Philosophers - The Beer Thrillers

Philosophy and Craft Beer: A Confluence of Thought and Taste

B. Kline — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 10:32:07 +0000

Philosophy and Craft Beer: A Confluence of Thought and Taste

Craft Beer and Philosophy

In the grand tapestry of human culture, two seemingly disparate threads have woven themselves into the fabric of society with unexpected synergy: philosophy and craft beer. At first glance, the contemplative world of philosophy, with its ancient roots and existential musings, appears worlds apart from the earthy, communal pleasures of craft beer. Yet, upon closer inspection, these two realms share a profound connection, both driven by a deep appreciation for complexity, a quest for authenticity, and an unyielding commitment to quality.

The Philosophical Roots of Craft Beer

Books and Beer

Craft beer, by definition, is a testament to the artisanal ethos, emphasizing small-scale production, traditional methods, and innovative flavors. This approach is inherently philosophical, reflecting a dedication to craftsmanship that echoes the ancient Greek concept of “techne” – a term that encapsulates both art and technology, where the creation process is as valued as the final product. Similarly, philosophy, from its inception, has been an endeavor to understand the essence of being, reality, and the virtues of a well-examined life. Both craft beer and philosophy celebrate the pursuit of excellence and the richness of experience, encouraging individuals to savor complexity and engage deeply with the world around them.

Craftsmanship as a Reflection of Existential Values

At the heart of craft beer culture is a celebration of uniqueness and authenticity, qualities that are deeply resonant with existentialist philosophy. This philosophical movement posits that individuals are free and responsible for infusing their lives with meaning, a notion mirrored in the craft brewer’s quest to create a beer that is not only distinctive but also tells a story. Each batch is a tangible expression of the brewer’s values, creativity, and response to the existential challenge of carving out a niche in a world dominated by mass-produced goods. The craft beer enthusiast, in turn, engages in a kind of existential practice, choosing beers that reflect their personal taste and identity, and thus asserting their individuality in a homogenized world.

The Socratic Method and the Culture of Craft Beer

A craft beer cartoon with a bit of a philosophical bent to it.

Socrates, the classical Greek philosopher, championed the importance of dialogue and inquiry in the pursuit of wisdom. This Socratic method, based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking, finds a modern parallel in the culture surrounding craft beer. Tasting sessions, beer festivals, and brewpub gatherings are often characterized by lively discussions, not just about the beer itself, but about a wide array of topics, fostering a sense of community and shared inquiry. In these settings, beer enthusiasts and brewers alike engage in a form of dialectic, where the exchange of ideas and the articulation of taste preferences lead to a deeper appreciation of the beverage and each other’s company.

The Pursuit of Authenticity and Meaning

In the contemporary landscape, where the ephemeral often overshadows the enduring, craft beer stands as a bastion of authenticity. This is a concept deeply explored in existential and phenomenological philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of authentic existence and the direct experience of the world. By choosing craft beer, individuals participate in a larger narrative of resisting the commodification of culture and the dilution of personal expression. Each pint is a reminder of the potential to craft meaning in one’s life, to celebrate the idiosyncratic, and to engage fully with the present moment.

Philosophy

Books and Beer

The convergence of philosophy and craft beer is a testament to the human yearning for depth, authenticity, and community. Through the lens of craft beer, we are invited to explore philosophical themes of existence, meaning, and the art of living. As we savor the complexity of a well-crafted brew, we are reminded of the richness of the human experience and the value of a life well examined. In this confluence of thought and taste, philosophy and craft beer emerge not as mere academic or sensory pleasures but as vital expressions of the enduring quest for a fulfilled and authentic existence.

Philosophers have often engaged with the subject of beer and alcohol more broadly, not so much in direct analysis of the beverage itself but rather through the lens of its social, ethical, and existential implications. Their reflections can provide intriguing insights into the human experience, social customs, and the pursuit of happiness. Here are a few philosophical angles on the topic of beer:

The Social Fabric and Communal Bonding

Plato, in his dialogues, often depicted scenes of social gatherings where wine (and by extension, we can consider beer) played a central role in fostering dialogue and camaraderie among participants. While he cautioned against excess, Plato acknowledged the value of such social lubricants in facilitating philosophical discussion and bonding. The communal aspect of beer drinking, where individuals come together to share stories and enjoy each other’s company, echoes this Platonic ideal of communal bonding and intellectual exchange.

Moderation and the Good Life

Aristotle’s concept of the “Golden Mean,” where virtue is found in the balance between excess and deficiency, can be applied to the consumption of beer. From this perspective, beer drinking can be seen as a component of the good life, as long as it is enjoyed in moderation and contributes to, rather than detracts from, one’s overall well-being and fulfillment. Aristotle’s emphasis on moderation aligns with a responsible approach to beer, advocating for its enjoyment in a way that harmonizes with a balanced and ethical lifestyle.

Beer as a Symbol of the Simple Pleasures

Epicurus, the ancient Greek philosopher who advocated for the pursuit of pleasure (in moderation) as the primary goal of life, might have seen beer as embodying the simple, attainable pleasures that contribute to a happy life. For Epicurus, the greatest pleasures were those that satisfied natural and necessary desires, such as the need for food, drink, and friendship. Beer, in its modesty and its role in social settings, could be viewed as a perfect example of an Epicurean pleasure—simple, enjoyable, and conducive to friendship.

Existential Reflections

Existential philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard and Jean-Paul Sartre often explored themes of authenticity, choice, and individuality. While they didn’t specifically focus on beer, their philosophies invite us to consider our choices around beer and alcohol in the context of authentic living. Choosing to drink beer, what type of beer one prefers, and how one engages with the culture of beer drinking can reflect broader existential choices about who we are and how we assert our individuality and authenticity in a world of conforming pressures.

Critique of Consumerism

Finally, contemporary philosophers and social critics might examine beer, especially craft beer, through the lens of consumerism and cultural identity. In a world dominated by mass-produced goods, craft beer stands as a counter-narrative that values quality, locality, and artisanal skill. Philosophers interested in the critique of consumer culture might see the craft beer movement as a form of resistance to globalization and homogenization, representing a desire for authenticity, community, and a more meaningful engagement with the products we consume.

In summary, while philosophers may not often speak directly about beer, the implications of beer drinking touch upon many philosophical themes including moderation, pleasure, community, authenticity, and resistance to consumerism. Beer, in all its simplicity, serves as a rich subject for philosophical inquiry, revealing insights into human nature, society, and the pursuit of a good life.

Quoting Philosophers About Beer

Three Philosophers by Ommegang Brewery

While philosophers have traditionally engaged with questions of existence, ethics, knowledge, and the nature of reality, there are a few instances where they have directly or indirectly touched upon the subject of beer. Their comments on beer often reveal a lighter side, providing a humorous or reflective perspective on this beloved beverage. Here are a few notable quotes:

Plato: While not directly about beer, this quote is often humorously adapted to fit the topic: “He was a wise man who invented beer.” The original sentiment reflects the appreciation of inventions and innovations that improve human life, and the adapted quote humorously assigns high value to the creation of beer.
Benjamin Franklin: Often mistakenly attributed with saying, “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy,” Franklin’s actual quote was about wine. The real quote from a letter written by Franklin to André Morellet in 1779 is: “Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards; there it enters the roots of the vines, to be changed into wine; a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy.” The sentiment, however, is frequently co-opted into the world of beer enthusiasts.
Martin Luther: The German theologian and pivotal figure of the Protestant Reformation is quoted as saying, “Whoever drinks beer, he is quick to sleep; whoever sleeps long, does not sin; whoever does not sin, enters Heaven! Thus, let us drink beer!” While the authenticity of this quote is debated, it humorously suggests a virtuous cycle involving beer and moral conduct.
Arthur Schopenhauer: The German philosopher, known for his pessimistic philosophy, reportedly had a more light-hearted view on beer, suggesting its social and pleasurable aspects. However, a direct quote about beer specifically is hard to come by.
Thomas Aquinas: While not a direct quote about beer, St. Thomas Aquinas, the Italian Dominican friar and philosopher, wrote extensively about moderation and the virtue of temperance. He argued for the moderate use of alcohol, suggesting that it could be used for enjoyment without excess. His philosophy implies a balanced approach to pleasures like beer, valuing them insofar as they contribute to the well-being of the person without leading to intemperance.

Beer and Books

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Book Review: What More Philosophers Think (Edited by Julian Baggini and Jeremy Stangroom)

BKline — Mon, 24 May 2021 01:26:00 +0000

A Book Review Over a Year in the Making

Sometimes you just slowly …. ever slowly…. so very slowly… finish a book. For many reasons it happens. The book has to go back to the library, you lose it, misplace it, forget about it, set it down in lieu of another newer, cooler, more sparkly book, you spill a drink on it and need to get a new copy, etc, etc.

This was just a case of simply setting it down to read other things and I kind of piece meal read parts of it, slowly devouring it. There were several reasons for that, some because of the book (faults or not) and some because of me (faults or not).

I had picked this up in 2019 at Mid-Town Scholar in Harrisburg. Waiting for the author speaking and presenting (I forget which one it was I was there to see), I snooped around the store and found this and picked it up. Primarily on the basis of Slavoj Zizek and Robert M. Pirsig as well as even seeing Phillip Pullman which I found interesting. So I got this, sat in attendance for whichever speaker it was that day (might have been the time I was there for the speaker about Benjamin Rush) and then took it to ZeroDay Brewing afterwords to read a little…. and from there… it slowly drifted further and further down my “to read” or “reading” pile. (Which is a very complicated mass of a ton of books and is constantly shifting with books falling in and out of the ‘top ten’ of the reading piles.)

This is a selection of interview essays with numerous philosophers , some well known (like Pirsig, Zizek, Foot), and some lesser known (or at least to me anyway lesser known) philosophers as well. The front cover lists the following philosophers for essay – interviews in the book: Igor Aleksander, Philippa Foot, A.C. Grayling, Ted Honderich, Oliver Letwin, Alexander McCall Smith, Onora O’Neill, Bhikhu Parekh, Robert M. Pirsig, Philip Pullman, Mary Warnock, Bernard Williams, and Slavoj Zizek.

The back blurb has a few quotes from Zizek, Grayling, Parekh, and Honderich. Zizek on the topic of tolerance says: “I am more and more convinced that the very notion of tolerance secretly endorses precisely its opposite, a certain kind of intolerance.” Grayling comments on philosophy and public understanding: “Philosophy, for all its apparent abstraction and technicality, is really just a membrane away from ordinary, everyday, practical concerns.”

Philosophy

Personally, philosophy for me, is one of my ‘hobbies’, or things I do for fun. This includes, reading, writing, and thinking (or philosophizing) about philosophy. I went to school for a bit for Journalism and Philosophy (which helps me out tremendously in a field dominated by Mathematics… …to a degree, it actually does despite the joke of it all). So I enjoy finding and picking up esoteric philosophy works, as well as the classics (Aristotle’s Ethics, Plato’s Republic, Spinoza, Kant, etc.). Some topics I especially engage in and find interesting are free will, ethical debates, philosophy of the mind, philosophy of time, and numerous other debates and topics. I typically steer clear of the ‘semantic’ and ‘language’ based philosophies, but I’ll still read them, and you still need to have some understanding of them, as a basis and an underline for much of philosophy in common.

I happened to find this volume – ‘What More Philosophers Think’ randomly in the basement at The Midtown Scholar after a book event there one night, relatively cheap (cheaper than its original pricing), and decided ‘why not’. Has some interesting philosophers included – like Slavoj Zizek, Robert M. Pirsig, Philippa Foot, and even has Philip Pullman.

List of Philosophers in this Work

There is an impressive list of philosophers in this work, interviewed by Julian Baggini and Jeremy Stangroom. The list includes:

There is also a round table discussion about September 11th and post – September 11th with various philosophers. You can click the links on the names above to go to their Wikipedia pages for more information on each philosopher.

Sadly, as you’ll see from going to each of their pages, since the publication of this work, several of these writers have passed (by 2021). Philippa Foot, Robert M. Pirsig, Mary Warnock, Bernard Williams, have all passed.

Book Review

This is a series of interviews with the listed philosophers / writers / authors / (and one politician) above. So the book varies by interview, and how well it goes. Your mileage may also vary depending on your thoughts of the writers / philosophers and their works, and if you agree with their philosophies as well. The editors / interviewers even kind of throw Robert M. Pirsig under the bus in their preamble to his interview, discussing how difficult of an interviewee he was, how they had to do it over e-mail and online exchange, etc.

I enjoy getting to read more from Philippa Foot, most famous for her ‘trolley problem’ – which has become such a central ‘mind thought’ for much of philosophy, and an important part one of my recent favorite shows (The Good Place).

Slavoj Zizek is also always interesting and entertaining in his own right. I feel like interviewing him is more or less just unlocking a cage, and seeing what damage is done to the city while fleetingly throwing whatever escaped some morsels and taking notes of what it does with them.

All and all, the interviews are well done, there is a brief description of each writer / philosopher, and the work should be engrossing for any interested in their thoughts. It is somewhat dated, but in general, most interviews themselves become dated. It also works as a historic anchor for thoughts and feelings from its time as well.

My GoodReads rating: ***
Global Average GoodReads Rating: 3.04 (as of May 23rd, 2021)
My LibraryThing rating: ***.5

Philosophers - The Beer Thrillers

Philosophy and Craft Beer: A Confluence of Thought and Taste

Philosophy and Craft Beer: A Confluence of Thought and Taste

The Philosophical Roots of Craft Beer

Craftsmanship as a Reflection of Existential Values

The Socratic Method and the Culture of Craft Beer

The Pursuit of Authenticity and Meaning

Philosophy

The Social Fabric and Communal Bonding

Moderation and the Good Life

Beer as a Symbol of the Simple Pleasures

Existential Reflections

Critique of Consumerism

Quoting Philosophers About Beer

More Beer Information and Education Series Articles

Beer and Books

Thank You For Reading

Book Review: What More Philosophers Think (Edited by Julian Baggini and Jeremy Stangroom)

A Book Review Over a Year in the Making

Philosophy

List of Philosophers in this Work

Book Review