Café Philo: Can Societies Do Without Spirituality? is a philosophy discussion evening held at Gazette Café in Montpellier, in the Occitania region of France. It is organised in partnership with Drop of Curiosity, and it invites an open conversation on a question that has long divided thinkers: whether a society can exist without any spiritual dimension.
What the evening offers
The format is that of a café-style debate rather than a lecture. Two speakers bring their own perspectives to the table to spark reflection, and the audience is invited to weigh in and debate with them. The speakers are neurologist Olivier Sillam and theology professor Stefan Bratosin, whose different backgrounds make for a useful contrast: one approaching the subject from the study of the brain and the human mind, the other from the study of religious thought.
- Who it suits: anyone curious about philosophy, belief and the shape of society, including those who come without prior knowledge.
- What to expect: an evening of discussion and exchange, with room for questions and disagreement.
- Where: Gazette Café, Montpellier.
Planning your visit
Gazette Café publishes its programme on its website, where the agenda for upcoming dates is listed. Check there for the timing of this evening and for any updates before you set out.
Montpellier is a lively university city with a long history, and a conversation evening like this makes a natural addition to a visit: you can spend the day exploring the city and end it with a question worth carrying home.