Starting this year, seniors Chandler Clark and Justin Barry are the official leaders of Philosophy Club, taking the place of graduates James Lang and PJ Wilken who led the club for two years. Clark and Barry will preside over the club’s weekly meetings in which attendees discuss philosophical quandaries ranging from famous thought experiments to whether or not a carrot could be considered alive.

Now on its third group of leaders, Philosophy Club meets every Tuesday in history teacher John Brosnahan’s classroom. Open to all students, each meeting centers around a topic chosen by the leaders with occasional input from Brosnahan.

“My role is really simple. Guide the leaders when they need it and then just allow the students, leaders and participants, to take control. This is truly a student-centered club. I love to participate from time to time, but I know this was meant more for the students to have their time and place,” Brosnahan said.

For the first time, that conversation can also include teachers. A form has been sent out to staff, inviting them to attend meetings as guest philosophers. The very first faculty member to attend, Assistant Principal Darnell Weathersby, went to the September 20^th meeting of Philosophy Club.

“We are reaching out to teachers and administrators to join the club this year, and begin breaking down those unintentional walls that were previously in place preventing some of the smartest people in the school from contributing. In years past, teachers had no idea that Philosophy Club was for them too,” Clark said.

Teachers may be asked to participate by the other leaders of Philosophy Club. As students participate in discussions, they earn points that can eventually land them in leadership positions. Though not at the same level as the official leaders, these students will be tasked with reaching out to teacher and helping other students join, among other responsibilities.

This year’s leaders were appointed for more than just their points though, “Mr. Clark was a clear pick because of his commitment to the club as an institution,” Lang said. “Beneath his sharp exterior of Hawaiian shirts lies a deeply cognizant mindset that is entirely devoted on unraveling the mysteries of ourselves, our society, and our universe.”

Clark began attending Philosophy Club during his freshman year along with some close friends including the brother of then-leader and founder Anay Katyal. Although most of those friends have ceased attending, Clark has regularly attended meetings for nearly three years now.

Barry on the other hand, began attending the club during his junior year but has been a regular, highly contributing member ever since.

“I started doing Philosophy Club because it sounded like a good time, and I was kind of curious,” said Barry, who was also wanted to put the club on college applications.

The reasons for Barry’s appointment are different than Clark’s, “Mr. Barry was chosen because of his affable demeanor, inquisitive mindset and sterling standing with the class of 2017. I strongly felt that anything that Justin is put behind will be a radically successful venture, and that he has the personality to bring in strong numbers as well as the mind to develop great ideas,” Lang said.

Meetings tend to have strong attendance at the beginning of the school year but that attendance wanes over time as students get busier or lose interest in the club. Barry and Clark hope to change that this year.

According to Barry, the strength of the conversations, increased by the presence of teachers, could keep students coming back.

“We also do regular announcements, handouts, and have a Twitter,” Barry said.