Join our 10-week Philosophy Club as we explore the major cultural, political and technological changes shaping today’s world, from the rise of authoritarianism and social movements to artificial intelligence and new ways of thinking.

Each week features a different guest speaker, offering philosophical, historical, literary and creative perspectives on contemporary issues. Together, we connect classic ideas and critical thinking with current affairs, discovering how philosophy can help us better understand and respond to the world we live in.

When: Wednesday (14 October – 16 December)
Where: Cultural Hub, ground floor, Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf
Time: 10am – 12pm

Each session covers a new topic, so you are welcome to attend even if you miss a week

Term 4 details:

Theme: The flourishing life: perspectives on eudaimonia
What does it mean to live a flourishing life? From Aristotle's idea of eudaimonia to contemporary debates about happiness, wellbeing, politics, art, psychology and even AI, philosophers have long wrestled with this enduring question. This Philosophy Club series explores a rich range of perspectives, tracing the history of one of philosophy's central ideas while asking what human flourishing might mean in our own uncertain times.

Weeks tutor topic

Week 1

Tutor: Christine Gietz
Topic: Life, signed with a Flourish - Don't Forget the Watering Can

Week 2

Tutor: Sandy Killick
Topic: Aristotle’s Virtues Framework - Can it Lead Us to a Flourishing Life?

Week 3

Tutor: Georgina Kenyon
Topic: Flourishing and the "Power of One"

Week 4

Tutor: Anne Harbers
Topic: Flourishing Through the Visual Arts

Week 5

Michael Taylor
Topic: What is Happiness? Some Philosophical Answers

Week 6

Tutor: Michael Pyne
Topic: Flourishing Through Denial

Week 7

Tutor: David Crawford
Topic: Flourishing with Ambiguity, Contradiction and War

Week 8

Tutor: Sonya Thompson
Topic: Modern Barriers to Flourishing

Week 9

Tutor: Gavin Walker
Topic: Overcoming Self to Give Birth to a Dancing Star

Week 10

Tutor: Michael Haupman
Topic: Government Supported Flourishing - The Postwar Political Compact

This in-person course will be held at the Cultural Hub, Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf.

Welcome to the Woollahra Philosophy Club where all things of a philosophical nature are considered. Listen and learn, discuss and debate. Hosted by Woollahra Council, in partnership with the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) Sydney, we invite you to participate. It’s fun, it’s friendly, it’s fulfilling – it’s philosophical!

Getting here: Parking and public transport are available nearby. There are two disability parking spaces available outside the Council Chambers. There is a public car park located at Cross Street, Double Bay. If you are arriving via UBER or TAXI please request a drop or collection at the Council Chambers.

Events may be photographed, and images used for promotional purposes on the Council’s website or social media. If you do not wish your image to be published, please notify staff before the event.

Paid tickets are not transferable or refundable.

Do not attend the event if you are feeling unwell. If you join a waitlist, we will contact you if a ticket becomes available.

Proudly supported by @WoollahraCouncil.

Contact the host of Philosophy Club