Philosophy In Pubs (PIPs) was set up 10 years ago in Merseyside, to provide places for people to meet up, discuss philosophy, and seek the good life. One of the founders, Rob Lewis, says he was inspired to set up PIPs when he was unemployed, and attended a philosophy course run by Paul Doran. He says: "Coming across philosophy was a massive turning point for me in my life. Doing philosophy is a way of overcoming the sense of alienation that many of us feel at times, which comes from being in a society that wants to measure you in very limited ways and then judge you to see what shaped hole you might fit into and what life chances you might be worthy of.”

A decade on, and there are now 16 PIPs groups around Merseyside - making Liverpool the undisputed champion of grass roots philosophy. There are also 37 PIPs groups around the UK, in Brighton, Leicester, Newcastle, Blackpool, London and elsewhere.  In a sure sign of the PIPs' influence, Radio 4 recently launched its own philosophy in the pub show, The Philosopher's Arms. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. 

We're very pleased to host Paul Doran and other PIPs members to talk about PIPs and its vision of philosophy for the people. What inspired them to set the group up, how are sessions run, what are the challenges of PIPs, and what can the LPC and other philosophy groups learn from its experience? You can also find out about local PIPs near you. 

We hope you come to this special event, and give PIPs a warm welcome in London. 

NB: we will be charging £3 per person to pay for the room and help towards the speakers' traveling costs from Liverpool. 

More info here: 

http://www.philosophyinpubs.org.uk/INDEX/index.asp

http://www.politicsofwellbeing.com/2011/06/philosophy-in-pubs.html