Grapes Philosophy Group – Upstairs at The Grapes, Bath
Next meeting: May 3rd, 2:15 PM
For full details, source material and notes on the theme of the meeting please follow this link.
What We're About
"Truth springs from argument amongst friends."
We are a group of curious, thoughtful individuals who gather to explore and debate philosophical ideas in a friendly and respectful environment. Whether we're wrestling with timeless questions or examining modern dilemmas, our aim is to promote understanding through open, reasoned dialogue.
Expect to justify your views, critique others, be critiqued in return, and engage deeply with the ideas on the table.
Interested in Joining?
We welcome anyone who’s keen to think critically and converse respectfully. Come along and see where the discussion takes you.
Our Ground Rules
To help keep discussions stimulating and respectful for all:
-
Please read any relevant material before attending a meeting.
-
If you're new to philosophy, we encourage exploring a general introduction beforehand.
-
Treat all participants with consideration and respect during discussions.
Meeting Theme: What Is Happiness, Really?
This session will explore the nature of happiness: what it is, whether we can truly achieve it, and how our minds, culture, and choices shape it. Using Jonathan Haidt’s The Happiness Hypothesis as a loose framework, we’ll examine ideas from philosophy, psychology, and evolutionary biology—asking whether happiness is something we can cultivate, or just a byproduct of temperament, circumstance, and wiring.
Bring your thoughts on Haidt’s “10 Ideas,” and be ready to wrestle with questions like:
-
Can we re-train our minds for happiness?
-
Is self-esteem a trap?
-
Do small gratifications matter more than big goals?
-
Can awe, purpose, and kindness increase well-being?
Notes and a short summary of Haidt’s work are available to read in advance (15 pages, mostly bullet points!).
