Café Philosophie

Thirty years ago in a café in Paris, philosopher Marc Sautet came up with an idea to bring people together in a public friendly forum where they could discuss ideas. 

From this Café Philosophique was born and since then thousands of participants worldwide have adopted Sautet's idea as a way to enhance their thinking and debate important issues in a relaxed and friendly setting.

Now, a church in Aberdeen has joined this international movement with its own Café Philosophie series beginning for S5 and S6 pupils.

Café Philosophie is a new initiative aimed at Secondary pupils organised by Fountainhall Church delivered in partnership with Queen’s Cross and Harlaw Community Council and Ashley/Broomhill Community Council. Lecturers from universities and experts from businesses or organisations will talk to pupils about their current research and thoughts on a particular subject followed by the opportunity to ask questions and discuss in small groups.

Meeting once or twice per month at Fountainhall at the Cross, Café Philosophie offers an opportunity for S5 and S6 pupils from local schools to learn from people prominent in their field of expertise. The Café provides an opportunity to broaden their perspective on a topic and benefit from hearing from experts in their field, and others engaged with the subject.

With several schools involved, the Secondary pupils participating in the Café will gain from a broad spectrum of research and opinion, and learn from the views of their contemporaries. The first event held in September featured a comprehensive update on Climate Change. Topics of discussion were the IPCC Report, the UK Climate Change Act & UK's progress towards net zero, with guest speaker Glenda Gurney-Hall.

A follow-up talk with Murray Mitchell, a leading practitioner responsible for implementing sustainable working principles in the workplace, is the next scheduled event.