Allowing the mind to wonder and discussions to flow, Philosophy Club hopes to be a safe and welcoming environment that encourages fulfilling conversations about questions that have no wrong answers.
“It’s an opportunity to be more fully human,” Philosophy Club adviser Marc Stafford emphasizes with a smile. “Computers process information. If students are only required to input-output, they’re no different than machines.”
Philosophy Club provides an environment to stray from that type of thinking and focus more on the questions in which humans are interested. As examples, Stafford mentions, “Why are we here? And what is the difference between right and wrong?”
Senior co-presidents Kip Wadsworth and Madeleine Fontenay, both fans of Stafford’s philosophy course and the discussions surrounding life, see the long-term benefits of the class, as the club encourages students to support their arguments with reason and logic, crucial skills in effective discussion.
“You’ll definitely become better at logic and reason and just better at discussing,” Wadsworth adds.
As a member of the club but not of the class, senior Ellie Alto still feels comfortable in contributing to the discussions. Alto immediately recognizes the friendships that have come out of the club and the overall welcoming and supportive energy.
“If someone likes talking about their passions and being in a super fun and relaxed place, this club is just that,” Alto remarks.
Senior club secretary Ashlyn Davis agrees with Alto, quickly citing the relaxed and stress-free environment that characterizes these meetings as her favorite aspect of the club. Along with the appealing energy, Davis and Fontenay note the liberty they are given to create a club that is completely student-driven.
“It’s very democratic. There’s never a time when you don’t want to do something,” Fontenay adds. “We choose what to talk about, so it’s always topics that we’re interested in and care about.”
Stafford does not miss this opportunity to interact with and discuss with the students either.
“It’s kind of a selfish endeavor too,” Stafford jokes. “As a teacher I’m used to being the one that is kind of the expert on the subject, but in philosophy, we’re all just co-human beings seeking answers.”
Philosophy Club members plan to branch out with movies and coffee shop gatherings in its future and even a possible trip to college philosophy lectures to further the lively discussions beyond the classroom.
Self-discovery and lively discussions can be found in Room 25 Wednesdays at lunch.
-Becca Goren