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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 11, No. 4. April 7th, 1948

Silence: Minds At Work

Silence: Minds At Work

On Tuesday, March 23, the Philosophical Society held its inaugural discussion group on "The Approach to Philosophy."

For the benefit of the unfortunate few who were unable to be there, we present a brief resume of the evening's intellectual study.

Eleven members (one part time) listened attentively to an inspired interpretation of the first nineteen pages of Wolfenden's "Approach to Philosophy." The first major intellectual dispute centred on the definition of concept (that aspect of emotion or feeling which is susceptible of linguistic interpretation)—in the analysis of which the Society became involved in the connotation, denotation and detonation of the term. To clear the position and to help our approach, Pat offered to think "thinks," and Erle, not to be outdone, attempted to conceive something but ultimately achieved only redness. This he assured us was merely the idea of redness, but he could not get beyond sensory stimulation and red lights.

To illustrate the various points of view we indulged in hypothetical hot and cold baths, warm cups of tea in white cups and visions of yellow lampshades. The elite experimented with mystical experiences. This inspired a further pearl from Pat that you cannot talk about things you cannot talk about and that it has not yet been proved that non-Philosophy does not exist.

At the point of infinite regress when we were asked to think about a think about a think about a think. Erle was asked to retire to follow up this important think and to present a paper on the subject. He was unfortunately saved from this ordeal by a mundane intruder who broke up the high intellectual tone of the proceedings with: "Anybody got any milk here?"

In his usual concise and succinct mariner Brian S. interpreted a small point from the book. Objection: "Wolfenden doesn't say that." "Well, I think he should have."

The decision of a question of the fundamental tenets of Chemistry was disposed with: "That isn't Chemistry, it's probably the after-effects of a hangover." The meeting then reorganized itself into small groups of individual conflict. Supper was served.

The two most thought-provoking remarks of the evening:—

"What do you feel must be the philosophic thought?" "For the purpose of this society the wildest and essential limitations imposed upon woolliest possible."

At the close of the reading. "Well, I'm finished."

—Geraldine Player.