Phenomenology & Race
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 6:00 p.m.
Online open discussion
Exploring Communicative Meta-relevance:
Relevance Theory and Poetic Value
Tuesday November 5th, 2019 5.00 p.m. SMSU 327
Presented by John Tuskey (PHL Major, PSU)
Abstract:
The question of poetic value is central for philosophers of poetry and answering it bears ramifications for relevance theory's understanding of poetic effects - as well as non-propositional effects more generally. Poetic effects are described by relevance theorists as affording rich, creative experiences, but such an explanation does little to explain why these effects can be more valuable than propositionally structured communication. I propose that relevance theory can view poetic value as inhabiting a dimension of meta-relevance. Under this view, a poem, or any instance of communication, is meta-relevant insofar as the search for relevance leads to an exposure of, or otherwise affects, interpretive faculties among inference-makers. That is, a poem can ostensibly point to the interpretive faculties from which the search for relevance is based on, and the value lies in being affected by this phenomenon. This affect need not be limited to deviations of conventional language, as suggested by Terence Cave's notion of literary affordance. This addition to relevance theory better suits for grappling with non-propositional effects and better orients it for approaching the status of a cognitive theory of poetry and literature.
Cultural Relativism and the Complexity of Conflict
Tuesday March 5th, 2019 4.00 p.m. SMSU 294
Presented by Alyssa Luboff (PSU, University Studies)
World Philosophy Day
Thursday, November 15th, 2018 - 5:30pm - SMSU Ballroom
The Portland State University Philosophy Club is hosting World Philosophy Day. There will be presentations by Alyssa Luboff (Healer and Philosopher, Portland) and David Komito (PSU, Philosphy). Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Media Screening/Discussion
Monday, April 16th at 6:00 pm in SMSU 329
The Portland State University Philosophy Club is hosting a Media Night. A medley of different media will be presented, and short discussions will follow each presentation. This event is free and open to all and light refreshments will be provided.
"Women in Philosophy" by Ashlie Meredith
Tuesday, March 6th at 4:30 pm in SMSU 338
The Portland State Univesity Philosophy Club is hosting Ashlie Meredith, an Adjunct Instructor here at PSU. Ashlie's presentation is titled "Women in Philosophy: Alienation and Underrepresentation". The event is free and open to all and light refreshments will be provided.
An afternoon with Corey Mohler (creator of Existential Comics)
Friday, February 16th at 5:00 pm in SMSU 296
The Portland State University Philosphy Club is hosting Corey Mohler, the creator of Existential Comics. Come hang out while Corey gives a presentation about his work. Afterward there will be a chat about philosophy, philosophical humor, and doing philosophy in your free time.
Graduate School Panel
Thursday, January 25th at 4:00 pm in SMSU 294
The Portland State University Philosophy Club is hosting an information session on preparing for, applying to, and doing well in graduate school in philosophy. The panel will consist of Professors Alex Sager, Brad Berman, and Bryan Cwik. This event is free and open to all!