This will be our first meeting of Philosophy and Fries in Manhattan. To kick off the Manhattan meeting we have decided to ask a rather fundamental question. Why be rational?

We have made a non-comprehensive list of questions that may be explored in this free-flowing, lively, facilitated discussion.

What does it mean to be rational?

Why should this be a goal of the average person? Can one say that it is “good”, “right”, or “virtuous” to be rational?

Are there any other methods to “knowledge” outside of rationality? Are there boundaries or limitations to rationality? If so, what are they?

Is there a natural tension between reason and emotions?

To stimulate discussion and to offer a common grounding, we have compiled the following readings. These are not required but they are encouraged in order to facilitate discussion. We look forward to seeing you there!

1. Nietzsche’s chapter “The Problem of Socrates,” in Twilight of the Idols, or, How to Philosophize with a Hammer (1888) available online at http://www.handprint.... and in

'The Portable Nietzsche', trans. Walter Kaufmann, Penguin, 1977, ISBN 0-14-015062-5

'Twilight of the Idols and the Anti-Christ', trans. R. J. Hollingdale, Penguin Classics, 1990, ISBN 0-14-044514-5

The Anti-Christ, Ecce Homo, Twilight of the Idols and Other Writing', trans. Judith Norman, Cambridge University Press, 2005, ISBN 0-521-01688-6

To understand the title and subtitle, you might want to read Nietzsche’s short preface to the book.

2. http://en.wikipedia.o...

3. http://en.wikipedia.o...

4. Optional reading: http://en.wikipedia.o...

Directions:
You can get to Bistrouge off of the 1st Ave stop on the L train.

Bistrouge
http://bistrouge.com/...
432 East 13th Street
New York, NY 10009

Note on Facilitator:

Scott E. Weiner, Ph.D., received his Ph.D. in philosophy from SUNY/Stony Brook, with several years of doctoral research in Germany. His B.A. in Philosophy and Psychology is from Cornell University. He has taught philosophy at Marist College and Stony Brook. He currently is training specialist, consulting on corporate training programs for pharmaceutical and biotech companies.