Thought Provoking

Bible Study

This year we are studying the Psalms in their beauty and variety. Although written nearly 3000 years ago they are still relevant today. We will explore why the Psalms were composed, the format of the Hebrew poetry and the Bible passages that relate the circumstances in which some of these psalms were written. Our workbook “Soul Songs” from the GoodBook series by Tim Chester selects psalms that address vital concerns such as love, guilt, fear and temptation. This collection of songs helps to take us from the problems we face and to retune our hearts to the ways of God.

Community Affairs

The Community Affairs group arranges a programme of speakers on topics of local interest. The programme for 2011-12 is as follows:

29 September 2011	‘Giraffe – the story of a Perth Community Interest Company.’ James Alexander
27 October 2011	Scambusters – How to spot and avoid scams. Janet Rae, Trading Standards Officer, Perth & Kinross Council.
24 November 2011	‘Guide dogs for the blind.’ Deirdre McVean
12 January 2012	‘The Fair Maid’s House and Lord John Murray’s House, prior to renovations.’ Dr Andrew Driver (Conservation architect, P&K Heritage Trust)
9 February 2012	‘Perth Young Carers’ Project.' Raymond Jamieson
8 March 2011	‘Fruit farming in Perthshire – past, present and future.’ Peter and Melanie Thomson, Blairgowrie.
5 April 2011	‘Tackling cancer – Macmillan Cancer Support.’ Karen Thomson, Voluntary Service Manager.
3 May 2011	‘Perth Prison Visitor Centre.’ Calum Murray, Crossreach.
ADVANCE NOTICE: September 2012	‘Perth in Bloom.’ Una Scott.

Meetings on Thursdays at 2.30pm in upstairs room,Letham St Mark’s Church, Rannoch Road, Perth

Meetings are open to all Perth U3A members.

Confucian Studies

Who said ....
To quietly persevere in storing up what is learned, to continue studying without respite
Was it a founder member of U3A?
Do not do to others what you would not like done to yourself
Would that be Jesus Christ?
The aim of good government should be a happy populace
Was that the Master of Rugby?
No, it was a Chinese man known to us as Confucius who lived 2500 years ago.

Come along to a new group meeting on the 4th Monday afternoon in the North Church to find out more about this man and his ideas that have influenced so many for so long.
Leader Joan Gibson

Philosophy 2011-2012

Philosophy is thinking about the sorts of things we normally take for granted. No area of human activity is, nor should, be free from un reflected acceptance. This can be challenging and uncomfortable but is hugely rewarding. Philosophy has no monopoly on clear thinking but Western philosophy is analytic by nature as it tries to unravel and address the many perplexing issues facing mankind. That many of these issues perplexed the ancients does signify that there are no easy answers, if any, and usually just more questions.
The principle objective of studying philosophy in Perth U3A is to address the recurring questions of topical interest in a thoughtful but relaxed manner so the process is both sociable, stimulating and enjoyable.
Two streams will be available again in 2011/2012 An Introduction to Philosophy and Continuing Philosophy. If there are sufficient numbers two Continuing Philosophy groups will be available again this year.

Philosophy - Introduction

This year Introduction to Philosophy will be using Julian Baggini’s book Making Sense; Philosophy behind the headlines. This stimulating book takes a down to earth look at some traditional philosophical questions but in the context of those issues we come up against in our day to day lives. Questions of truth, public and private lives, the morality of war, science, faith and reason and many others discussed in relation to the big issues of the day.. This is a very readable book by a contemporary philosopher who has done much to make potentially difficult concepts accessible and relevant. We will take the book a chapter at a time in each of our sessions discussing the issues and learning about philosophical method as we go.

Philosophy Continuing A & B

We continue with our eclectic journey through philosophy with a return to a 20th century philosopher Although she tried not to be classified as such, Hannah Arendt has been described as one of the greatest Political Philosophers of the modern era. We will be reading her book The Human Condition published in 1958. Arendt wrote this book as man seemed to be freeing himself of being earth bound with the advent of manned space travel, of destroying labour with the advent of automation and of having the capacity to destroy the world with nuclear bombs. Arendt analysis the human condition with regards to three fundamental activities, labour, work and action better to understand how we should face the challenges of the modern world.

Science behind the News

The group meets monthly and the presentations are aimed at shedding light on science stories that have been in the news or have caught our attention in other ways. Last year the topics have included ‘Enriched uranium: its production and uses’, ‘Stem cells: their origin, nature and potential’, ‘The chemistry of fuel cells’, ‘The wondrous effects of nitric oxide in the human body’, ‘The technique of radiocarbon dating’ and 'The search for exoplanets'.
Presentations used so far last session:
Intersex States - Oct 09.pdf
Water on Moon - Oct 09.pdf
Illegal Drugs - Nov 09.pdf
Mitochondrial Diseases - Nov 09.pdf
Breast Milk and Sleep - Dec 09.pdf
Climate change denied.pdf
Climate Sceptics.pdf
Diabetes.pdf
Earthquakes.pdf
Epigenetics.pdf
Genetics of Cancer.pdf
Toads, Knotweed etc.pdf
3-d effects.pdf

Social Psychology

The house group will explore behaviour and relationships in a light-hearted atmosphere. This subject matter is similar to Social Science but has more emphasis on the individual, why people behave as members of society, as members of groups and what influences their actions. We will use material from Open University study units and books as a basis for discussions. Subject matter will include topics such as: Families, emotion, self, prejudice, conflict etc; Recommended book to start.: Social Psychology Matters (2007) Wendy Hollway, Helen Lucy & Ann Phoenix Open University Press

Scottish Studies Group

The Group will be using units from The OU OpenLearn Scotland which has over 30 units relevant to Scotland. Members will be expected to download the course units from the OU site. (I can supply a word version if required). Our study takes the form of discussion on pre-agreed elements of the course in member’s houses.

This year our course is “Nationalism, self-determination and secession”. What makes a ‘nation’ and what makes peoples strive for nationhood? This unit will provide you with an introduction to studying political ideas by looking at how people who see themselves as nations challenge the existing order to assert their right to a state of their own.

To find out more about the course go to http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=2675