The DC Objectivist Salon is a group of individuals in the Washington, DC metro area dedicated to the serious study and practical application of Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism. The DCOS is a proud supporter of the Ayn Rand Institute; its new public policy and outreach division in DC, the Ayn Rand Center for Individual Rights; and the Objectivist Club Network. Please see the 'Pages' section for more information.

Joseph Campbell is best known and recognized as an American mythologist, writer,  and lecturer for his work in comparative mythology and religion. His work is vast, covering many aspects of the human experience.  His philosophy is often summarized by his phrase: "Follow your bliss." Before his death in 1987, Campbell completed a series of interviews with journalist Bill Moyers that aired as a six part television documentary originally on PBS in 1988 titled “Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth. …

Hello DC! Our meeting format: Approximately an hour and 15 minutes to discuss the topic agreed upon at the start of each meeting. If more than 20 people attend I may ask for a volunteer to lead a second group, in order to keep things manageable. Toward the end of the session we will go around the table to give everyone an opportunity to make a short closing remark. When time is up, we will take a short break to give people an opportunity to leave; if the conversation is good, people are welcome …

The Center for Inquiry–DC (CFI–DC) offers an opportunity to put your principles into practice by joining other rationalists to work for positive change in society. In addition, the D.C. Center sponsors social events for freethinkers as well as intellectual programming. CFI provides an ethical alternative to religious and paranormal worldviews. In this time of rising religiosity, anti-intellectualism and political turmoil on ethical issues, it is critical that rationalists and freethinkers join t …

Why does God allow suffering in the world? Why isn't Christianity more inclusive? This group is meeting to foster dialogue about our faith and doubts in a safe, open forum. All beliefs and views are welcome here! If you've ever wondered these things or more, then please join us Thursdays (April 12-May 24) at Rí Rá in Clarendon for an open and stimulating discussion through a New York Times Bestseller book by Tim Keller, The Reason for God (complimentary copies will be available). All are welcome …

Calling all Singles 40 & Up! Meet for wine (or beer), espresso and decadent desserts (or nachos) and engage with other singles in stimulating conversation on a wide range of topics ... politics, literature, the arts, philosophy, sports, your past travels and wish list ... Light weight chattering is OK. Heavy weight pontificating is cool, too. Anything and everything goes. Humor is a big plus. With all this gabbing goin' on, you just might meet (and be) "the one."

CFI–DC Drinking Skeptically is an informal social event designed to promote fellowship and networking among skeptics, critical-thinkers, and like-minded individuals. CFI–DC Drinking Skeptically provides an opportunity for skeptics to talk, share ideas (and yes, drink) in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. We discuss the issues of the day and whatever else is on our minds. But most of all, we have fun while promoting skepticism, science, and rationality. Don't drink? Don't let that stop you from joini …

DC UL Backpacking Guiding Philosophy: To backpack the Mid-Atlantic, with the idea of waking early, walking far, traveling light, and having a fulfilling backcountry experience. “Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away”—Antoine de Saint-Exupery This meet up group specializes in high-mileage, light-weight, overnight backpacking adventures throughout the Mid-Atlantic, especially Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.  …

Vive la francophonie! Afternoon French Conversation in Metropolitan DC est un groupe composé principalement de membres qui parlent le français comme deuxième ou troisième (voire quatrième!) langue. L'objectif du groupe est de promouvoir des rencontres intéressantes entre des personnes de même sensibilité pour parler le français dans un milieu détendu. Les sujets sont illimités: la philosophie, le cinéma et la littérature, ........ Afternoon French Conversation in Metropolitan DC is a group prim …

This is a private group of motorcycle riders. We love backroad twisties, and scenic routes. Our group rides are fun and creative. We also visit interesting destinations. We also schedule track days and seminars. Our group's main philosophies are safety, and camaraderie. 2011 Rides 2012 Rides

We explore a wide variety of topics in a conversational style always respecting each other's opinion.  You do not need a background in philosophy, only an interest in seeking truth and wisdom. The value of our discussons come from the combined perspectives of those that attend.  From student to Physicist we all have a unique perspective and can learn from each other; please join, attend and contribute your wisdom to ours? Steven Easley The DC Philosophy Cafe We are now holding bi weekly discussi …

Did you take a philosophy class in high school or college and wish you had taken more? Do you read philosophy texts independently but have no one to discuss them with? Then this group is for you. We will read, in chronological order, major works from the history of philosophy. Although the majority will have been written by European and American authors, we will be open to texts from other cultures. Representative philosophers include Plato, Averroes, Descartes, Spinoza, Hobbes, Kant, Hegel, Sar …

The Great Books Reading Group is not a literature club. It is a discussion group that uses a multidisciplinary approach to learning and exploring the past and present. We are reading from the St. John's College Reading List. As we read foundational texts in the Western tradition, we examine mysticism, history, theology, the earth and physical sciences, mathematics, philosophy and government, as well as art, literature and music.

Hi Guys! This is our version of the informal philosophy club. The current plan is to go through interesting readings in book-club manner, but if anyone is interested in a specific topic feel free to let us know. - Organizers --------------------------------------------------------- Dialogues we have covered so far: -Gorgias -Phaedo -Parmenides -Meno -Apology -Symposium -Phaedrus -Ion (Read during meetup)

Information is power. Fibromyalgia is enigmatic and ambiguous and can be a life-altering disorder. Fight the confusion and uncertainty with information. My vision for this group is to get people who experience fibromyalgia together to comment and share their thoughts on current research and historical perspectives. The reading list won't be limited to books or research specifically on fibromyalgia. It will also include books on neuroscience, chronic illness, philosophy of self and consciousness, …

We intend to engage the population of D.C. in discussions that clarify the axioms underlying the policies shaping our world. We do not adhere to any one political, economic, philosophical, or religious ideology; rather, we value critical Socratic style discourse and have aspirations to influence the culture of D.C. and the world accordingly. You should join this group if you have a passion for ideas that spans many disciplines and wish to enkindle the Socratic daemon in today's world.

The Dupont Circle Reading Railroad is a literature club centered on discussion, friendship, wine and exploration of various mediums (poetry, graphic novels, stories, film, theater).

The Vajrayogini Buddhist Center is located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC. We offer a complete range of meditation courses and retreats for all levels of interest: weekly drop-in classes, day workshops, retreats and in-depth study programs. In addition, we offer introductory classes at numerous branch locations in the DC area (Arlington, Bethesda, Capitol Hill, Reston, and Hampton Roads). Kadampa Buddhism is a special tradition of Mahayana Buddhism founded by Atisha (982-105 …

Our meet-up group serves as a supporting structure for conscious Evolutionaries in the Washington D.C. area. We look to both put the teachings of Evolutionary Enlightenment into practice as well as engage with other parties interested in the broader Evolutionary Worldview becoming popular around the world. Join us as we inquire into the biggest questions of our time.

I have to believe in a world outside my own mind. I have to believe that my actions still have meaning, even if I can't remember them. I have to believe that when my eyes are closed, the world's still there. Do I believe the world's still there? Is it still out there? … Yeah. We all need mirrors to remind ourselves who we are. I'm no different. (Memento, 2000) No matter what anyone tells you - words and ideas can change the world. (Dead Poets Society, 1989) See, Mr. Gitts, most people never have …

Do you like digging into ideas that shape our world? The Freedom & Justice discussion group invites thoughtful people from all backgrounds to enjoy some friendly debate, impactful ideas, and good company at a cozy local pub. We will watch a short video from LearnLiberty.org and dig into the evening’s topic. First one up: “Liberty & Justice: Friends or Enemies?” No need to prep for discussion. We will kick off and moderate the discussion to make sure you can learn some new things and express your …

Mission Students For Liberty is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide a unified, student-driven forum of support for students and student organizations dedicated to liberty. What Liberty Means to SFL Students For Liberty is an organization that supports liberty. SFL does not dictate the foundations upon which individuals justify their belief in liberty. Rather, Students For Liberty embraces the diversity of justifications for liberty and encourages debate and discourse o …

This is a group for anyone interested in life extension, anti-aging, human longevity, gerontology, rejuvenation, etc. Everybody is welcome. I started this group to meet other longevity and life extension enthusiasts. Looking forward to exploring this exciting subject with everybody.

This is a group for anyone interested in discussing ideas, education and principles that have made America the greatest country on Earth! Join us in positive discussion and celebrating what makes America strong and ways to keep this the land of freedom, opportunity and achievement!

This is a group for lovers of all things pertaining to the Ancient Greek and/or Latin languages, literature, philosophy, history, culture, etc. All skill and knowledge levels are welcome. This is a new group and I will form meetings based on the interests of the members. I hope to have meeting broken up into translation meetings and meeting devoted to discussing some area of classics, for which you don't need to know the language. Please let me know what your interests are and what you hope to d …

(1 minute video) This group is for people who value and enjoy deeper discussions with amazing people and who are also willing to rise to the occasion by joining us to help make these discussion opportunities an ongoing reality. The events held in this group are all about having fun nights of great people and 'deeper' discussions over dinner in a charming restaurant. This Meetup group was created by Glen Brauer as part of a non-profit global initiative using practical philosophy to bring togeth …

This group is open to anyone interested in discussing philosophy, perception, spirituality or just looking a little more deeply at the world around us, how it works and how we relate to it and each other. Some of the topics we will be discussing are: - What is life?  a gift from the divine, a chemo-electric byproduct, an interesting concept, or something else? - What do we know?  a discussion of knowledge and belief - Emotion and reason, the collaboration or conflict  between the mind and the …

Trail runners (and those that want to trail run) AHOY! This is the official summer-long-meetup group for the first annual Fun Run trail run in Rock Creek Park. Whether you are an experienced trail runner, road runner, want to get in shape, spend some time outside, or just want to give trail running a try this is the group for you! We'll go over basics of trail running (etiquette, how to not fall on your bum, how to navigate, etc), philosophies, community, and set out with both a shorter distance …