Owl of Minerva Sounds a Lively Note

Br. James Junipero Moore, OP, challenged our notions of how music affects us in his presentation for the Owl of Minerva, titled “Music and Virtue Ethics: Living Authentically in Today’s Atomized World.” Over forty people attended the discussion last Wednesday the 30th, hosted in the classroom at the FST.

Br. James based his presentation on the research and arguments which he is developing for his MA thesis. He did not shy away from controversy, critiquing such popular musicians as 50 Cent and Brittney Spears, and he sparked a lively discussion on the role of music in developing virtue or vice. He claimed that music can be a great aid to developing a well-ordered soul, or can disrupt the order of one’s soul.

Responses ranged from tentative agreement to disputing his most fundamental premisses. This kind of discussion, of course, is exactly the goal of the Owl of Minerva.

The Owl is a student-led philosophy forum, open to the public, in which students present a brief philosophical argument, followed by questions and discussion. Following the example of Socrates, refreshments are provided before, during and after the discussion.

The Owl was founded by Sophia Leahy (’04), and has been run this semester by Newell Cutter III, who recently completed his own MA degree. Next semester, Br. Christopher Fadok, OP, will take the reins and continue the tradition of engaging, spontaneous philosophy at the DSPT.

For more information, check out the Owl website, http://www.owlofminerva.com/, or contact Br. Christopher at cpfadok@yahoo.com.