Exeter (and international) Philosophy Meetup Group

Why do you love that chair, that song, that slightly impractical pair of shoes, or that particular café — while someone else looks at the very same thing and wonders what on earth you see in it? Our preferences can feel intensely personal, almost instinctive, yet they emerge from a curious mixture of experience, memory, habit, culture, other people and the worlds we move through. Over time, these seemingly separate likes and dislikes can begin to hang together: the music we play, the clothes we wear, the spaces we inhabit, the food we seek out and the places in which we feel most at home start to form something recognisably ours. But where does this sense of style come from — and how much of it is really our own?

In this session, we’ll explore the philosophy of taste, preference and personal style: how our sensitivities may be cultivated through attention and experience; how repeated encounters can train us to notice distinctions we once overlooked; how memory, habit and emotion shape what feels appealing or familiar; and how other people, social environments and cultural expectations influence what we learn to value. We could also consider a deeper possibility: perhaps style is not simply a way of expressing an identity that already exists. Perhaps the things we repeatedly choose, reject, admire and surround ourselves with gradually participate in constructing that identity. Rather than searching for a single explanation of taste, we’ll consider the tension between the personal and the social, spontaneity and cultivation, individuality and imitation, inheritance and self-creation.

The meetup sessions often consist of the following:

1. Cheery welcomes to familiar faces and those that feel like chatting.
2. A presentation about the topic, lasting between 15–25 minutes (more or less). This is a way to provide some fundamentals.
3. An open floor for people who put up their hands to contribute their thoughts, should they want to.
4. A teary farewell as the clock announces the sad completion of the session; well-wishing until we all meet again.

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Alright folks! I want to give a little disclaimer – I’m not claiming to be an expert on the topics we’ll be discussing. My aim is to create a judgement-free zone where attendees can share thoughts and experiences openly.

Let’s approach our conversations with open minds and a sense of curiosity, knowing that we each bring unique backgrounds and perspectives. Please feel encouraged to express yourself in ways that reflect who you are, and let’s all keep in mind that our words carry meaning for those around us. The intention of the meetup is to learn from one another, so if anyone feels uncomfortable or misunderstood at any point, please don’t hesitate to speak up. This way, we can address things together and make sure everyone feels valued and included.