Shauna Cook
The Corsair
The Pensacola State Philosophy Club aims to make the world a better place by pursuing truth, wisdom, and compassion.
“The Club gives students an opportunity and a place to meet people with mind-expanding ideas without the threat of judgment or rejection,” said John Holder, faculty advisor for the group.
Although the Club is not a society of free-thinkers, it welcomes anyone who wishes to rationally, critically, and respectfully address personal and social ideas.
“I had always enjoyed reading up on a few Eastern Philosophical views as well as formulating my own theories,” said Travis Om, vice president for the club. “After taking Mr. Holder’s class, I began to take more interest in other forms of Philosophy and Philosophers as well, so interest in the subject and Mr. Holder’s enthusiasm when teaching us, inspired me to take more interest in all aspects of Philosophy and thus I joined the Club.”
The Pensacola State Philosophy Club has been active for at least eight years.
“We are one of the smaller clubs at PSC, so we are not able to do as many things as some of the larger clubs do,” Om said.
This year, besides conducting general club business, discussing popular films, and holding philosophical discussions, the Philosophy Club has partnered up with Holy Cross Episcopal Church for the United Way Day of Caring on Oct. 28.
The Club also participates in the Florida Philosophical Association Annual Meetings.
“We have been to the 54th Annual Meeting in Gainsville, Florida at Santa Fe College and to the 55th Annual Meeting in Daytona Beach, Florida at Bethune-Cookman University,” Holder said.
This year, they will participate in the 57th Annual Meeting Nov. 3-5, in Ft. Lauderdale.
At these annual meetings, students get to meet with professional philosophers, graduate students, and undergraduate students from all over the state of Florida. It affords them an opportunity to learn, grow, and make social connections beyond the local community.
The Philosophy Club started back when Pensacola State College was Pensacola Junior College. It was in existence when Mark Cobb was the only full-time instructor. The Philosophy Club was very active when Kermit Harrison and David Strand advised the club.
“I hope to keep it as active as Mr. Harrison and Mr. Strand did,” Holder said.
Anyone can be a part of The Philosophy Club but to be an active member, you must be a PSC student in good standing. To participate in activities, you must maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher.
For more information on The Philosophy Club, contact Mr. John Holder: Philosophy Instructor; Department of History, Languages, and Social Sciences (Pensacola Campus) Bldg. 14 room 1481, phone number: 484-2542. E-mail: jholder@pensacolastate.edu