Grasping an existential nettle

Hastings Humanists will hold their first meeting of the year on Thursday to debate the topic: A Disembodied Mind Is Impossible – or Is It?

The question obviously has implications for the existence of such phenomena as ghosts, spirits and souls, and conceivably the possibility of artificial intelligence, says the group’s press release.

Local philosopher (and HOT contributor) Joe Fearn will propose the motion while the HH chair Stephen Milton will oppose it. Members of the audience will have the chance to question the advocates and make their own points. Deputy chair Lesley Arnold-Hopkins will moderate the meeting (but not, we trust, the points of view expressed).

Adversarial debate is a new experimental format for the group’s discussions, so it will be interesting to see how it goes.

The meeting will be held in the Notley Room at White Rock Hotel, from 7 to 9pm on Thursday 12 January. You don’t have to be a humanist to attend, but you do have to pay the £2 entry fee. Any queries to George Jelliss on 01424 440 749.

Also in: Hastings People