What we’re about
Do you have a mind that is hungry for for new and challenging ideas? Are you searching for a community where you can learn together with your fellow neighbours? Are you looking for welcoming place to share all your beautiful thoughts? Then it's time to pull up a seat at the Hungry Minds table and get all filled up. There's a great variety of topics - you are sure to find something to whet your appetite here.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Informed, part 2 - MeCatalyst 137, Kitchener, ON
Theme: the reality-based individual - This is part 2 of 3 discussions.
In the current disinformation wars, each person may also have to *defend* their knowledge against attacks. All this falls under the branch of philosophy known as epistemology, or epistemics - which is a theme in Rauch’s book. This is the ‘Me’ part. We will explore some points from the book, as well as the other resources listed. Reading the book is not a requirement to join us.
The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth by Jonathan Rauch - book link below. In Session 1 we discussed the first half, and now in Session 2 we now discuss the second half (chapters 5-8).
https://www.amazon.ca/Constitution-Knowledge-Jonathan-Rauch/dp/0815738862The plan for the three discussions is in the document below. There are links to more resources, which look at examples from journalists, other writers, and more.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JXsH3dZpocNsKNSBRXRgZ05kXTfBYqWyAAu2F5YE0h8 - Informed, part 3 - ThemCatalyst 137, Kitchener, ON
Theme: Defending a reality-based life - This is part 3 of 3 discussions.
What organized efforts suppress people’s being informed? How is this power created and maintained? Some disinformation campaigns were considered in our previous two sessions. We again take a look at some examples of the workings of power and systems which keep people *epistemically oppressed.* This can include what is being kept hidden, and why. We are invited to read the following book:
Invisible Doctrine: The Secret History of Neoliberalism by George Monbiot and Peter Hutchinson. This 2024 book is recommended background and some ideas may be discussed.
https://www.amazon.ca/Invisible-Doctrine-Secret-History-Neoliberalism/dp/0735248591The plan for the three discussions is in the document below. There are links to more resources, which look at examples from journalists, other writers, and more.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JXsH3dZpocNsKNSBRXRgZ05kXTfBYqWyAAu2F5YE0h8 - I Heard There Was a Secret Chord - Discussion of the Healing Power of MusicTess' Backyard, Kitchener, ON
This event will focus on the work of neuroscientist Daniel Levitin as it pertains to the healing power of music. We will discuss his book I Heard There Was a Secret Chord. It would be great if you could read it but there's some links to interviews with him about it below and summary notes will be available at least a week before the event.
We'll also discuss our own experience with music. If you can, we'd love it if you could bring a list of songs to share (we'll make everyone's list available on the website after). On this list can you list a song you've found that expresses each of the following emotional states for you (different song for each emotion): 1. Elated 2. Lonely 3. Enraged 4. Grateful 5. Overwhelmed.
Resources:
Daniel Levitin's book I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine (Available through the library. Also message Tess through meetup messages to see if you can get a copy)
Museum of Science YouTube video "Music as Medicine: Daniel Levitin and Livingston Taylor"
TVO's The Agenda "Daniel Levitin: Can Music Help Us Heal?"
DVD "The musical brain a journey of discovery into the mystery of music" (available through the library)
ABC Science half hour TV show on available YouTube "Music on the Brain: The Soundtrack of Our Lives"
