Tristan Harvey and Will Howard: Philosophy in the Mountains

Tristan Harvey, BA Philosophy 2013
Will Howard, BA Philosophy, Religion and Ethics 2015, MA Philosophy 2018
Talk given as part of the Heythrop Summer Conference, 'Let Him Easter in Us', 6th July 2018
Filosofia in Montagna / Philosophie in den Bergen / Philosophy in the Mountains
“We hope to find new ways of interpreting ourselves, the world around us, and the community which we are a part of.” We seek the realisation of a vision: of philosophy as a form of life, a dedication to ideas that is playful and inquisitive. In the space we make our home for a period each year, we live philosophy in the form of continual conversation, as part of ordinary shared activities such as cooking, dancing, eating, walking, and more. Thinking stands by nourishment, freedom, and love as a basic need. The thoughts we have are shared in their infancy, not first produced protectively, alone in the safety of the quiet study or library. Guards are low and the spirit is one of sharing. The thoughts are made by us all together and their yield belongs to each one of us equally. Solitary reflection is balanced with an openness to others’ perspectives. By living philosophy in the non-professional environment of the home, in which it was practiced for centuries, our vision gains existence. In this, we hope to (re)discover our interests and our concerns.