Marking two decades of fostering meaningful conversations and intellectual exploration with Philosophy in the Community
For nearly two decades, the Department of Philosophy at USask has organized Philosophy in the Community, a free monthly lecture and discussion series designed to make philosophy accessible to everyone. It began in the 2005-2006 academic year thanks to Dr. Emer O’Hagan’s vision, and today, it’s led by Dr. Sarah Hoffman, the head of the Philosophy Department, as Hoffman explained in a recent conversation. As it approaches its 20th anniversary, this initiative continues to exemplify the department’s commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and enriching the lives of our community.
The series operates as a public service, aiming to share the joys and insights of philosophical reflection and discussion with a broader audience. No background in philosophy is necessary. All that is asked of participants is an open and curious mind. Each session includes coffee and promises thought-provoking ideas and lively discussion.
Philosophy in the Community takes place at The Refinery, located in the cozy basement of Emmanuel Anglican Church at 607 Dufferin Ave. The series occurs on the second Friday of each month from September through March, according to the Philosophy Department’s website. The event venue is accessible to all members of the public. Attendees with mobility challenges are encouraged to contact the organizer in advance at sarah.hoffman@usask.ca to arrange access via an external ramp and elevator.
Philosophy in the Community kicked off this academic year last September with Hoffman’s lecture, “Why Hope? Reflections on Addiction and Psychedelics.” The room was filled to capacity, with people standing in the back and a mix of faculty, students, and community members in attendance. Hoffman shared her thoughts on how hope plays a key role in overcoming addiction, drawing from the work of Adrienne Martin. She then explored the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy as a promising approach to substance use disorders, highlighting how hope can foster engagement with the world and support resilience and transformation in the face of adversity.
The lecture was followed by a lively discussion, which had to be cut short due to the volume of questions. The public shared personal stories about pharmaceutical and recreational substance use experiences. Students deepened the conversation by referencing other philosophical models of addiction, choice, and autonomy. The dialogue on hope and faith was rich, as differing viewpoints gave way to unexpected common ground and new insights.
One longtime participant shared a fascinating story: taking mescaline as an undergraduate before performing with an orchestra in front of a packed audience, including his parents. As he described it, the music seemed to pour out of him effortlessly, as if the boundaries between himself and his instrument had become fluid. He admitted that he’d been chasing the feeling ever since. Afterward, he remembered his mother commenting that he looked like he was having the time of his life, which left the room in laughter.
November’s lecture on “Existential Therapy and Climate Anxiety” was presented by Erin Greer, who holds an MA in Philosophy and an MA in Counselling Psychology. Hoffman and Greer shared their experiences with Philosophy in the Community over the years during a recent conversation.
Hoffman reflected on the core group of regulars who’ve been coming for nearly two decades, sharing how fulfilling it’s been to see the community grow. Hoffman and Greer noted a significant increase in attendance since COVID-19, highlighting a strong public demand for community philosophy. Hoffman recalled her February 2023 lecture, “Can Psychedelics Really Make People Better?” which attracted over 100 attendees despite miserable weather.
Greer recognized that philosophy can seem intimidating to some, but she pointed out that Philosophy in the Community is the perfect place to dive in and get involved. She explained that philosophy is not an isolated pursuit but thrives through discussion and interaction with diverse viewpoints. This format, she noted, fosters critical thinking by encouraging dialogue on a range of ideas in a welcoming setting.
The next talk, scheduled for January 10, will be delivered by O’Hagan, titled “Lies, Respect for Others, and Evil.” It will examine Immanuel Kant’s argument against lying, which is rooted in the idea that lying disrespects the autonomy of others. O’Hagan will explore Kant’s reasoning, including his controversial stance on truth-telling even in morally challenging situations, such as lying to an inquiring murderer. The session will conclude with small group discussions, inviting participants to reflect on the nature and limits of the wrongness of lying.
From February to April, the lecture series will tackle diverse topics. Political Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies professor Rachel Loewen-Walker will delve into Jeanette Winterson’s The Stone Gods and Gilles Deleuze’s concept of the Living Present, exploring how non-linear timelines can reimagine histories, futures, and our sense of community. Mathematics and Philosophy professor Derek Postnikoff will examine whether mathematical truths are discovered or created. To end the academic year, Philosophy professor Ria Jenkins will explore the philosophical perplexities surrounding the rule of law, focusing on Vincent Chiao’s concept of “hyperlexis,” or the issue of too many laws, and how this complexity challenges Canada’s status as a rule of law jurisdiction.You can find more information on the Department of Philosophy website under the Community tab or at the link: https://artsandscience.usask.ca/philosophy/community/index.php