What we’re about
The Greater Philadelphia Thinking Society is a Meetup group that brings together thoughtful people for stimulating and civically minded conversations.
We meet in a relaxed setting on almost every Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 AM and occasionally in the evening. Most of our events aim for a small group ambiance with about 10-12 participants. Sometimes we use larger spaces with different group dynamics and formats.
Almost all our events engage participants in a group conversation to explore a wide range of topics including society & culture, philosophy & religion, design, science & technology, psychology, politics, economics, and current events.
We organize a safe, facilitated forum of inquiry and exploration.
Our interactive format engages participants to speak up and be heard, to explore our assumptions, to listen and hear others, and to find and build meanings.
We value topics that matter, diverse points of view and ways of knowing, sensitive listening, and your contributions to our explorations.
In addition to ideas and resources posed by the event host(s), our conversations are informed by participants exchanging experiences, interpretations, understandings, beliefs, feelings, values, thoughts, and ways of thinking.
Through discourse and consideration these ideas can reveal a web of relationships which participants can form into meaningful insights and new possibilities.
We start the conversation so come participate and accept your own genius.
We are always looking for new discussion leaders and other volunteers to bring new and interesting topics and perspectives to our group. Please see https://www.meetup.com/thinkingsociety/pages/14433542/Discussion_Leader_Guidelines/ if you are interested.
For more information about our group including our list of Frequently Asked Questions, please visit About the Greater Philadelphia Thinking Society.
Upcoming events (1)
See all- IN-PERSON EVENT: An Exploration Into Asian Art HistoryThe Landing Kitchen, Bala Cynwyd, PA
It’s Spring and it’s time to enjoy the splendor of the season while discussing the beauty of art. Join us for a lovely afternoon by the river. This will be an in person meeting at The Landing Kitchen, which is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and gathering space by the Schuylkill River. This is the sort of place that doesn’t mind if you nurse a coffee for three hours. However, if you are hungry, there is plenty of delicious food to enjoy. While we enjoy the beauty of nature, we will discuss Asian Art history.
Asian Art is so varied that it’s almost difficult to know where to start. I have included a number of videos for you to enjoy. You may watch as many or a few as you would like. We will begin with Chinese Art. The first video is a brief history of Chinese history and its effect on painting. This video is only 5 minutes long and provides a brief overview. Chinese History in 5 Minutes/Painting
The next video gives a really good overview of the art of Ancient China and Japan. It touches on history, philosophy, and religion and how they affected art. This video is 48 minutes and is very informative about the intertwining of art and culture. Art of Ancient China and Japan
I have included a short video (6 minutes) from the Norton Simon Museum which explains how to look at Asian Art. Norton Simon Museum: Learning to Look At Asian Art I have another video which is a bit odd. The voice sounds like a computerized voice and the pictures keep repeating. However, it is a wonderful overview of art from all over Asia. This one might be better listened to rather than watched. It’s almost an hour, but you have the time and inclination, it is quite comprehensive. History of Asian art
Lastly, just for fun, I have included a short video of a Balinese dance. This video is only two minutes long. Traditional Balinese Dance
Questions to Consider:
1. What struck you as beautiful, interesting, or striking, and why?
2. What did you notice about the role of religion and philosophy in Asian art?
3. Do you see any artistic through lines? Discuss the themes or symbols that you noticed.
4. How did historical developments affect Asian art?
5. What similarities and differences do you see between the art of Asia and European and American art?