We have hosted bi-monthly informal meetings at which we discuss the philosophical implications of some given topic.  These meetings have been surprisingly well-attended; it is encouraging to see so many people interested in expressing and examining thought.  Each meeting is a learning experience for everyone, a time to be open to the opinions and ideas of others, and to question and refine one's own opinions and ideas.

        We have published The Philosopher's Stone, in which we share highlights from the discussions at our meetings and publish philosophical articles and poems by students, faculty, staff, and guests.  Everyone is invited to submit works that they would like to share or to be on our free mailing list to enjoy and ponder the thoughts of others.

  We have attended numerous social gatherings at which members of the Armstrong community and their guests can meet with others who are interested in discussing philosophical ideas.  There is usually discussion of some light-hearted topic (such as, "why did Humpty Dumpty fall off the wall?) and a pot-luck dinner.

        You may also have noticed that we have held several fundraisers.  Your generous contributions and donations assist us in providing other unique
opportunities. . .

        Last Spring quarter we sponsored the First Annual Philosophical Essay Contest, providing awards for three outstanding student essays.  We are proud to announce that the Second Annual Philosophical Essay Contest will be taking place soon.  Philosophical thought is applicable to every area of study--this contest is open to all students.

        We will also be sponsoring our first speaker in April, 1998.  Dr. Ann Hartle, a professor of Philosophy at Emory University, will be coming to Armstrong to discuss the topic of her latest publication, Self-Knowledge in the Age of Theory.  After the lecture, we will be funding a luncheon at which we can meet Dr. Hartle and discuss the topic.

        Throughout the year we have enjoyed the company of Biology majors, English majors, Political Science majors, Computer Science majors, and many other varied areas of interest and specialty.  From freshmen to seniors to faculty, our fellow participants offer us a broad range of perspectives with which to enhance our own understanding. 

        The topics for our meetings are proposed by participants as well as by others who are interested in reading about the topic in The Philosopher's Stone.  Our previous topics have included Technology & Ethics, What is Self?, Time, Law & Justice, Cloning, Education, Defining Value, Death, Chaos, Leisure, Religion, Language,  Meaning, and Evil.  These are all topics which each of us has thought about; no previous experience in, or knowledge about, Philosophy is necessary for the enriching experience of participating in thoughtful discussion.

        Being one of the founding members of The Philosophical Debate Group and having the honor of being chairperson for the second year, i have enjoyed watching and participating in the growth of this organization.  I became involved in this group because i believed that it could have a positive impact on many people's lives as well as contributing a great deal to the Armstrong community as a whole.  That dream is,  with our thoughts and energy, being realized; and will, with your thought, continue to grow.

Sincerely,

Tiffanie L.C. Rogers

 President, Philosophical Debate Group