Justice & the Just-So Stories We Tell Ourselves

Justice is one of those words we all use like it’s obvious—until we try to pin it down and it wriggles free: is it fairness, freedom, dignity, safety, recognition, or simply “getting what you deserve”?

In Part 1 of a four-part series - 1. Justice (March), 2. Philosophy of Law (April), 3. Empathy (May), 4. Film Club: 12 Angry Men (June), we’ll kick off with the big moral tensions behind everyday headlines—inequality, responsibility, power, identity, and the emotional sparks that shape our judgements—then carry those ideas forward across the next sessions.

Each event works perfectly as a stand-alone, but the deeper aim is to weave the first three themes together so that, by the time we reach 12 Angry Men, we can watch it with sharper questions, richer perspectives, and a few “oh wow, that’s what’s going on there” moments.

No prior soul searching into the concepts of justice is required - just curiosity, a willingness to listen, and an openness to multiple ways of knowing.

---

The meetup sessions often consists of the following:
1. Cheery welcomes to familiar faces and those that feel like chatting.
2. A presentation about the topic, lasts between 15-25 minutes (more or less). This is a way to provide some fundamentals.
3. Open floor to people that put up their hands to contribute their thoughts, should they want to.
4. A teary farewell as the clock announces a sad completion of the session; well-wishing until we all meet again.

---

Alright folks! I want to give a little disclaimer - I’m not claiming to be an expert on the topics we’ll be discussing. My aim is to create a judgment-free zone where attendees can share thoughts and experiences openly.

Let’s approach our conversations with open minds and a sense of curiosity, knowing that we each bring unique backgrounds and perspectives. Please feel encouraged to express yourself in ways that reflect who you are, and let’s all keep in mind that our words carry meaning for those around us. The intention of the meetup is to learn from one another, so if anyone feels uncomfortable or misunderstood at any point, please don’t hesitate to speak up. This way, we can address things together and make sure everyone feels valued and included.

The goal is to explore ideas collaboratively, without promoting any particular viewpoint. We may not find simple answers to the questions we face, but by approaching them with empathy, respect, and inclusivity, we can gain new insights and work towards positive change.

Love our discussions? Show your support with a book or cup of coffee! Visit BuyMeACoffee (https://buymeacoffee.com/imperfectlycurious) to help fuel our passion for philosophy and books. Every contribution helps cover the costs of hosting, reading, and sharing ideas together.