The Philosophical Cafe in the Netherlands: A Place for Profound Speculations

In this paper, I will explore the current practice of philosophical cafes in The Netherlands and its philosophical foundations. In line with the tradition of philosophical practice, I will start with some examples out of my own experience. Next, I conducted a survey into the main activities, definitions and sources of philosophical cafes by studying internet websites in order to mirror my experience with the study object. I will try to reach an understanding of the philosophical cafe and come to some conclusions on its societal function and value. This approach leads to understanding the philosophical cafe as a philosophical practice focused on the concepts of change, free speculations, deepening of thoughts, enjoyment and life style. I could distinguish several forms of such a practice. First, philosophical cafes offer extracurricular academic activities such as lectures or courses adapted to the general public by philosophers often serving a commercial activity or goal. Second, philosophical cafes offer Socratic dialogues on societal relevant topics on a regular basis. Third, philosophical cafes offer a place for exercising a life style. Common to these different forms of practice is what I would call “profound speculations”.