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 …

This group is for people interested in science & society, or science fiction, including: A) any aspect of science fiction (movies, novels, TV shows, science fiction art, etc.), or other relations between science and the arts (such as science illustration, nature photography, kinetic art, architecture, etc.).  Science fiction can include social science fiction, philosophical science fiction, political science fiction, adventure science fiction, etc. B) any aspect of science & society, such as: na …

This Meetup group (previously called the Social Science Meetup Group) is about any aspect of society and social development, where social development can include any aspect of social progress, including community development, technological development, artistic development, ethical development, futurism, social evolution, development and cultural diversity, relevant fiction or science fiction about social development, etc. That can include viewing society and social development in terms of soci …

Lehigh Valley Humanists is a chapter of the American Humanist Association.  As secular humanists, we strive to bring about a progressive society where being good without a god is an accepted way to live life.  Humanism encompasses a variety of nontheistic views (atheism, agnosticism, rationalism, naturalism, secularism, and so forth) while adding the important element of a comprehensive worldview and a set of ethical values- values that are grounded in the philosophy of the Enlightenment, inform …

Cutting edge discussions yet timeless truths! Weary of the "same old same old"? Want to meet very interesting people outside the customary? Well come connect with others who are interested in Socrates Cafe, a philosophical community. Be a social thinker! Our basic guidelines, established centuries ago in Plato's Dialogues, are that all opinions expressed need to be supported by reasons, and that all assumptions need to be examined. Dialogue is not a competition, a sport or debate with winners an …

Enjoy reading brainy books? Classics of world literature? Philosophy? Something entertaining, yet intellectually stimulating? Do you actually CHOOSE to pick up novels by the likes of E.M. Forster, D.H. Lawrence, Emily Bronte, or maybe Toni Morrison? Does exploring philosophical classics (Plato's Symposium, maybe? Sartre? Hume?) actually appeal to you? If reading great literature with a friendly, laid-back, edgy intellectual crowd turns you on, then this is the meetup for you. We won't tak …

I'm starting this group because I would like to meet up with a group of good peeps on a regular basis to discuss the issues of the day like health care reform, recycling (just kidding), the bailouts, guns and gun policy, hunting, VA politics, and the answers to questions like, "Why are we here?" over massive quantities of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Guinness:) Actually, just kidding. I don't personally want to get hammered, but a beer or two over some good political and philosophical discussion w …

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 …

This group is for anyone interested in developing mindfulness in daily life through meditation. We welcome everyone from any background. We want to provide a supportive environment for practicing meditation and developing mindfulness. Byoma Kusuma offers guided meditation sessions which are designed to help you develop mindfulness and its resultant benefits through Shamatha (Calm Abiding) and Vipashyana (Insight) techniques. Group sessions provide a supportive environment and group synergy, and …

Welcome! This group is a community of people dedicated to fellowship and the cross-pollination of ideas.  We believe that each individual can grow by listening to the unique perspectives, ideas, and sentiments of others as well as through sharing our own unique experiences.  While a big part of the group is fellowship, the primary goal is to bring people together to help them articulate their ideas, adequately express their ideals, and contextualize their goals on how to make the world a better …

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 …

Don't believe in God? You are not alone! Lancaster Freethought Society It is an exciting time to be a nonbeliever in the U.S. There are more people coming to reason in this country than at any other time in the past. Membership in atheist organizations is growing steadily and more people are standing up for their rights to be free from religion. The formation of the LFS is in response to the desire of Lancaster area free thinkers to become a part of this growing movement. Whether you want to p …

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)

Just a few people who like to informally read philosophy and talk about philosophy and drink beer. Those up for a short philsophical readings and a good-natured bi-weekly happy hour discussion should join us!

This group is focused on reviewing development of Islamic history and Islamic philosophical thought. The group will be run in English language and the discussions are in English.   We may read sample Arabic text and translate in some limited cases.    The group is open for all people of all backgrounds.   The goal is to share knowledge and common interest in this topic.    I would like to establish a comparative avenue for discussion and analysis of Islamic History and Islamic Philosophy with We …

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.

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 …

You have read all the books, graduated from religion, atheism, eastern and western philosophy. Now you want to get out of your mind!  You want to fearlessly practice your most important muscle, daily, every moment.  If you are ready to live according to the way of heart, this group may be a good station on your journey. They way of Heart is the way of Life.  It can help you realize all your dreams. For me, it helped me come up with even better dreams. Highly interactive and electrifying gatherin …

This is a multi-topic, weekly dinner discussion group. You bring food just for yourself (always ok) or coordinate food with others in the group. (You may remember me as the original organizer of the long-running Saturday Hodgepodge meetup, which is as awesome as ever, and you should check it out too.) Questions, comments?! Yes, please! Use the "Contact us" button on the left. Scroll down for more details below the xkcd comic. VALUES Be sensitive and kind Be concise. Listen more than you talk A …

We created a sacred space where you can learn and share your wisdom about spiritual and philosophical matters, as well as meet supportive, like-minded people. We accept all modalities and cover many spiritual topics including, but not limited to, unconditional love, enlightenment, meditation, psychic abilities, reiki, spirits and guides, shamanism, wilderness and urban survival skills, holistic health, philosophy, math and the sciences, and happiness. We also provide classes on these topics and …

This is a non-denominational book club. Just like any other book club, we are reading down a list of books on the topic of Buddhism and we discuss them at restaurants and cafe's near Takoma Park and Silver Spring. You don't need to be self identifying Buddhist to participate and the organizer will not pressure you to "join the club." We'll be reading books for the popular audience and will rotate through all the major traditions with a mild leaning towards Buddhism as it is developing in the US …

This is a discussion group on the ideas of: Voluntaryism / Liberty / Libertarianism / Philosophy / Austrian Economics / Non-Aggression Principle / Self-Ownership / Property Rights / Critical Thinking / Truth / Historical Revisionism / Human Action / Freedom. So long as you do not advocate the initiation of force against others (self defense is valid), you are welcome. We will discuss: ideas / books / current events / austrian economics / philosophy / history / self-knowledge / ...etc. As Ludwig …

This is a casual group that has begun around the question, "What is postmodernism?" We welcome anyone with curious mind and a desire to contribute. We delve into introductory topics in 20th and 21st century philosophy as a springboard to addressing the larger questions of philosophy and culture.

This is a group for studying Jane Loevinger's ego development theory. We'll get our hands on the material below, we'll work through it a little bit at a time, wrestle with it, and maybe we'll do something interesting with it. And we'll collect people as we go along, get to know each other, and talk about lots of random, interesting stuff along the way. Lots of you will find this through Ken Wilber's writing, Spiral Dynamics, etc., and lots of you will have some sort of spiritual practice. But, n …

(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 is a group for anyone interested in philosophy and/or psychology. All knowledge levels are welcome. I started this group as a way to learn more about philosophy and psychology through active discussion. I am looking forward to learning more about these fascinating subjects with everybody.

This is a group that will discuss philosophy for an hour and a half, twice a month, then go out to eat together for more relaxed discussion. We will meet at 8:30 on the first and third Friday, then go out to eat at 10pm.

(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 …