“Is critique all we have left?”

Eric Fordham posed this intriguing  question in the essay he presented at the Philosophy Discussion Group meeting on March 3, 2026. It’s a topic rarely pondered outside of the philosophy sphere, but Fordham offered digestible examples like the “Barbie” movie as grounding pillars in the debate. 

“The public is impressed with Mattel’s ability to craft such a self-aware criticism that [the viewers] lose all reflexive skepticism,” he wrote in the March 3, 2026 edition of The Philosopher’s Stone.

In the open forum of the Philosophy Discussion Group, students can begin to understand topics like these and contribute their own insights, to grow in their perspectives and discussion abilities.

“It’s for students, by students, about students, and where they are in their development,” said Erik Nordenhaug, an associate professor of Philosophy and advisor of the PDG. “Students want community and connection … they want to be able to talk with other students, honestly,” he said. 

“Before I came to Georgia Southern, I was considered to be an ‘overthinker,’ and now, it’s encouraged,” said Gavin Johnson, a senior Philosophy student. 

During the March 10 meeting, Tristan Sanchez led a thoughtful discussion on the Philosophy of Friendship. He talked about modern-day phenomena like parasocial relationships, and tied it into the philosophy of existentialism. 

Students added to the discussion using their own experiences with relationships to debate the topic, pulling in various themes and theories of academic philosophy. While many of the group members are philosophy and psychology majors, Sanchez said the discussions are open to all students and even community members.

“It is about philosophy, yeah, but it is about bringing the small group of people that live on the Armstrong campus, and is giving them a place to talk about or hear things they wouldn’t normally,” said Nordenhaug.  

How To Join:

Discussion topics are sent out by email each week, and also printed on paper issues of The Philosopher’s Stone, the PDG’s long-standing publication. This allows for students to research topics beforehand, and also decide which meetings they want to attend, as constant attendance is not mandatory. Any student, philosophy major or not, can propose a topic and lead discussion. 

PDG meetings offer students a chance to chat amongst peers, ‘overthink’ questions about society and grab a slice of pizza. Armstrong students  can email Tristan Sanchez ([email protected]) for more information. 

For students on the Statesboro campus, you can join PDG’s associated organizations, Philosophy after Dark and Religion on Tap.