It’s a very welcoming environment where there’s no reason to be scared of not understanding or saying something stupid. — Henry McCulloh
From Plato to Aristotle to Voltaire to Freud, members analyze a variety of philosophers in Philosophy Club.
With their advisor Martin Turkis, the Philosophy Club meets each week to discuss the work of various philosophers ranging from the last few centuries to philosophers today. Together they explore the concept of philosophy and how it ties into their lives.
Sophomore Kelly Doherty said, “The goal of Philosophy Club is to learn about the ideas of different philosophers and practice reading difficult texts.”
Doherty sees the club as another place to learn new things, while still being within the comfort of her peers. She and the other club members enjoy reading and discussing different levels of texts.
Henry McCulloh, president of Philosophy Club and a senior, sees the goal of Philosophy Club in a slightly different perspective.
McCulloh said, “Everyone has their own goal when approaching philosophy but we all try to learn to apply the arguments we study for how we should organize our lives, societies, and the way we think so that we can try to become better people, citizens, and thinkers.”
McCulloh explains that Philosophy Club is an opportunity to gain knowledge that may help in a variety of situations. The club’s discussions can not only help someone gain knowledge, but it could also help them expand upon their ideas as well.
Doherty said, “Philosophy Club is honestly a lot like read-out-loud time in elementary school.”
The concept of Philosophy Club is as simple to grasp as it was in second grade when a teacher would pick up a book, sit down with all her students are read to them. It’s an environment that’s relatively stress-free.
For students who are curious about joining Philosophy Club, Doherty said, “Just come by Mr. Turkis’s room at lunch on a Monday or Friday and [learn] with us! You don’t have to know anything about the topic.”
The club’s discussions are constantly changing, but they work to answer as many questions as possible during their discussions.
McCulloh said, “If you’re interested in the club just come to a meeting and participate. It’s a very welcoming environment where there’s no reason to be scared of not understanding or saying something stupid; the little community of learners who participate are very humble and supportive.”
Philosophy Club meets during lunch on Mondays and Fridays in A2.
