Book review on "Cafenele filosofice LUMEN", volume 1, edited by Antonio SANDU & Bogdan POPOVENIUC, LUMEN Publishing, 2023

The philosophical cafés were formally established for the first time by Marc Sautet as a technique for facilitating philosophical dialogue. The theoretical foundation of this model is based on the Habermasian theory of communicative action and the conviction that the literary and philosophical cafes, seen as spaces of public debate, form the genuine genesis of the public sphere. The founder of philosophical cafés as a practice of philosophizing opened the first philosophical cafe in Paris in 1992. The concept became soon internationally widespread. After having been initiated in France, it quickly developed in countries such as England, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, America, Canada, Japan, Australia, and so on. Its basic ideas, consistent with those specific to practical philosophy, aim to return philosophy to the original practices of intellectual exercise intended for an elevated audience, but not necessarily an aristocratic or culturally fancy one. Practically, the philosophical cafe reinvents the idea of a literary cafe, taking from it the spirit of public debates. However, their triggers were ideas found in philosophical texts. The focus is not necessarily on the philosophical rigor of the discussions, but, above all, on sparking notions of tolerance and spiritual openness. This particular model of practical philosophy is constituted in a framework of general philosophical discussions. Their thematic concerns are most varied, without necessarily involving professional philosophizing. The participants of the philosophical cafés address a diversity of topics, which are just an excuse for the exercise of rational abilities, critical and creative thinking. They aimed for prospective approaches in a relaxed atmosphere, uniting people keen on free discussions, in a friendly and accessible public third space.