HPhil Seminar: December 16, 2021

December 16, 2021

The HPhil (History of Philosophy) Research Group of the Centre of Philosophy of the University of Lisbon announces the 2021/22 edition of its permanent seminar on the history of philosophy, devoted to the reading and discussion of seminal philosophical works, as well as to the presentation of conferences by renowned specialists, aiming to promote the permanent training of the academic community.

In the next session, Professor Agnes Callard (University of Chicago) will give a lecture entitled “Can You Think Alone?” (see abstract bellow).

The session will take place on December 16, 2021, at 5PM, in the Room C201.J (Room Mattos Romão, Department of Philosophy). The entrance is free.

We kindly remind that the use of face mask is mandatory inside the building.

Relembramos que o uso de máscara é obrigatório no interior do edifício.

Abstract

It is often easier to think about a given problem if one has help from others–but is such help ever essential? Is there a class of problems one cannot think about by oneself? I will argue that the answer is yes: there are certain “mandatory questions”–questions on which the conduct of our lives depends–that cannot be posed to oneself, introspectively. They can only be posed to another. The Socratic Method is, first and foremost, a method for inquiring into such questions with the help of other people.