- Seminar
- Philosophy
- Manchester
- 31 August 2023
I’m an absurdity – get me out of here! Absurdism and Albert Camus
The Lit & Phil Philosophy Forum
31 August 2023
7.00 pm
Free to members. Donations from non-members welcome.
Overview
What is the meaning of existence? The famous French-Algerian author and philosopher Albert Camus (1913-60) believed that life had no meaning. His philosophical view was called existentialist absurdism. And who has not at some point thought that life is absurd?
We each span a few decades between two oblivions on a speck of a planet in an inconceivably vast purposeless cosmos. The omnipotent God who once granted purpose to human life is now gone from most Western people’s beliefs. And we each get thrown into this situation … no-one asked to be born.
Is this not all an absurdity with no ultimate meaning? Albert Camus bravely faced up to this head on. Yes – existence was ultimately meaningless. But despite this, can we still gain any meaning in our lives? Is there a possibility of hope? Let’s explore that together.
Good to know: We take pride in putting the fun back into serious philosophy through our friendly and respectful discussions involving different levels of experience of philosophy. The Lit & Phil Philosophy Forum is all about collectively exploring interesting and exciting ideas from different viewpoints … not winning arguments!
Bobby Mears’ focus paper I’m an absurdity – get me out of here! should be read before the Forum to enrich and guide our discussions.
We are usually oversubscribed, so if you book but find out later that you cannot attend, please cancel your ticket to free up a place for someone else. Thank you.
Bobby Mears
Bobby Mears is an ex-physicist turned software engineer working in Greater Manchester. He enjoys many of the offerings of the Manchester Lit & Phil, but the Philosophy Forum is chief amongst them. He is a member of the Forum’s programming committee and also enjoys contributing to the discussion material in any way he can.
Would you like to get involved in planning and organising our events? We’re always looking for new people with fresh ideas, so get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
Send an email to volunteers@manlitphil.ac.uk
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