Philosophy Talk returns to The Marsh Theater in Berkeley on Sunday March 15 for the next two live recordings in our 2014-15 season!

• 12:00pm - The Art of Non-Violence with Judith Butler
  We all hope for peace. Yet in the face of violence, it often seems the only recourse is more violence. Advocates of non-violence claim it’s not necessary to respond to war in kind, and that responding violently, even in self-defense, just perpetuates the cycle of violence. So how can we practice non-violence under the direct threat of violence? Can non-violent acts be spread to stop aggression and war? And are there times when violence is, in fact, necessary? John and Ken keep the peace with renowned cultural critic Judith Butler. (buy tickets)
   
• 3:00pm - How Words Work: From Noise to Meaning with John Searle
  Humans have an amazing capacity to communicate. By uttering sounds we are able to convey meaning to those around us. These noises we make take on properties – they mean certain things, they are true or false, etc. Some animals also use forms of language: bees, for example, use dances and pheromones to communicate to each other. What gives these signals – words and movements – their linguistic meaning? How is it possible to communicate complex propositions simply by making noise? John and Ken cut through the noise with celebrated philosopher of language John Searle. (buy tickets)

Tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or in person through The Marsh's box office.

The Marsh is located at 2120 Allston Way, just around the corner from the Downtown Berkeley BART station.