At the Center for Public Philosophy we aim to empower the general public with the tools and insights of philosophy and critical thought. Through community programming, events, and media, we help foster more thoughtful and engaged thinkers, doers, and change makers.
In the current political climate of growing uncertainty and division, our commitment to bringing greater attention to the complexities of thinking and reasoning is more important than ever.
That’s why we’re seeking to build swiftly on our current programs. We are students, professors, scientists, and artists; philosophers, animators, citizens, and community leaders. What brings us all together is that each and every one of us believes in the profound importance of thinking—often and carefully—about thinking itself.
The Center for Public Philosophy is driven by the conviction that the discipline of philosophy can be a force for positive change in the world, by sharing widely the joy and power of philosophical reflection, expression, dialogue, and wonder. Through community programming, student fieldwork, media production, research, and public events, the Center for Public Philosophy (CPP) reaches far beyond the walls of higher education.
This year, the Center for Public Philosophy is working on an ambitious slate of new programming; along with our annual Ethics Bowl competitions, we're hosting our second annual "Night of Ideas" event, and a launching a new "Tech Ethics" program focused on the rapidly developing technologies we encounter on a daily basis.
We need your help in making these incredible and necessary opportunities available to the city of Santa Cruz and beyond!
WHAT IS ETHICS BOWL?
The Ethics Bowl is a competitive academic event in which teams of students engage in thoughtful discussions and debates about ethical dilemmas and moral issues, typically centered around 12 "cases" of real-world ethical conflict. Participants work in teams to apply their knowledge of ethical theories, principles, and critical thinking skills to articulate well-reasoned arguments and propose solutions. Unlike forensic debate, points are given to thoughtful ethical considerations and constructive, solution-oriented dialog rather than rhetoric skills.
Even a $5 donation helps us provide these important resources to local underprivileged students, and to incarcerated persons.
Every $50 donation goes to empower students who will be able to coach teams for our high school ethics bowl programs, and organize great public events.
Every $500 donation goes toward launching our 2023 "Tech Ethics Bowl", helping the next generation make thoughtful and informed choices about real-life technology / digitally-oriented issues.
"The public nature of Ethics Bowl makes the students get outside of the ‘what does the professor want to hear’ mindset. They don’t know who the judges will be beforehand, and they know they’re speaking to an audience of community members and peers. This pushes them, I think, to make arguments that they themselves believe in rather than trying to predict what others want to hear." - Kyle Robertson
WHAT IS NIGHT OF IDEAS?
Sponsored by Villa Albertine, "Night of Ideas" seeks to engage the public in a night of philosophical conversation intertwined with art, music, activism and performance. Previous presenters include Ronaldo V. Wilson (poet) , SMITH (visual artist), and Somreeta Paul (philosopher) among others. Proudly hosted by UCSC's Institute of Arts and Sciences.
Even a $5 donation goes to pay our students for their time and effort in putting together this free event for the public.
Every $100 donation goes to sound, lighting, and facility costs necessary for making this event possible.
ASK A PHILOSOPHER
Every first Friday of each month, the Center for Public philosophy holds an “Ask a Philosopher” booth at Abbott Square, one of the most vibrant public plazas in Santa Cruz, right next to our Museum of Art & History. The booth provides the CCP with more public visibility on a regular basis, engaging passers-by in conversation with philosophers.
... WHAT ELSE ?
In our current social and political climate, the importance of critical thought cannot be overstated. Thoughtful, communal approaches to the issues of technology, education, communication and happiness benefit all of us.
By donating any amount to the Center for Public Philosophy, you can help pioneer the future of critical thinking for all.
With your precious help, our future goals include:
- Launching public philosophy programming on Monterey County radio stations like KZSC & KSQD,
- Developing our "TEQ DECK" and facing technology programming to support the ethical development around the use of AI and digital tech,
-We are thrilled to launch the first "Tech Ethics Bowl" project soon!
- Collaborating with video games programmers, with the goal of incorporating philosophy in popular video games,
- Supporting our Spanish-language Ethics Bowl program,
-Developing partnerships with homeless shelters and institutions for persons with mental illness and/or disability in Santa Cruz,
- Resuming our "philosophy for children" program by working with local public elementary schools.
... Philosophy is a necessity. Thank you for helping us share it with everyone!
To get more of a sense of the work of the CPP, you must see it in action. Here are five videos that capture some of our work:
Documentary following students in lead-up to culminating Invitational EB (16 min.);
Video about Ethics Bowl at San Quentin State Prison (7 min.);
Are you sure? Truth, certainty and politics, animation at Aeon (6-min.);
Slideshow from 2019 Middle School Ethics Bowl ;
Slideshow from 2019 High School Ethics Bowl;
Reflections from high school teachers & principals on Outreach Invitational program (6 min.).
See also UC Santa Cruz Magazine's feature on the CPP: How to find truth in today’s partisan world.
