Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Omkara]

I'm thinking of getting a discussion group started along the lines of a "Socrates Cafe." This is a safe group discussion that asks it's own questions (the questions are generated by the group) and seeks to find an answer to the question. It's a philosophical discussion, but it is a people's philosphy. Hence, there is no need to feel intimadated as it is not an academic but rather living philosophic discussion.

In the beginning, I would moderate the discussion; but, in time we could take turns if this turns out to be a solid group.

Here's a link explaining what a Socrates Cafe is: http://www.socratescafemn.org/

I think we can ask questions that have real meaning for us as ex-pats, or as English speakers in general (it would certainly be open to all nationalities).

I think this could be a way for us to deepen our experience of life in general by putting real thought into our situations as they relate to the questions we ask. We can tell stories, ask questions of the stories and story tellers, or what ever seems best to fit our quest.

I assume it would be a small group to begin with, and perhaps it'd grow. I'd like to be able to meet regularly at a given place. (I'm just beginning to look into that issue.)

Anyway, let me know if you're into it. It would be nice to open this avenue for people who feel that they are in an intellectual vacuum here! Also, it'd be a good way to meet people outside of the bars.

The group will meet somewhere in the area of Seomyoen--maybe on Sunday mornings? That seems to be the time that all the cafes are emptiest.

[VirginIslander]

I'm interested.

[VanIslander]

nothing better to do than corrupt the youth eh?

[garykasparov]

How much dope do I bring?

[Omkara]

As much as you can burn in an hour or two!

Alright, it looks like some people are going to be interested. I suppose we could get started this Sunday. Would 11:00 be a good time? We could meet at the Starbucks in Seomyeon, which is close to the Lotte Department Store. As time goes on, we can work out the logistics.

Is Sunday a good day? Weekdays would be good for some, terrible for others (public school vs. hagwan schedule, etc.). Also, Koreans don't pack the cafes until about 2PM, then it's very crowded for the rest of the day. The morning time, unlike in the West, is very quiet in the Cafes.


I'll look into figuring out the initial logistics and let y'all know when I have more for us to figure out. I'd like to follow the guidlines of a Socrates Cafe, as they've been thought out well.

[Omkara]

Hey, all. I'll be at Starbucks in Seomyeon--the one near Lotte Department Store--at 12:00 tomorrow, the 5th, if you are interested in joining up.

Here is another post which I put up on Pusan Web which explains what it's about.



A Socrates Cafe is a philosophical disscussion group which explores questions which the people of the group come up with and vote on. It's a place to explore ideas with a group of thinking people who are interested in real conversation. It's not academic philosphy, but a philosophy of the people, as Socrates practiced. We simply ask a question, such as, "What is Evil?", or "What is Love?" or "What is the Good Life?". Then, with a moderator, we explore the ideas with examples and questions, respecting one another's opinions, not expecting to come to a final agreement or answer, and we walk away with something interesting to think about during the week. It'll be a good way to stimulate our minds and enrich our lives. It'll encourage us to look at our experience in new and interesting ways.

I think it'll develop into a good group which discuss interesting questions in a non-threatening way. (Don't think you need to be a super genius or book worm to participate. Just come with an open, curious mind.)

I'm sure it'll begin with just a few people, but can potentially grow into something really cool. It's a different way to meet some interesting people.

So, let's get it rolling! Right now I'm thinking about holding it Sundays about noon in Seomyeon. But that won't necessarily hold as the final time. First, let's get some people involved.


So, c'mon, try something new and interesting!

[VanIslander]

Too many "I"s and not enough "we"s, seriously,... facilitate its start, but to be so top-down sounding,... is off-putting, but then again, you may fashion yourself the Socrates of the Cafe ... fine... or it could be the self-assertion language of an American(?).

[Omkara]

[Omkara]

There, I deleted the line you had a problem with. The problem was, I cut and pasted that second section. Hence, too many "I's." I can see where you were coming from...but, c'mon,

[VanIslander]

[Richard Krainium]

[VanIslander]

[Omkara]

Yeah, I've a degree in philosphy. But, I'm as human as the next guy.

Like I said before, I can see where you could have read that voice into it. But, it was cut and paste. I mean, naturally, there is ego there. But I try to keep it in check.

I fully intend to share the moderator's position once the thing is up and running. I want to make sure that it is solid, that people will feel comfortable and will come back. (This part of argumentation is more than just demonstration. . .I don't want this thing to have a mood of attack and defend. )

Then, when it's a beast of its own, I can step back and just enjoy.

But, let's just get this thing going, first.

[VanIslander]

garykasparov, bring a chess set because we can multitask

Virgin, we can reflect on the nature of being an Islander

Omkara, we can debate procedural issues

four of us is a decent beginning...

[Richard Krainium]