(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 for people who like to mix philosophical discourse and drinking. If you're looking for carefully moderated debate, look elsewhere. These discussions are unstructured intellectual free-for-alls - the only two constants are booze and a keen interest in the nature of reality and human existence. We take philosophy very seriously, but we don't think taking it seriously demands that you act like an academic when discussing it. No formal training is necessary - no one will be expected to …

This group is dedicated to an exploration of the ideas informing educational philosophy, policy-making and planning - including investigation, analysis and critique of educational design at the local, state, national and international levels. I hope to open an erudite and broad-minded conversation about the underlying purpose(s) of public education from an eclectic, multi-angled perspective (i.e., classical Western, Eastern, post-modern, traditionalist, etc.). I am interested in what are the m …

Following a Socratic method of inquiry, we will be exploring the really big questions about life, the universe, and everything. But we won't be *too* serious; philosophy can get silly, too. You will find a warm welcome when you arrive at our meeting place, which is currently in the Blocher home, located at 3737 N Wisconsin Street (not to be confused with Wisconsin Avenue) in Racine. We would love to have you visit to see if what we do is right for you. Drop us an RSVP so that we can prepare a pl …

Bodhi Path Buddhist Center of Chicago (www.bodhipath.org/chicago) is part of an international organization of Buddhist meditation centers founded by Shamar Rinpoche. Rinpoche and many other teachers provide meditation, philosophy instruction, and guidance to learn and practice Buddhism. Resident Dharma Teacher Rachel Parrish offers teachings and meditation instruction. Meditation is practiced through guided instruction geared to the needs of those in attendance. Various texts are also studied an …

"Stranger, here you do well to tarry; Here our highest good is pleasure" Join a gathering of Friends to discuss applied Epicurean philosophy; the research, science and philosophy of happiness; simple living, frugality, self-sufficiency; ataraxia, living the pleasant life and the analysed life, even perhaps gardening and other Epicurean interests as presented in the webpage for the International Society of Friends of Epicurus: societyofepicurus.com/ For more on Epicureanism, you may visit newepic …

Chicago Gor is a group of Goreans, Gor-curious, and Gor-interested individuals in and around Chicago. We are a community of Goreans, that is people living by the philosophy and principles of Gor: Honor, Integrity, Strength, Honesty. We welcome other Goreans as well as those interested in learning more about Gor. Our gatherings range from monthly restaurant get-togethers to larger events at the home of one or another member. Nearly all are open to new-comers. There is a Home Stone in Chicago. Gor …

The Chicago Socialist Youth is an amalgam of independant, free thinking youth in Chicago dedicated on creating a radical democracy that places people's lives under their own control - A non-racist, classless, feminist, environmentalist, socialist society in which people cooperate at work, at home, and in the community for the greater good. We seek a society that is based on the fundamental tenets of collective human decency instead of selfish individualism. We fight for a new social and economic …

We meet twice a month to discuss designated during the taping of Insight Radio.  (If you have not listened, here is the last show:  Insight Radio is looking for guests for our next show on current events.  Here are recent shows: Guest: Fran Hawthorne, Author of Ethical Chic: The Inside Story of the Companies We Think We Love. Award-winning journalist Fran Hawthorne has been a writer or editor at Fortune, BusinessWeek, Institutional Investor, Crane's and other publications. She is the author of …

Join us monthly in lively discussions of every dimension of science from Biology to Physics thought the medium of scientific papers, book excerpts and/or internet discussions. Discussions of the history of science or the philosophy of science or current discoveries and applications.

The Ethical Humanist Society is a congregation for those who seek a rational, compassionate philosophy of life without regard to belief or non-belief in a supreme being.

Hey, let's read and discuss some good books. I'll keep this meetup simple.  Anyone can suggest a book.  The more popular the book, the faster it will get on the list, with some exceptions.  For instance, if we have a streak of books on politics, I may  toss in a medical or philosophy title to break it up.  And to really mix it up, we may even take on the occasional piece of fiction, perhaps a banned book or two.  Discussions will be very informal, but if someone would like to take the lead on an …

The purpose of this Meetup is to gather with like-minded individuals who are interested in implementing Mental Science, Law of Attraction, and other Universal Laws & Principles in their lives. There is so much that can be accomplished to benefit mankind and advance the universe. I want to share this philosophy with all that wish to receive it. The potentials within each of us are limitless, and the more individuals that understand this, the better for the whole world. This knowledge will soon en …

ATTENTION!!!!!! This group is being transfered to a different site. If you want to join Chicago Veg*n Nerds, go here: http://www.meetup.com/vegNerds _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ We get together for various events. They can be for social, ethical, and / or intellectual purposes. We encourage all members to suggest event ideas, on the Message board. Some events we have include: 1. Potlucks 2. Socials at …

"The purpose of this meetup is to provide a venue for individuals who walk the esoteric/inner path but also strive for a balance with their more exoteric & worldly nature. I seek others like myself who walk the inner path and have experienced inner transfigurations and can examine these powerful, spiritual experiences from a scientific & psychological lens, who introspect ruthlessly, who are open to exploring the inner realms of self-identity, and who value knowledge and wisdom above all.  I hav …

What makes a person different than a rock (and different from every other inanimate object)? Or are we so different after all? Isn't the human body nothing more than a machine which is ultimately comprised of mere molecules and atoms? In what sense, if any, does a person consist of more than his or her physical body? Does a person have a soul? If so, then what do we mean by “soul” and what might the nature of a soul be? In short, what is the phenomena that we call “consciousness?” Moreover, how …

Self Enquiry Life Fellowship is a US based Nonprofit stablished to preserve and disseminate indigenous knowledge from the ancient Sanskrit heritage, including extant literature, spiritual practices of Vedic antiquity, esoteric Himalayan yoga and meditation techniques of unbroken lineages. The Nonprofit aims to make accessible through its educational publishing projects, the spiritual philosophy passed down by the monastic lineages of Himalayan masters and intonated Sanskrit hymns meant for subl …

Suburban Adventures extends a warm welcome to lesbian women of the Suburbs. Our focus is to provide fun, entertaining, educational and social events for like minded women of the community without the need to go to the city. We welcome as members both singles and couples of the lesbian community. Our Meetups will run the gamut including brunches, dinners, movies, clubs, walks, hikes, snow tubing, skiing, bowling, sporting events, cultural events, bike rides, charitable events, meet & greets, etc. …

The Chicago Chapter of the Ayn Rand Institute promotes the Institute's mission of educating students and adults on the value of individual rights, reason and free markets. Through ARI's series of outreach and educational workshops, chapter members gain valuable insight into Ayn Rand's philosophy (Objectivism) expressed in her novels, Atlas Shrugged, The Fountainhead, Anthem and We the Living as well as her collection of non-fiction books on philosophy and other topical essays. The Chicago Chapte …

Inspired by the fictional Jedi in Star Wars, we strive to emulate the path of the Jedi in our real lives. We're not just Star Wars fans, but people who see a core of truth in its philosophy that is worth bringing into the world. Our meetings are for the purpose of training (martial arts, meditation, energy, philosophy, and other topics a Jedi knight needs to understand) and building community. We also don't just sit around watching films and reading books; we go out and offer our services wher …

The Gentlemen Elite Social Club Our Philosophy: "A gentleman is a highly favorable title only well-deserving men earn, and should not be thrown around loosely nor taken lightly. A true gentleman is a man who is well-mannered, well-groomed, mindful of female sensibilities, well-read, socially adept, and respectful to everyone, regardless of their class, color, creed or gender." We here at the Gentlemen Elite Social Club organize the best social events for both men and women (including concerts, …

This will be an introduction to Tai Ji or T'ai Chi. A 2000 year old art. It is a moving meditation & can be practiced well into ones 80 's & beyond. It is great for: improving health, stamina, balance, coordination, peace of mind & self- defense. It's fun too! Basic principles , movements, philosophy & applications will be covered. The class is open to all levels & styles of players. It is designed for the beginning to intermediate player.

ChicagoVeg Outreach is an extension of ChicagoVeg – Chicagoland Vegetarian, Vegan, & Raw Food Community that brings together people who chose being vegan/vegetarian for variety of reasons (for the sake of the animals, environment, personal health/health of their loved ones). The mission of the ChicagoVeg Outreach is to enable members make a positive difference by educating others that we can all live happy and healthy lives following vegan/vegetarian diet. We know there are numerous benefits of …

Anyone can join, whether or not you're a vegan, vegetarian, animal welfare activist, green environmentalist, intellectual, or nerd.  All you need is an interest in what we do. You can see our calendar for animal welfare / animal rights relevant events and nerdy and veg*n stuff: http://www.meetup.com/vegNerds/#calendar We get together for a variety of events. They can be for social, ethical, and / or intellectual purposes. We encourage all members to suggest event ideas, on the Message board, o …

Meet other local atheists and freethinkers. Gather to discuss beliefs and philosophies, and make new friends. Discuss contemporary issues regarding hispanics/latinos and the predominance of religion in our culture. Make atheists more visible in our local communities by promoting education, community service, secular religious education and upholding the separation of church and state.

This is a group for anyone who speaks some French and would like to discuss en francais a host of interesting topics from politics, to food, to theatre to philosophy. While we welcome all levels of French, it does help if you have a good basic knowledge of French so that you can participate in conversations.

Group members are taught the essentials of mindfulness and how the process relates to their feelings. The technique teaches them to be aware of what they are feeling in the moment, which allows for a deepening of the way they relate to their thoughts and patterns. Unwanted patterns of relating and behaving discovered during the sessions can then be shifted. Using both avenues of psychology and mindfulness allows patterns to shift more rapidly as cognitive work helps people to understand the issu …

Meet other people who understand how powerful questions can be. Listen to people as they share their thoughts and understandings. Challenge yourself, open your mind, relax, think, share.