Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going? (1897), Boston Museum of Fine Arts
Gaugin's enigmatic image sums up much of the proposed cafe sci's project.
Gaugin's enigmatic image sums up much of the proposed cafe sci's project.
What is a "Cafe Scientifique"?
A Cafe Scientifique, or “Café Sci” for short, is a discussion group, meeting regularly - usually monthly, sometimes even weekly - and open to all those with a broad interest in ideas. Cafe communities usually meet in a local venue - often a cafe or pub - and usually with an invited speaker.
(though for other formats, see the page here on the Format).
There are already three (at the last count) in Cornwall: Redruth, Penwith (Penzance), and Launceston.
http://www.cafesciredruth.co.uk/
http://sites.google.com/site/cafescipenwith/
http://www.cafescilaunceston.org/
Why is it called a "Cafe Sci"?
"Sci" is just shorthand for "scientifique". (The café discussion phenomenon began in Paris – Left Bank, where else? – and hence the French language, which has stuck. A cafe in Leeds liked the idea of hosting discussiomns, but decided to focus on science subjects. The idea then spread. There are now "Cafe Scis" all over the world; and a very useful website where you can track down others. ).
But despite the name, these discussions are not necessarily restricted to science subjects, at least in the narrow sense of physics, chemistry etc. They may range over a very wide range of interests, according to the interests of the members. In fact, it is often the connections between different perspectives – which is not always apparent before hand – that provokes the greatest interest and discussion. A cafe sci, it has been said, is like universities used to be.
(There are also sound recordings of many past talks from the Nottingham Cafe Sci, which you can access via the "Archive" page; these will give a flavour of the extraordinary range of subjects a 'cafe sci' may cover......)
Who runs it?
Cafe scis are usually independent of any university or commercial sponsor. There is no formal membership; simply come on time (or you may miss the talk). There is also no membership fee, or standard charge; but for the Falmouth cafe sci, we do propose to ask for a contribution to cover costs (see “costs” in FORMAT). A useful “guide price” is the cost of your first drinks – or £2-5 pounds waged, £2-3 pensionned, 50p unwaged.
How do you get involved?
If you are coming to a Café Sci for the first time, and would like to introduce yourself (though you are not in any way obliged to), then just ask anyone who the organisers are, or who is the chair for the evening (it will in any case soon become clear …).
Also it would probably help, to know what to expect, to read the FORMAT page - and the bit on "audience etiquette".
If you might be interested in speaking, or can think of a good speaker, please talk to or email one of the organisers; and/or see the ADVICE FOR SPEAKERS section. .
* so score One if you answered (a) or (b)
(though for other formats, see the page here on the Format).
There are already three (at the last count) in Cornwall: Redruth, Penwith (Penzance), and Launceston.
http://www.cafesciredruth.co.uk/
http://sites.google.com/site/cafescipenwith/
http://www.cafescilaunceston.org/
Why is it called a "Cafe Sci"?
"Sci" is just shorthand for "scientifique". (The café discussion phenomenon began in Paris – Left Bank, where else? – and hence the French language, which has stuck. A cafe in Leeds liked the idea of hosting discussiomns, but decided to focus on science subjects. The idea then spread. There are now "Cafe Scis" all over the world; and a very useful website where you can track down others. ).
But despite the name, these discussions are not necessarily restricted to science subjects, at least in the narrow sense of physics, chemistry etc. They may range over a very wide range of interests, according to the interests of the members. In fact, it is often the connections between different perspectives – which is not always apparent before hand – that provokes the greatest interest and discussion. A cafe sci, it has been said, is like universities used to be.
(There are also sound recordings of many past talks from the Nottingham Cafe Sci, which you can access via the "Archive" page; these will give a flavour of the extraordinary range of subjects a 'cafe sci' may cover......)
Who runs it?
Cafe scis are usually independent of any university or commercial sponsor. There is no formal membership; simply come on time (or you may miss the talk). There is also no membership fee, or standard charge; but for the Falmouth cafe sci, we do propose to ask for a contribution to cover costs (see “costs” in FORMAT). A useful “guide price” is the cost of your first drinks – or £2-5 pounds waged, £2-3 pensionned, 50p unwaged.
How do you get involved?
If you are coming to a Café Sci for the first time, and would like to introduce yourself (though you are not in any way obliged to), then just ask anyone who the organisers are, or who is the chair for the evening (it will in any case soon become clear …).
Also it would probably help, to know what to expect, to read the FORMAT page - and the bit on "audience etiquette".
If you might be interested in speaking, or can think of a good speaker, please talk to or email one of the organisers; and/or see the ADVICE FOR SPEAKERS section. .
* so score One if you answered (a) or (b)