What we’re about
P&G is more than just a group of people. It is a community. A community of philosophers, thinkers, book readers, paper readers, and folks that ask the foundational questions. What is the meaning of life? How do we know what we know? What makes us human? These are some of the questions that P&G members explore together through lively discussions and debates. But P&G is not only about intellectual pursuits. It is also a community of thoughtful people coming together to hike, and hangout. Whether it's enjoying the beauty of nature, sharing a meal, or playing games, P&G members bond over their common interests and values. P&G is a community where you can find friends who challenge you to grow and support you along the way.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Jonathan Schaffer: Entanglement and EmergenceLink visible for attendees
Reading for this Meeting: LINK
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Our Discord Group: LINK
WARNING:
We'll have a review of the paper so far at the beginning of the meeting. New to the paper? It's ok. I got you. A little warning: It is full of philosophical jargon, and crazy technical. If you are into that sort of thing, be my guest. After the review, we will start reading from page 26 onward...ABOUT:
Is the universe built from the bottom up, or is the whole damn thing more than the sum of its parts?
This week we dive into Jonathan Schaffer’s bold claim that the cosmos—the entire universe—is the one and only fundamental thing. Forget atoms, particles, and Lego-block metaphysics. Schaffer says all the little stuff is just dependent noise dangling from the real deal: the whole. This view, called monism, flips the usual script in metaphysics.
We'll explore:- Why Schaffer thinks parts are overrated
- How quantum entanglement supports monism
- Whether emergence works one way only
- And what it means if the universe is one big inseparable unit
Come ready to challenge your assumptions. Are you a partist or a wholist? Let’s find out.
No prior knowledge required, but bring your curiosity and passion.
- FTI: Will the Rich Leave If We Raise Their Taxes? Myths,Facts&WhatHappens Next?Link visible for attendees
Raising taxes on the wealthy sounds like a way to fund social programs and reduce inequality—but does it really work? Or do the rich just pack up and move to lower-tax countries?
In this discussion, we’ll look at the evidence behind a common debate in economics and politics:- Do higher taxes drive people—and their businesses—away?
- What does history show from states like California and New York, or countries like France and the UK?
- What are the ethical and practical considerations of balancing fair taxation with economic competitiveness?
Whether you believe in taxing the rich more, protecting capital flight, or finding a middle ground, this event invites open minds from all perspectives to discuss how we can fund public goods without creating unintended harm.
Format: Lecture and discussion
Note: social time for our community 15 minutes before the presentation.
To get familiar with our past events, feel free to check out our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmixGB9GdrptyEWovEj80zgAfter registering via zoom, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
We publish our event recordings on our Youtube channel to offer our help to anyone who would like to but can’t attend the meeting, so we need to give this clause. If you don’t want to be recorded, just remain on mute and keep your video off.
Here’s our legal notice: For valuable consideration received, by joining this event I hereby grant Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish any and all Zoom recordings for trade, advertising and any other commercial purpose, and to alter the same without any restriction. I hereby release Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns from all claims and liability related to said video recordings.
