What we’re about
Studio 42 is where we have moving conversations about controversial and philosophical subjects. Are you passionate about exploring the nuances of consequential topics and engaging in constructive and meaningful dialogue? Our purpose is to practice the skill of discussing challenging topics while improving our active listening, critical thinking, empathy, persuasion, public speaking and dispute resolution skills.
Join us to connect with thoughtful people and immerse yourself in discussions that challenge your perspectives and expand your understanding of the world. Let’s enjoy learning together while making meaningful connections through the art of thoughtful conversation!
Discussions are moderated to ensure respectful exchange and to give everyone an equal opportunity to speak. You are welcome to join regardless of your political views, knowledge level or skill level. Participation is optional; you can speak or just listen in.
VALUES
During our events, we pursue the following values:
Critical Thinking
Each conversation provides an opportunity to delve deeply into complex topics, challenge your own assumptions, and develop a more nuanced perspective. By engaging in these dialogues, we aim to cultivate a space where members can enhance their analytical skills and embrace thoughtful reflection, all while contributing to a richer and more informed understanding of the world.
Persuasion
We seek to present our opinions in a way that is understandable, sympathetic, engaging, entertaining and persuasive. Engaging in these dialogues offers a unique opportunity to articulate your viewpoints, consider alternative perspectives, and enhance your ability to communicate effectively.
Joy
Each conversation is a chance to enjoy meaningful exchanges that bring us closer together and enhance our collective understanding. We see our events as a way to share joy, humour, fascination, and human connection.
GUIDELINES
This is a dialogue, not a debate
Please come in the spirit of sharing your opinion, listening thoughtfully to others, and doing your part to create a friendly and inquisitive atmosphere. This is not a debate where opposing sides argue and try to win points. This is a dialogue where encourage listening, reflection, and collaborative exploration of the topic.
This is not a science Meetup
We are here discuss philosophical concepts, opinions, perspectives and values. We will not debate about the scientific consensus on empirical matters like climate change, the effectiveness of vaccines, or the implications of quantum mechanics, to name a few examples.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
We are dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. We appreciate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive space for people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
NAME AND PRONOUN PREFERENCES
If you have specific pronoun preferences or any other requests to help ensure that you feel comfortable and respected, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the event organizer. Your needs and preferences are important to us, and we want to make sure our gatherings are supportive and inclusive for all attendees.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Discussion: Pronatalism, AKA The Breeder Movement4671 Rue Berri, Montréal, QC
* Shoes-Off Venue * *
This venue requires that you remove your outdoor footwear on arrival.* * Feel free to bring food or drinks * *
* * Participation is optional - you can join us to speak or to listen * *Pronatalism, or simply natalism, is the idea that reproduction is a desirable and virtuous life goal. And not only that we should have children, but that we should have many of them. In practice natalism can be implemented politically via government programs such as baby bonuses or tax breaks that encourage reproduction, via religious dogma such as the Christian Quiverfull movement, or you can take on the project yourself, as some tech billionaires have done with children numbering in the double digits and names that nobody can pronounce.
Proponents have different reasons to argue in favour of natalism. Economic pragmatists argue that we need an ever-growing population to maintain our demographic pyramid and ensure that we have enough young workers to support our aging retired population. But the movement also appeals to racists, eugenicists and anti-feminists. Some natalists believe that it's their duty to have many children and ensure the spread of their genes, lest they be outbred and replaced by inferior groups. Some see it through the lens of outdated gender stereotypes that say a man should make his professional success out in the world, and a woman should make her domestic success in the home.
Those opposed might argue that everyone should make their own choice about how many children they wish to have, or that we have more than enough humans on Earth and we are already straining our planet's resources. Some hardcore antinatalists argue that life is suffering, and it's unethical to birth new humans into this prison of existence without their consent.
Are you a natalist, or an antinatalist? Or do you think we should touch grass and let everyone decide for themselves? What do you think about the pronatalist movement?
Join us for fun, friendly and substantive discussion about the important topics of the day.
How it Works
Everyone will be invited to share their opinion, share relevant facts and reasoning, and respond to the views of others.Our moderator will ensure that everyone has equal opportunity to speak and that dialogue will be kept respectful. All viewpoints are welcome. After the event, you are invited to stay for friendly, informal discussion if you wish.
Name and Pronoun Preferences
If you have specific pronoun preferences or any other requests to help ensure that you feel comfortable and respected, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the event organizer. Your needs and preferences are important to us, and we want to make sure our gatherings are supportive and inclusive for all attendees.Aren't you worried about having an event with 50+ people?!?
No because there will not be 50 people at the event. On Meetup, many attendees cancel at the last minute, and many are no-shows who skip the event without cancelling. I set the RSVP limit to 55 people, I reduce that limit to 45 in the last two days before the event, and then 20-30 people will actually attend.This allows us to hit our attendance target of 15-30 people, and it ensures that attendees have their spot guaranteed weeks in advance. This makes the guest count inaccurate, but it's the simplest way to provide you a reliable and positive RSVP experience.
Suggested Reading
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natalism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antinatalism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quiverfull
Ideals
Please read the Studio 42 Ideals before attending the event:
http://stu42.co/idealsAdmission
Admission is free. We accept donations to help fund our events.Latecomers
Latecomers are welcome but we start promptly at 6:05pm so if you arrive late, you will miss out! - Discussion: The Rule of Law4671 Rue Berri, Montréal, QC
* * Shoes-Off Venue * *
This venue requires that you remove your outdoor footwear on arrival.* * Feel free to bring food or drinks * *
* * Participation is optional - you can join us to speak or to listen * *We live in a society governed by laws but do our laws really deliver on the promise of justice? Is it OK to break the law in the interests of a higher ethical or moral code? What do you think about the rule of law?
Join us for fun, friendly and substantive discussion about the important topics of the day. All viewpoints are welcome for this friendly, moderated discussion.
How it Works
Everyone will be invited to share their opinion, share relevant facts and reasoning, and respond to the views of others.Our moderator will ensure that everyone has equal opportunity to speak and that dialogue will be kept respectful. All viewpoints are welcome. After the event, you are invited to stay for friendly, informal discussion if you wish.
Name and Pronoun Preferences
If you have specific pronoun preferences or any other requests to help ensure that you feel comfortable and respected, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the event organizer. Your needs and preferences are important to us, and we want to make sure our gatherings are supportive and inclusive for all attendees.Aren't you worried about having an event with 50+ people?!?
No because there will not be 50 people at the event. On Meetup, many attendees cancel at the last minute, and many are no-shows who skip the event without cancelling. I set the RSVP limit to 55 people, I reduce that limit to 45 in the last two days before the event, and then 20-30 people will actually attend.This allows us to hit our attendance target of 15-30 people, and it ensures that attendees have their spot guaranteed weeks in advance. This makes the guest count inaccurate, but it's the simplest way to provide you a reliable and positive RSVP experience.
Suggested Reading
Any suggestions?
Ideals
Please read the Studio 42 Ideals before attending the event:
http://stu42.co/idealsAdmission
Admission is free. We accept donations to help fund our events.Latecomers
Latecomers are welcome but we start promptly at 6:05pm so if you arrive late, you will miss out!
