book club: agnes callard
open socrates
october 18 • 3:00 – 5:00 pm • jazzbar contra
On October 18, Brainwash Festival is hosting a Festival Book Club at Jazzclub Contra. Dive into a modern classic and ask philosopher Agnes Callard everything you’ve always wanted to know. What makes you think? What challenges you, what moves you? Join us and read, discuss, and explore the boundaries of what you know!
about this book club
“I know that I know nothing.” With this famous phrase, Socrates became the icon of philosophical curiosity and moral courage. How did this questioning life lead to the hemlock cup, and what dangers does it hold today? Together with American philosopher Agnes Callard, we explore these questions during the Book Club.
In her book Open Socrates, Callard examines 2,500 years of discussion around this enigmatic philosopher, asking one challenging question: how does one live a philosophical life?
In a time when opinions clash and certainty is rare, Callard encourages us toward radical openness. Thinking doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in encounter and dialogue with others. Expect no fixed answers, but an invitation to keep questioning and exploring. At Jazzclub Contra, moderator Linde van Schuppen will guide the book club.
about contra
We meet Agnes Callard at Contra—a jazz bar meets bistro, located in the former living room of the University of Amsterdam. In this intimate setting, which breathes philosophical conversation, Agnes will lay out the big questions of life. Immerse yourself in a meaningful discussion, enjoy a drink and stay for the music as the evening unfolds.
practical information
Date: October 18, 2025
Doors: 3:00 PM
Time: 3:30 – 5:00 PM
Location: Contra, Oudezijds Achterburgwal 235, Amsterdam
Standard Ticket: €16.50
Supporter Ticket: €19.50
tickets >>
