The Institute For Applied Philosophy is a non-profit organization founded in 1988 by Dr. Albert M. Iosue. Its purpose is to foster philosophy and philosophical thought and discussion outside of the university. In short, we are trying to get philosophy out of jail at the universities were it has been incarcerated by the academics who have turned it into a profession. There is a general loss of understanding of what philosophy is and what philosophy does. No Socrates walks the street of any of our towns or cities. This is a loss to the nation, and a failure of the educational system. Our organization is attempting to enhance the awareness of philosophy and philosophical discussion through montly meetings, a newsletter and joint programs with the professional philosophers of the University of North Carolina, Asheville.
The Institute For Applied Philosophy (IAP) holds monthly meetings. Each meeting consists of a brief lecture presented by a member of the department of philosophy of The University of North Carolina at Asheville (UNCA). The lecture outlines the major concepts of the subject for discussion and some of the past and present thinking on the subject.
Following the presentation, there is a period limited to questions from the audience to the presenter. This lasts about fifteen to twenty minutes or even more if necessary.
Following the questions and answers, there is then a moderated discussion with the audience headed by Dr. Don Emon, an experienced moderator. He stimulates audience discussion by asking asking for comments, opinions, personal insights, additional information. He asks questions of the audience and insures that as many members participate as possible.
Our meeting are preceded and followed by refreshments which stimulates some more personal discussion among the attendees and presenters. The entire evening program usually lasts about two and one half hours, 7:30 to 10:00 pm. They are well attended and we have about 40 to 90 people at each meeting.
