Auckland/Conference, Overlander and Palmerston North

[tcpip]

Spent three days at Auckland for the Australasian Society for Continental Philosophy and gave my paper on Lying in Politics Revisited (draft). Seemed well received with third parties telling me it had attracted some interest. Was particularly pleased with recommended further readings in the psychology of moral disengagement and for further elaboration on strategic action. Was also impressed with Paul Miller's (ANU) paper on "The Ambiguity of Freedom" which argued for freedom to be understood as a process and a relationship rather than the traditional model of sovereignty and, continuing on the theme, Matheson Russell's paper on Hannah Arendt's intersubjective concept of freedom and agency. Also managed to meet up and had a great yarn with James Flowers of Redbrick, current publishers of the Earthdawn and Blue Planet roleplaying systems. Managed to miss the entire third day of the conference following drinks with James, then drinks at the conference dinner, and then drinks at a club afterwards!

Took the Overlander down to Palmerston North, which is the first time I'd made that journey by train and was very pleased to do so. It was quite a feat of engineering to have a trainline, requiring flat and straight tracks, through a land famous for hills, valleys and bends. Staying in Palmerston North for a few days to visit mother and brothers was pleasant, very relaxing but quite unexciting. There is only so much small-town gossip I can handle before my eyes glaze over; lengthy stories of who married who, where they live, what their home is like, and what their relationship is with other members of the community. There is no discussion of great ideas, and little of great events (hat-tip to Elanor Roosevelt). Although well-meaning people, an ignorance of worldly affairs leaves me wondering how people derive meaning and satisfaction from vicarious trivialities.

Anyway, I'm now in Wellington at Geekmansion with beagl and kimeros. I can see how one could spend entire days in conversation and/or coding looking over Evans Bay to Mount Victoria. Beautiful.

Comments

[tatjna.livejournal.com]

Woo hoo for you being at the Geek Mansion!

(it's lovely)

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

Most certainly... Geek Mansion is one of the best locales in Wellington..

Am I going to see you during this brief visit?

[tatjna.livejournal.com]

I would hope so. How long are you around for? Will you be celebrating the post-apocalypse on Saturday?

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

Alas, I leave Saturday afternoon... So it's either this eve, tomorrow or Saturday morn..

[tatjna.livejournal.com]

Hmm... I may have to wangle a visit to the Mansion.

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

Or, apparently, beers at JJ's on Cuba St later this afternoon (see Munden's comments below)

[tatjna.livejournal.com]

I'm actually going to be at Murphy's this afternoon on another appointment, so there's a good chance I'll see you there. ;-)

[allyn.livejournal.com]

twas lovely to make your acquaintance

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

Likewise! What a great night!