Let's Talk Tattva: A Philosophy Discussion Forum

Ancient Indian Philosophy: From books to memes

by Satyan Sharma 21 October 2021 (postponed – Nov 7, 2021)

Philosophy And Literature: Demarcation And Confluence

by Ajit Singh 22 December 2022

Pre-discussion resources: 

  1. Philosophy and Literature – Wikipedia:  https://bit.ly/3m04xTQ 
  2. Paper by Ansuman Khataniar:  https://bit.ly/3pQnABp 
  3. YouTube videos’ Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_Y3WCn8dh1ffkdycRZoBxnJSoA-bxxfa

When a Philosopher and a Physicist walk into a bar (Part-1)

by Goutam M. 16 January 2022

Abstract: In this presentation I (Goutam) will talk about the What, How, When, and Why of Philosophy and Physics, especially in the sense of historical relationship, metamorphosed influence, and relevance in the 21st century between the two disciplines. The presentation will also contain the details on the HARD problems in both the disciplines at best. Much discussion among the attendees is encouraged at the end of the presentation. Do feel free to express your thoughts – if there is any pressing case (which is related to the topics discussed in this presentation) which you may consider as not being discussed in the presentation.

Pre-discussion resources: 

  1. YouTube video: Isaiah Berlin interview on Why Philosophy Matters (1976)
  2. Bertrand Russell. Chapter: Albert Einstein: Remarks on Bertrand Russell’s Theory of Knowledge. Book: The Philosophy of Bertrand Russell. Vol 5 
  3. Stoljar, Daniel, “Physicalism”, The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer 2021 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL : https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2021/entries/physicalism/
  4. Sanderson, G. [3Blue1Brown]. (2022, January 5).  YouTube channel : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBnnXbOM5S4&ab_channel=3Blue1Brown
  5. Illumination (1973), Director: Krzysztof Zanussi. Movie = https://mubi.com/films/illumination

Tragic hero through the ages: Aristotle to Miller

by Vishwas Tanwar 30 January 2022

Abstract: Emerging on the stages of Greek theatre from times immemorial, the genre of tragedy was first formalized by Aristotle, who set ideals for it that remained the standard of western theatre for well over two thousand years. However, towards the turn of the last century, many dramatists began experimenting with these ideals, and a major challenge to them came from the American playwright Arthur Miller. What did this mean for the tragic hero, and what kind of changes in our social order was it signaling towards?

Pre-Discussion Resources:

  1. Poetics by Aristotle
  2. Tragedy and the common man by Arthur Miller 
  3. Death of a salesman by Arthur Miller
  4. A 1992 interview of Arthur Miller:  https://youtu.be/coWRDfpqa6A
  5. A movie adaptation of Death of a salesman: 

6. A YouTube playlist explaining the Poetics: 

When a Philosopher and a Physicist walk into a bar (Part-2)

by Goutam M. 6 February 2022

Abstract: In light of the part-1 feedback, he has decided to pay special focus on Physics; in which, we will discuss in great detail the problems in Physics and how they are relevant for us. Apart from the discussion on Physics, he will also discuss ‘Positivism’ – a philosophical move that largely defines Physics in the way we perceive it today. 

Topics to be covered: What is Classical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, Relativistic mechanics, and their problems. Moreover, ‘Positivism’ and ‘Logical-Empiricism.’

Pre-discussion resources: 

  1. PBS Space Time (https://www.youtube.com/c/pbsspacetime)  is a youtube channel in which they discuss interesting Contemporary Physics issues by using infographics.
  2. Prof. Leonard Susskind’s books called “Classical Mechanics,”
  3. “Quantum Mechanics,” and “Relativistic Mechanics” are a guide that can serve to provide an in-depth understanding of these subjects for both Physicists and others.
  4. Philosopher A. J. Iyer’s discussion with Bryan Magee on “Logical-Positivism and Legacy.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nG0EWNezFl4 
  5. Articles: Logical Empiricism and Vienna Circle.

A reading on the philosophical relations of Indian, Islamic, and European thoughts

by Himanshu 8 February 2022

An Inquiry into the nature of Perception

by Aayush Giri 13 March 2022

 Abstract: The problem of perception has been a long-standing issue in philosophy. It has major epistemological and ontological implications and draws a line for metaphysical speculation. The presentation “Do we see reality as it is – An inquiry into the nature of perception” starts by illuminating the general problems with naive realism, and why a representational theory of perception, upon a deeper inquiry, should be pursued instead. The attempt will be to dissolve the idea that conscious agents can have a ‘true’ representation of reality. This will be done through discussing the works of Donald Hoffman, a Cognitive Psychologist, and by pointing out our biases and prejudices regarding perception and its nature.

Pre-discussion resources: 

  1. Brain Hallucinates your conscious reality:  https://youtu.be/lyu7v7nWzfo
  2. Do we see reality as it is? – A brief introduction to the work and ideas of Donald Hoffman: https://youtu.be/oYp5XuGYqqY 
  3. John Searle interview on Perception & Philosophy of Mind: https://youtu.be/f2qZdGmq8vw 
  4. The problem of Perception John Searle: https://youtu.be/mch3keFUF24 

Movie Screening – Party (an NDFC production, directed and photographed by Govind Nihalani)

by Anni Bhardwaj 3 April 2022