Centre for Inquiry Canada - East

As I looked under CFI’s Mission, Vision, and Values, the phrase ‘community’ stood out in the opening line. Then, I found it repeated seven more times, all within a short description.

Elsewhere, CFI informs us we run ‘open’ and ‘friendly’ discussions in ‘safe and hospitable’ environments for everyone. And 'Critical Thinking' is, you might say, the backbone for starting any discussion.

But while we all know what thinking is, how is critical thinking different? Especially in matters that are not quantitatively measurable?

As humans, thankfully, we are born curious – we probably won’t have learnt to crawl on four to experience our body and the world around us. We all are capable of being forever-curious – and therefore seeing through the evidence methodically. That is a good start for any talk no matter how complex it may seem. If it’s a human problem, we may not solve it, but surely can think through it critically. That’s a big, and hopeful, first step!

Tantalizing? Let’s Talk!

we will be holding this meeting via Zoom teleconference

The start time has been changed to 6:30 pm

To get the information required to join the Zoom Meeting, you will need to RSVP. If you are having problems, please contact techsupport@centreforinquiry.ca, or phone 613-663-8198

To connect using your computer, you will need to have a microphone and speakers. Video is optional.

You can also connect with a smartphone:
One tap mobile
+15873281099,,606150474# Canada
+16473744685,,606150474# Canada

Or you can dial in with a voice connection (cellphone or landline)
Dial by your location
+1 587 328 1099 Canada
+1 647 374 4685 Canada
+1 647 558 0588 Canada
+1 778 907 2071 Canada
+1 438 809 7799 Canada

then enter the Meeting ID: 606 150 474
passcode 825394

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Every Wednesday evening, the Secular Community Network of CFIC Ottawa will host lightly moderated informal discussions on topics of interest to freethinkers, humanists, and to others who are secular.
Suggested topics:
Religion/Philosophy/Atheism/Humanism
How do you define Humanism? Do you consider yourself to be a Humanist?
How do you define "secular"? Given your definition, what percentage of the Canadian population do you estimate as "secular"?

How does one become a Freethinker? Through genetics, physiology, experience? What distinguishes Freethinkers from conformists or indoctrinees?

Science: Physical & Social
How much science is behind what is sold in health food stores?
What are the most important social impacts of the “anti-vaccination” movement?

Current Events for Freethinkers
Imagine it is now January 2022. US President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris have been in office for one year now. How has America changed since 2019?

Now that plant-based meat replacements are in many restaurants and supermarkets, and with cloned meat products on the way, will this significantly impact Canada's real meat consumption, and will it result in more vegetarians?

Migrants displaced by war, famine, and terrorism are fleeing their countries by the millions, hoping to land in the USA, Canada, and European countries. What do you think is the real problem, and how can the world solve it?

Non-Religion Lifestyles
If you have no religion, from where do you get moral guidance, social values, and a sense of belonging to a community that would help you in problems of living?

Chat West participants should feel free to suggest their own discussion topics from these categories.

If you wish to attend, please RSVP in advance.

As I looked under CFI’s Mission, Vision, and Values, the phrase ‘community’ stood out in the opening line. Then, I found it repeated seven more times, all within a short description.

Elsewhere, CFI informs us we run ‘open’ and ‘friendly’ discussions in ‘safe and hospitable’ environments for everyone. And 'Critical Thinking' is, you might say, the backbone for starting any discussion.

But while we all know what thinking is, how is critical thinking different? Especially in matters that are not quantitatively measurable?

As humans, thankfully, we are born curious – we probably won’t have learnt to crawl on four to experience our body and the world around us. We all are capable of being forever-curious – and therefore seeing through the evidence methodically. That is a good start for any talk no matter how complex it may seem. If it’s a human problem, we may not solve it, but surely can think through it critically. That’s a big, and hopeful, first step!

Tantalizing? Let’s Talk!