A café demos is an informal, yet orderly, discussion on a particular topic selected ahead of time. Typically, it takes place in a café, that is to say, a place where people willingly gather for a drink, a snack and social encounters. The place is public or private, but most importantly it is hospitable; the host wishes the guests to have a good time. The hospitality extends to the exchange of ideas where one’s ideas are generously tossed around and the ideas of others are received with hospitality. There is no conspicuous “authority” leading the discussion, but there is a moderator or animator. The moderator makes sure everyone speaks enough and no one person speaks too much, and he or she keeps the conversation on the rails.
The outcome of a café demos is a sentiment that one’s ideas on a particular topic have either been strengthened or are in need of revision. The work only begins at the café; it ends in the privacy of one’s thoughts until the next café presents a new opportunity to air them out. The process continues within the friendly environment in the spirit of Socrates’ love of learning. - Bernard Roy
Previous Cafe Demos topics:
“The Economy and the Job Market" - 4/30/08
"Delegates and Super-Delegates: Does Your Vote Really Count?" - 3/25/08
What is a Cafe Demos?.JPG "Cafe Demos The Economy")
