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What we’re about

Welcome to Great Conversations! We're a group for people who like meaningful discussions about interesting things.

This is a private discussion group which seeks to create a fun, social and intellectually rich environment where open-minded people can get together to talk about ideas. We come from all walks of life—poets, painters, doctors, writers, grad students, engineers, musicians, business-people—each with an interest in learning about and discussing a multiplicity of topics in a meaningful way. There's a wealth of different worldviews and life experience present at these events. All are welcome to apply. Membership requires organizer approval and a very high standard of behavior.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Participants must express a positive, courteous, non-confrontational attitude, and adhere to the following:

  1. be respectful of others
  2. keep your comments brief so that anyone who wants to contribute can do so
  3. please speak at a reasonable volume (not too loud, not too soft)
  4. keep your RSVP setting up to date
  5. do not just show up to an event—you must sign up online first (this includes regulars)
  6. arrive no later than 6:30 so we can begin on time
  7. sign the attendance sheet at the bar
  8. once the event conversation begins, please stay on topic
  9. make your point, and if appropriate a brief reply to any counterpoint, then let the table move on to something else
  10. avoid leaving topic-related comments on Meetup prior to an event—these are in-person conversations
  11. if you are able, please order food or drink (from our section of the venue), and tip our bartender well
  12. remain open-minded to other viewpoints and life experiences—be friendly, tolerant, curious

    ADVANCING THE DIALOGUE

Our conversations are wide-ranging and at considerable depth. We usually have an assigned overall theme for each event—with a philosophical appeal—sometimes in conjunction with a carefully chosen article, essay, video or book as the suggested background material for the evening's conversation.

Previous discussions have explored the concepts of practical wisdom; heresy; patriotism; the martial arts; quality design; the nature of work; the common good; and the science, psychology and philosophy of superheroes.

This is not a debate club, an academically-focused or analytic philosophy group, an overly political forum, or a place for dogmatic argument. We're a casual group of intelligent, good-natured people looking to have a soda or a beer, talk about big ideas, and connect with new or current friends.

If the standards, vision and methodology of this group are not to your liking, we ask that you simply disengage. Members who are disruptive, disrespectful, violate our Code of Conduct, or whose attitude or behavior is otherwise not a good fit with this Meetup will be removed.

If you would like to participate in a friendly, intellectually stimulating dialogue—and you enjoy socializing with others—we encourage you to apply. Membership requires approval, and is not guaranteed. Having an actual photo of yourself as your profile image will help significantly with our comfort-level if you are not currently known to us. We welcome your intelligent conversation and camaraderie!