In Fall quarter 1995, several students interested in discussion Philosophy began to meet as a study and reading group. On October 29, 1996, the Philosophical Debate was recognized as an official student organization of Armstrong Atlantic State University, by the Student Activities Committee.
    While Armstrong officially recognized the organization in 1996, it is important to note that historically the Philosophical Discussion has been recognized since the 5 century B.C. as witnessed in the following dilemma concerning knowledge: "Do you realize what a debater's argument you are bringing up that man cannot search either for what he knows or for what he does not know'? He cannot search for what he knows-since he knows it, there is no need to search-nor for what he does not know, for be does not know what to look for" (from Plato's Meno). Plato challenges us to debate. Will you search or not?
    The Philosophical Discussion provides an informal atmosphere for students, faculty, and staff of AASU, and their guests, to discuss philosophical issues, gain knowledge and insight into those issues through examination of theories, ideas, texts, and oneself Everyone interested in, or curious about philosophy is encouraged to join our discussions. No previous experience in, or knowledge about, philosophy is necessary for the enriching experience of participating in thoughtful discussion.
 
 

    The Philosopher's Stone is the newsletter of The Philosophical Discussion Group. Everyone is invited to submit articles, whether or not they participate in our discussions. Submissions may address any philosophical issue, compare philosophical ideas, propose new topics for discussion, or address any previous newsletter article and/or topic. Works must be 500 words or less and include name and phone number.      Submit to...

    The Thought Box is located in the Writing Center, Gamble Hall, Room 109. It is there for convenient submission to The Philosopher's Stone, suggestions for future topics, requests to be on our mailing list, requests for back issues of The Philosopher's Stone, or any thoughts that you would like to share with us.

Some of our previous topics have included:

• Technology & Ethics
• What is Self?
• Time
• Law & Justice
• Cloning
• Education
• Defining Value
• Death
• Chaos
• Leisure
• Religion & Religious Institutions
• Consciousness
• and Philosophical Issues in Children's Literature.

    Please let us know if you would like to be included on The Philosophical Discussion Group emailing list!!  Those on our emailing list will receive each issue of the Philosopher's Stone, special announcements regarding events sponsored by The Philosophical Discussion Group, and details concerning contests. To be included on our emailing list, enter your email address below.

    There is no charge for being on our mailing list or for being in The Philosophical Discussion (since thinking and discussing one's thoughts is free). You need not be an active participant to be included on the emailing list, but you must be an active thinker to be interested.

To Subscribe to the Philosophical Discussion Group Newsletter , enter your email address:

President:  Christopher Dunn
Email: hammaneater@yahoo.com

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Erik Nordenhaug
Department of Languages, Literature, & Philosophy
E-mail: nordener@mail.armstrong. edu.