Does diplomatic bipartisan discussion in which both sides listen to each other seem far fetched? In Congress maybe, but the Barnstable High School Philosophy Club tackles controversial topics on a monthly basis in an respectful and encouraging environment.

Each month, one student is in charge of picking a topic they are passionate about and leading a group discussion about it; other students are invited to engage and are free to share their opinions and speak their minds. The goal of philosophical debate is to be exposed to different sides of an argument without having to come to a consensus or find an answer.

Founder and head of the club for four years, French teacher Fadner Pierre said that “[philosophy club] gives students a platform to discuss and debate topics people tend to shy away from,” adding that the club has additional academic gains, helping students work on their public speaking skills and practice elegant articulation. Topics can range anywhere from politics to the line between dreams and reality.

The club has proved popular at BHS and Pierre said he is constantly, “blown away by the level of intellect, interest and debate.”

Second year president of the club Joe Lennon-Philips is in charge of directing conversation and occasionally helping students pick the topics they want to talk about. Lennon-Philips describes that the unique aspect and his favorite part of the club is the variety of opinions and voices that are shared.

“I really enjoy how open people are to share,” Lennon-Philips said, “it is a place where friends with different opinions could come together and talk about anything.”

Similarly, sophomore and club member Helen Ahajjam who joined this year, said that, “the best part [of the club] is hearing other people’s opinions and different people’s reactions to things that are happening in the world.” Ahajjam added that, “you only read news that supports what you believe in;” philosophy club debates give people the chance to look at both sides of an argument.

Recently the club has reached out to faculty and will be expecting to hear from guest speakers in the future including science teachers Scott Blazis and Matthew Norton, who will comment on philosophy in their lives and passions.

Ahajjam and Lennon-Philips encourage anyone who thinks they might be interested in the club talk to Mr. Pierre in room 1323.