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Wao High School's Philosophy Cafe: A Deep Dive into 'Chance'

As we move into the autumn of 2025, Wao High School is excited to announce the lineup for its Philosophy Cafe, centering around a thought-provoking theme: 'Chance'. This online initiative invites high school students and the wider community to engage in enlightening discussions, encouraging everyone to ponder the nature of luck, serendipity, and the unexpected occurrences in our lives.

What is the Philosophy Cafe?

At Wao High School, we strive to tear down the walls between teachers and students, providing a free environment for discussion. The Philosophy Cafe serves as a platform for participants to choose topics inspired by current events, using ideas from philosophers to explore the essence of various issues. Open to high school students and their guardians, the cafe occurs weekly on Fridays at 6:30 PM in our virtual campus.

Participation is open to everyone, and even simply listening is welcome. By doing so, participants may experience profound realizations and refine their perspectives.

Schedule of Events

The Philosophy Cafe will be held every Friday from September to December 2025. Each session tackles a different theme:
1. Encounter (Sept 19): Why do unexpected events happen? - A dialogue with Bergson
2. Miracle (Sept 26): What does 'Lucky!' mean? - A dialogue with Nietzsche
3. Discovery (Oct 3): Does giving up mean it's over? - A dialogue with Husserl
4. Possibility (Oct 10): How come we understand smartphone features? - A dialogue with W. James
5. Pass/Fail (Oct 24): Should we accept 'flukes'? - A dialogue with Sartre
6. Accident (Oct 31): Does misfortune strike suddenly? - A dialogue with Hegel
7. Winning (Nov 7): Should we never buy a lottery ticket? - A dialogue with Rousseau
8. Inevitability (Nov 21): If it makes sense... - A dialogue with Locke
9. Destiny (Nov 28): Is anything predetermined? - A dialogue with Alain
10. Peace (Dec 5): Even though everyone desires it... - A dialogue with Kant

Each session aims to foster critical thinking, allowing participants to engage deeply with philosophical inquiry.

The Philosophical Essence

The concept of the Philosophy Cafe originates from the works of French philosopher Marc Sautet, who envisioned it as a 'place for exchanging ideas'. In the casual setting of a cafe, minds can explore concepts openly, sharing insights and epiphanies. It’s designed to stimulate lively conversation and reflection.

This autumn, Wao High School aims to grapple with the nuances of 'chance', borrowing from the thoughts of philosophers of yore. Naoki Fukushima, an insightful teacher and advisor, states that through the exploration of chance, the cafe sessions will dissect various dimensions of what chance may entail, inspiring participants to reflect as they navigate through this often complex topic.

Why Philosophy Matters

In an ever-changing world where no absolute truths seem to prevail, the necessity for rich knowledge and flexible thinking is more vital than ever. Philosophy encourages individuals to retain a nuanced view of society. By educating students in such a manner, Wao High aims to prepare them for the future, allowing them to make meaningful contributions to society.

Engaging with philosophical concepts not only helps students develop their analytical skills but also inspires them to look for deeper truths hidden within daily experiences. So, as the Philosophy Cafe opens its virtual doors this fall, we invite all to join the inquiry into the abstract yet relevant theme of 'chance'. Discover those little 'aha!' moments that make philosophy so enriching.

Join Us!

We invite everyone to join our Philosophy Cafe this fall. Whether in person or just listening in, your participation is welcomed and valued. Let's explore the unpredictable nature of life together and uncover new perspectives that enrich our lives!

For more information on the Wao High School Philosophy Cafe, please visit Wao High School Philosophy Cafe.