They think therefore they are:
The Penn State Harrisburg Philosophy Club
BY JENNA DENOYELLES Just because Penn State Harrisburg doesn't
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF offer philosophy as a major does not mean a
JHDso3s@psu.EDu student can not engage in the love and pursuit
of wisdom. The philosophy club is a place
where students can discuss various topics relevant to life in an open and considerate
environment.
"We try not to shy away from controversial topics such as ethics, politics, and
religion," said Phillip Nelson, president of philosophy club.
Some of the past discussions include Phenomenology, Technology, Religion, Quantum
Physics, Embodiment, Patriotism, Freedom, and a paper presentation and discussion on
Nature. The philosophy club also holds a movie night followed by discussions on the
movie.
Club meetings consist of a weekly topic. Members are emailed the topic prior to the
meeting. During meetings, everyone sits in a circle, introductions are made if new
people are attending, and then the open discussion begins.
The club is open and considerate of diverse viewpoints. The discussion format is not
a debate-type of atmosphere. It is a place for free thought and creative collaborative
discussion, according to Sarabeth Orlowski, philosophy club vice-president.
"We try to get as far away from the classroom format as possible unless there is
someone presenting a paper or a particular individual has done the research for our
topic," said Nelson.
The club positively impacts students by giving them an open environment to speak
their mind. Orlowski has been impacted deeply by the club. To have a place to go every
Words of wisdom:
us Life
WHAT THE Fro
THE CAPITAL TIMES
week where she is accepted is life affirming for her.
"Through the mutual honoring and valuing of viewpoints and insights of others, the
club has helped shape me as a person more willing to share what I have to say and ask
questions to put myself out there as someone with insights that may be of value to
someone else as well as myself in the process of learning from each other. Most of all,
it has fostered connections with others and opened the door to a web of connection
between members in a way that is hard to describe in words," she said.
Adviser to the club from the start, Professor Craig Haas has seen the impact on
students. He has seen how the club has helped sharpen students and the moments of
"aha" when the student truly understands a particular concept.
The Philosophy Club formed in January 2005. In 2007 the club went inactive but
reformed in spring of 2008 according to Haas.
"Why join the philosophy club? People should join because, if they allow it,
philosophy will enhance their everyday life in a spectacular way," said Nelson
"Philosophy Club does not have an official goal, but if there were a kind of situated
achievement for every individual who attends, it would be to help them think about
aspects of their day-to-day experience in a more meaningful way," said Nelson.
Meetings are held in room 258 E and times alternate every week on Thursdays at 12:15
- 1:45 and 4:45 - 6:15. For more information on the philosophy club visit http://www.
clubs.psu.edu/cl/philosophy/ or email club president Phillip Nelson at pjnso37@psu.edu
or vice-president Sarabeth Orlowski at swosoo6@psu.
Don't let the news weigh you down.
March 17 2010