30 Days Of Meetup - Day 29

Triangle Philosophy and Triangle Buddhism Meetup Group
As far as the East is from the West
http://philosophy.meetup.com/80/calendar/8746662/


Triangle Philosophy enjoys food, drinks, and challenging discussion in our monthly meetings at restaurants (or homes) around the Triangle.

Triangle Buddhism gets together for introductory presentations, special-topic discussions, book reviews, meditation practice, and teachings by visiting expert practitioners. We share our experiences and knowledge of Buddhist centers and resources in the Triangle.

Join us for a discussion of Buddhist philosophy as it applies to contemporary cultural and personal issues such as morality, pursuit of happiness, victimhood, forgiveness, anger, guilt, punishment, and altruism. We will discuss our own answers to questions like these:

- Is there a relationship between morality and the pursuit of happiness?

- Define the terms "victim" and "perpetrator." Are there certain rights that should be awarded to victims or denied for perpetrators? Are we justified in thinking of victims as "more deserving" than perpetrators?

- What exactly is forgiveness? Does it involve condoning of actions? Whom is it meant to benefit?

- Which of these should trump the others: individual experience, cultural norms/mores, authority, tradition.

- Can anger or guilt be productive in the long run?

- What is the best thing to do with anger?

- What is the effect of capital punishment on our safety?

- What is the definition of happiness?

- Is it better to think of yourself as more important than others, less important, or equally important?

- Is it better to take care of yourself first or take care of others first (in terms of basic needs)?

Organizer: John and Todd