A more formal practice! (Discussion of the topic from the previous event.)

This meetup session usually lasts between 2-3 hours. Please READ and understand the following before you attend. This is a second round discussion of the topic, so I would invite some individuals from the first round to continue the discussion, and I might ask newly join individuals to observe a bit on our approach and to catch up on what's discussed in the first round before participating in the discussion.

This discussion will focus on the logical pursuit and resolution of the topic (so I'll be more strict about off-topic the tangents and claims made without showing obvious syllogism/premises); and really try to get an usable answer to the topic questions as well as exploring the implications deducted from the answers.

1. PURPOSE: In short, to practice a philosophical method so that we can make clearer if not better judgements. Specifically, examine how each of us make judgements about the topic (to me it is usually about defining the key concepts in the topic). We are aiming for a less ambiguous, and more readily applicable interpretation of key concepts that is consistent to BOTH logic and your experiences/understandings.
2. FORMAT: To allow good participation from everyone in the discussion, let's try the following format:

1st round: Brief self-introduction (who you are, anything about your background, what led to your interest in the group, etc.).
2nd round: We take turns to express our views on the topic (meaning, when it's your turn to share, it's only you talking -- others can respond to you later in the 3rd round) (But short questions to help to clarify speaker's point is allowed.) You are encouraged to keep the speaking time under 5 minutes and NOT ONLY TO SHARE YOUR BELIEFS, but also the reasons and experiences that form your beliefs.
3rd round: Basically a free discussion related to the topic. Responses and/or elaboration on points made earlier will have PRIORITY over new points or interesting tangents.

And there are 3 rules to ensure we are making progress on the topic.
1. The one who speaks have to explicitly mention how their point will help to answer/address the topic question. (Usually the one who speaks either suggest a theory to resolve the topic question or to help to form a theory which the group is discussing at the moment.)
2. Agree and follow the Grice's cooperative principle for conversation (https://youtu.be/xt4zFGdTUow)
3. One have to respond (agree or disagree) to the "counter example" to the points they made.

3. REQUEST: The meeting is free but you are encouraged to buy something from the coffee shop (since we are using their space!). You can also suggest topics for future meetings.