This collection is the first book in English to look closely at the phenomenon and theory of philosophy in a café. Since the tradition of philosophical dialogue in coffee-houses was revived in Paris in the 1990s, public venues for participatory philosophy have sprung up in numerous countries the world over, taking many forms, all seeking to stimulate intellectual engagement as well as meaningful community involvement and democratic participation. In Paris, the original Café Philo is no longer running, but other dialogue series, including some of the earliest to take root, continue to this day. The simple activity of reasoning together in a café is relevant to several areas of philosophy: epistemology, including critical thinking; social and political philosophy, notably democratic theory; and philosophy of education, among other areas. Although a great deal has been written on the theory and practice of philosophy for children, little or no concerted exploration has taken place of participatory philosophy in the public sphere, despite the parallels in issues and concerns. This book brings together the international voices of numerous facilitators of engaged philosophical inquiry, including some of the most prominent, together with observers in allied fields, to explore practical and organizational issues, but also to bring critical and theoretical perspectives to bear on café philosophy.
AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 2024