Practical Philosophy Club Meetup - London 🇬🇧
Sat, Nov 14, 2:00 PMFrom Practical Philosophy Club - London UK 🇬🇧
**🗂️ CONTENTS (click read more)**
* Policies incl. RSVP, attendance, no-show & late policy removals. (Mandatory reading - see end)
* What is Practical Philosophy Club (PPC) about?
* How does it work?
* General meeting agenda
* FAQ (binding terms)
* Optional donations
* What people say about PPC
* Our WhatsApp group & links to PPC worldwide
**🏛️ WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?**
Practical Philosophy is an informal weekly meetup that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎
Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking, listening skills and communication as we explore that topic.
The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌
📓 **HOW DOES IT WORK?**
Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the meetup events comments section or the optional-to-join [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS), along with jump-off points you may wish to consider to get the conversation going.
When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse, debate or lecture.
**📋 GENERAL MEETING AGENDA**
We start promptly. It is important everyone hears the introduction, discussion guidelines and the week’s topic jump off points, even if you’ve heard them before, but especially if you are new.
RSVP on Meetup for you and any guests is mandatory. If you or any guests haven’t RSVP’d, you will be asked to do so before you join the discussion. By RSVPing to our events and attending, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to our policies & disclaimers.
Each Practical Philosophy Club (PPC) meetup follows this general timeline:
* 13:45–14:00 (Optional) - Early arrival for newcomers. If you would like a soft intro, time to settle in & familiarise yourself with the space, or have a casual chat beforehand to ease any nerves or just get to know other newbies, please feel free to join us early.
* 14:00-14.15 - Standard arrival time. It is important that everyone arrives before (not at) 2.15pm. It’s better to arrive closer to 2pm so you can shuffle around if you want to sit at a different table to meet new faces, and do your table introductions. This is also when I check people in on the Meetup app.
* 14:15-14:20 - Once everyone has been checked in on the Meetup app, we will give a short explainer on what PPC is about, read out the discussion guidelines and introduce the topic’s jump-off points provided by PPC HQ.
* 14:20-15:20 - You can kick off with general thoughts on the topic and have an open discussion afterwards. Each table can refer to the ‘jump-off’ points as needed, at their pace. They are there to help guide the conversation. It’s not obligatory to use or answer them or discuss in order.
* 15:20-15:30 - We sometimes take a group photo. If you don't want to be in the group photo, there's no pressure, it's just a way to close out the meeting. The host will go to the tables or announce to the gathering when the meetup has officially ended. From that point on, anyone who wishes to stay in the venue and continue discussions or attend unofficial social e.g. in a pub or park to mingle with different groups afterwards does so independently of the meetup event and understands it is no longer hosted by the Meetup event hosts.
**🧧PRICING?**
Practical Philosophy Club is FREE to attend, and we operate on donations.
If you'd like to donate to support our running costs, that helps keep our group self-sustaining. Donations are entirely 100% voluntary, but your contribution is appreciated! QR codes, provided by PPC HQ in Canada, to donate will be present.
All consumables and items for purchase from any of the venues are paid by the individual should they wish to have them.
**💛 WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY**
🗣 “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam
🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 (the topic was authority) and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel
**🤓 FAQ (Note: The answers below form a binding part of our group policies and terms of attendance).**
* What is the venue like?
We currently use City Lit’s ground floor spacious café. The venue is accessible, with air conditioning and bathrooms available to us. We try and sit on alternating tables so there is a table free in the middle, making it easier to hear our table mates.
The café counter is closed on weekends, but the water cooler, vending machines, and bathrooms are available to us. You are welcome to bring your own, or grab a drink a nearby shop before arriving! By attending any of our Meetup’s, you agree to strictly follow the safety guidelines and emergency procedures of the venues premises.
* What will we talk about? What's the topic?
The topic for the week is shared every week by the PPC global organisers in the Whatsapp group (optional to join) before the session. We also try to add the topic & the jump off points to the comments section on the event page, but if you don’t see it, the topic and the jump-off points will be in our [Whatsapp announcements-only channel](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS).
* Do I need to study or read anything to attend?
No preparation is necessary! This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what YOU think about the topic, not what any academic philosopher, writer or someone in the public eye thought.
* Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on?
The goal of our Meetup’s is to not have dogmatic discussions, and instead to flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school.
* Is it mostly men that attend?
Surprisingly, no! Our PPC meetups are attended by all genders.
* Can I come alone?
Of course you can :)
* Can I be late?
Please don't be! We cannot accommodate late joiners. We have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, before the coordinator reads the discussion guidelines and jump-off points for the week’s topics. Arriving after that means joining an existing table will disrupt the flow of the conversation. We ask you do not join tables with discussions already underway, and join us another time.
* Can I switch tables?
When you arrive at, or before, the standard arrival time, you can change tables if you wish to meet new faces. After this, when the host starts to read the PPC discussion guidelines and topic discussion points, the tables are formed. We ask that you please remain with your table mates for the hour of discussion. Moving around between tables mid-session disrupts everyone else.
Once the meetup event has officially ended, you can choose to continue your discussions afterwards to mingle with other tables and hear what they discussed. The choice is yours. All we ask is that you do not table-jump and join or disrupt other tables during the hour discussion. This is so we can delve deep into the topics without interruption.
* Where do you meet?
The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS) group for this location. Any last minute changes to venue or any delays of hosts arrival may be posted in either the Meetup event comments or the WhatsApp announcements-only channel.
If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/practical-philosophy-locations/).
* Do you organise social events or drinks after the main philosophy meeting?
No. The London host of PPC simply coordinates a time and public space for independent individuals to meet and discuss philosophy. The host is not a supervisor, counsellor, events manager, or caretaker. The host reads the discussion guidelines and jump-off points provided by PPC’s global organisers before discussions begin. That said, independent of the official meetup, members do often choose to stay and continue discussions afterwards and may go to the park or another venue of their choosing to socialise.
* Are your discussions moderated?
Discussions are not moderated. Attendees are entirely responsible for their own behaviour, safety, actions, and belongings at all times, both during the official discussion and during any unofficial casual, private social gatherings at other venues including pubs, parks and outdoor spaces afterwards.
* Who is it open to?
This PPC discussion group is an informal non-profit community initiative open to adults of the general public.
While we require an RSVP via Meetup for logistics, please be aware that members and attendees are entirely unvetted. We do not verify identities, run background checks, or collect personal names and contact details. The club operates with zero custody or liability over its participants at any point.
* What if I get offended or don’t like what I hear from another member?
Philosophy involves the exploration of diverse, complex, and sometimes controversial ideas. The beauty of discussing philosophy is encountering differences of opinion and conversing respectfully when in disagreement. We do not ban members simply because another participant dislikes or disagrees with what they said. You will hear opinions that you sometimes don’t agree with. Healthy, peaceful disagreement is to be expected in philosophical discussions. We are a discussion-based community, and not a debate or argument based one so please be respectful when sharing your views, and when listening to others.
The group organisers and hosts, accept no liability or responsibility for any views, opinions, arguments, or exploratory thoughts shared by any participants. Any offense, distress, or detriment caused by the words or actions of another member is strictly between the individuals involved. The organisers and hosts are not responsible for such outcomes.
While we cannot and do not vet attendees in advance or control who joins, we are committed to maintaining a safe environment during our official events. If a member exhibits clear aggression, hostility, or abusive behaviour during an in-person Meetup event, and members report this to the PPC global organisers, we reserve the right to remove and permanently ban that individual from the group. We are not responsible for investigating, policing, or mediating members’ behaviour online (including on social media or messaging apps), at other independent gatherings, or during any unofficial socials held after the meetup concludes.
**🛡️ Attendance Policies, Safety & Liability Disclaimer**
Important Safety & Liability Information:
The London Chapter of Practical Philosophy Club (PPC) is an informal, peer-to-peer community gathering hosted by volunteers.
We are a casual gathering of individuals and do not operate as a standalone business or commercial entity in the UK and we are not a legal corporate branch of any organisation.
This Chapter is an authorised local chapter of PPC that is managed by global organisers. PPC is headquarter and registered as a non-profit charity in Canada. We operate under their central branding, utilising their discussion topics, jump off points, concepts, and guidelines.
The local host(s) acts solely as volunteer to coordinate a weekly meeting time, check-in RSVPs, and read out discussion guidelines and discussion topics provided by the PPC global organisers.
Ultimate administrative control over this group, including managing donations, and the ability and final authority to ban, or remove members rests solely with PPC global organisers in Canada.
By participating in any of our events, you explicitly agree to the following conditions:
* No Supervision: The host does not moderate, direct, or supervise the subsequent peer discussions. The host does not manage, insure, or control the physical environment of public spaces, parks, or third-party venues.
* Personal Responsibility: You are an independent adult participant and agree that you are solely responsible for your own safety, health, conduct, well-being, and personal property at all times. You attend any of our gatherings entirely at your own risk.
* Property & Financial Loss Release: To the fullest extent permitted by law, the coordinator/organiser/host and PPC accept no liability for any theft, loss, or property damage sustained by you or your personal belongings during these casual peer gatherings, or during any unofficial, private social gatherings you choose to attend afterwards.
* Liability Limitation: Nothing in this disclaimer shall exclude or limit liability for death or personal injury caused by proven negligence, or any other liability which cannot be lawfully excluded under English law. Subject to this, and because these gatherings are completely free of charge, entirely voluntary to attend, and open only to independent adults, the coordinator's total liability to you in connection with any event is strictly capped at £0.
* Venue Rules: When attending, you agree to familiarise yourself and strictly follow the safety guidelines, capacity limits, and emergency procedures of the venue premises itself.
* Public Forum Status: The London Chapter of PPC is a casual forum open to the general public (aged 18+). The host does not vet, background-check, or screen members, nor do we monitor or assess anyone's mental health status, background, or personal stability. All meetings are non-political. Activities relating to politics, extremist groups, or any actions that put the host and other Meetup participants of breaking the law are strictly prohibited.
* Interpersonal Disputes & Harassment: All attendees participate as independent adults. The host is not legally accountable or liable for the behaviour, speech, actions, or omissions of any participant. If you feel mistreated, harassed, or unsafe due to the actions of another member, you must handle the matter privately or report it directly to the venue management or the appropriate civil authorities. While you may report serious breaches of community to the global organisers, the global organisers retain the absolute discretion to block or remove disruptive individuals from the online Meetup group, this administrative action is a courtesy to the community. It does not imply or create any legal liability, duty of protection, or accountability for past or future member behaviour.
* No Vetting or Vouching: As a free community gathering, open to the general public, the host does not verify attendees’ ages, legal residency status, ID, or backgrounds. We do not check identification.
* Independent Affiliations: Attendees participate purely as private individuals. We do not screen for, monitor, or endorse any member’s personal, professional, political, or religious affiliations.
* Individual Discernment: Just as in any open public space, park, or café, participants are expected to use their own personal judgment and caution when interacting with others. The host accepts no responsibility or liability for the background, beliefs, or outside actions of any person who chooses to attend.
* Content Disclaimer: All discussion topics, jump-off points, and guidelines are provided directly by the PPC, headquartered in Canada. The volunteer host reads introductory materials strictly as an administrative messenger. The host does not author, endorse, or accept legal liability for the content, opinions & accuracy. psychological , physical or emotional impact of the jump-off points which are optional to use as considerations for discussions. Discussions are for general philosophical consideration only. PPC and its host(s), does not provide medical, legal, financial, psychological or any other advice, nor does it offer any fee-based counselling, professional training, or consulting services.
RSVPs & Attendance Policies:
* No marketing or self-promotion: This is a dedicated event for philosophical dialogue and connection, not a marketing platform. This is a free event where members can expect discussions entirely free from sales pitches, networking pressure, and similar hidden agendas. We ask that you do not use this group, including our event comments, WhatsApp chats, and in-person meetups, to pitch your personal business, hand out flyers, plug books you have written, or advertise coaching, courses, classes, or events you run. While we love celebrating your achievements, our intent is for attendees to have real discussions, contribute authentically without commercial motives.
* Mandatory RSVPs: RSVPing via Meetup for the week's event is mandatory whether you are a regular, have joined a few, or are coming for one of their first times. This is the case for any guests you bring along with you too. This headcount is used for venue capacity limits, room bookings, and logistical planning. After 3 no-shows you will be removed from the group and no longer able to attend our events.
* No Personal or Emergency Records: Please note that PPC does not collect or hold members' real names, full identities, contact details, emergency contact or next-of-kin information. You participate as an unvetted independent adult. PPC and the host(s) does not provide emergency management, first aid, or next-of-kin notification services.
* No-Show Policy: Please keep your RSVP up to date. Space is strictly limited. If you RSVP "Yes" but do not attend without cancelling, you will be marked as a “no-show.” After 3 no-shows you will be removed from the group to keep the group fair for those on the waitlist.
* Data Privacy (UK GDPR): PPC does not store or process personal data outside of the third-party Meetup platform. Any data visible to the host (such as Meetup profile names or RSVP histories) is used strictly for casual attendance management and is never stored externally, sold, or shared.
Late Arrivals:
We cannot accommodate late arrivals. We start promptly in order to get into deep discussions. We request you arrive at the standard arrival time mentioned in the general agenda section, or the newcomer arrival time which is normally 15mins before.
If you arrive late, please do not interrupt other PPC tables. Instead, you will need to join us another time.
Please do not disrupt others, including the host(s) who will also be engaged in discussions.
Contacting others:
To respect our members privacy, we ask that no one privately message a member without first getting explicit consent. This could look like speaking in person and being asked to message privately. Contacting or texting other participants without prior consent is not permitted and may result in removal from the group. PPC reserves the right to enforce this policy at its discretion, in order to maintain a safe and respectful environment for us. listen views diverse explore our thoughts.
**🔗 PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY - Making Philosophy Available To All.** ✨
Practical Philosophy hosts weekly, in-person meetups in 25+ countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️
Join our [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS) 👈
Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/?hl=en) 👈
Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club) 👈
