What is a party?
By Alberto Giubilini
There seems to be some confusion these days around what exactly a party is. The Sue Gray report updates on the alleged (i.e. actual) parties at No.10 during lockdowns cast doubts on our certainties.
For what is a party? Intriguing question, for those into philosophy. You start by thinking you know the answer and you end up confused. For example, it is obvious that not all after work drinks at the pub are parties. But what if you have a beer with your comrades in the office? Or a birthday cake appears during after work drinks? All of a sudden we feel less certain. Maybe the drinks have turned into a party at some point.
This is a rather pleasurable exercise, as long as it doesn’t affect everyday communications. It doesn’t really matter.
Except that, all of a sudden, it does. It’s partygate time.