What is the Future of Learning & Knowledge?

With the advent of the Information Age, do we have an excess of information, or are we simply overwhelmed with questionable information?!

Data and information are not knowledge or wisdom. We've transitioned from "Let me google that for ya!" to "I'll just slap it into ChatGPT".

We will engage in a dialectical guided discussion. Please see the agenda and rules of discussion below:

Agenda
Arrive & Gather (15 min)
Icebreaker Activity (10 min)

• TBA

Discussion Activities (45-60 min)

• Do we have access to better information now compared to pre-2010?
• Is it true that newfangled technology makes "smart people smarter but dumb people dumber"?
• How are digital media platforms different from printed books, periodicals and legacy sources of knowledge?
• Do we feel that the Internet is outgrowing its usefulness?
• In what ways are we getting too dependent on tech to think for us?
• Is young people's pushback against the the need to engage in reasoning skills justified?
• Can "agentic AI" or whatever tech bro gobbledegook shiny object really supplant our need to think and gain knowledge?
• If without struggle, there is no reward, and without work, there is no meaning, does that if there is no more need to learn, that there is no more growth?

Hard Stop on Discussion by Scheduled End Time
Hangout & Connect (Optional)

Rules of Discussion

• Listen actively.
• Speak to the whole group, not just the host.
• Economy of Words: Learn how to express one idea at a time, concisely. Avoid 10-minute monologues!
• Watch your speaking inertia. Speaking is a two-way activity; yes, you should be watching and listening to others even as you speak.
• We want organic conversational, discussion flow.
• Understand good interruptions, those that enhance points being made or seek clarity, not debunk or attack.
• If you receive a good interruption, allow it!
• You’re not here to change minds. You’re here to learn how your own mind might be changed!
• Challenge ideas, not the person. What you say can be questioned or criticized. And you have the right to do the same with anyone else. (If you don’t believe your points can withstand scrutiny, don’t offer it.)
• Beware of absolute statements: "Always, never, forever, everyone..."
• Watch for broad blame or abstract assumptions: “It’s all women’s fault.” “It’s all capitalism’s fault!” “It’s obvious the trickle-down economics doesn’t work.” “Everyone knows illegals are using up all of our social benefits.” "Because they are stupid..."

Where to Find Us
We will set up at one or more tables inside. Look for our sign! Please be aware that parking may be a little tight due to the construction immediately next door to Civil Pour, but that has no impact on the cafe interior itself.

About the Venue
If you're not into coffee, no problem! Civil Pour has quite a food menu as well as a host of other beverages including teas, beer and much more, so feel free to do your own thing.

About Nuanced Discussions
See our main group page! Dialectical discussion, not debate.

DISCLAIMER
We are NOT affiliated with any business, religious, or spiritual organizations. Our objective is to facilitate quality dialectical discussion and activities with responsible adults. We do NOT support MLM, paid mentorship/life coaching, network marketing, real-estate/entrepreneurial education, or related exploitative schemes. Please respect our age boundaries (YOB 1980+).