the presentation.
To get familiar with our past events, feel free to check out our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmixGB9GdrptyEWovEj80zgAfter registering via zoom, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
We publish our event recordings on our Youtube channel to offer our help to anyone who would like to but can’t attend the meeting, so we need to give this clause. If you don’t want to be recorded, just remain on mute and keep your video off.
Here’s our legal notice: For valuable consideration received, by joining this event I hereby grant Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish any and all Zoom recordings for trade, advertising and any other commercial purpose, and to alter the same without any restriction. I hereby release Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns from all claims and liability related to said video recordings.
