Name: Is Extremism Ever Excusable?
Start: 2025-08-30T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Southport Library

***Note to Attendees: Please consider making a $5 donation to contribute to the running costs of this Meetup.***

If you enjoy good conversation over lunch—something unstructured, thought-provoking, and a little off the usual track—come join us in New Farm. We’ll share a meal, talk freely, and let the discussion go where it goes. No theme, no agenda, just the kind of conversation that doesn’t always fit neatly elsewhere.

* Open format: no presentation, no structure—just lunch and conversation
* Respectful debate encouraged—bring your ideas and your questions
* If you’re easily offended, this may not be the right event for you
* If your plans change after RSVP’ing, please let us know so we can offer your spot to someone on the waitlist

Brisbane & Gold Coast Free Thinkers Meetup

Samuel Medley

Steve Smith

Tanaka Utete

Sean Webb

Elham

John Williamson

Jade

Lunch and Open Discussion

Brunswick Hotel

**Note to Attendees: Please consider making a $5 donation to contribute to the running costs of this Meetup.**

From medieval trials to modern subcultures, the idea of witchcraft has long stirred fascination, suspicion, and moral panic. As historian Lois Martin notes, *“The fear of the unknown has often driven societies to persecute those who seem different or misunderstood.”* But in an age where witchcraft is as likely to appear on Instagram as in a dark forest, should we take it seriously—or treat it as harmless personal expression?

At our next meetup, we’ll explore the cultural, ethical, and political dimensions of witchcraft—beyond broomsticks and spells. The questions we will address are as follows:

1. Have societies used the label of “witch” more to control dissent than to address genuine danger?
2. Does the modern embrace of witchcraft represent empowerment, escapism, or a rejection of mainstream religion?
3. If witchcraft beliefs can influence behaviour, does that make them dangerous—or simply part of human diversity?

This event will be held at **The Osbourne Hotel in Fortitude Valley**. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy a meal or drink to support the venue.

**PLEASE NOTE:**
– This is intended to be a good-natured but robust discussion. Please be respectful and prepared to have your ideas challenged. If you are easily offended, this event may not be for you.

Should We Be Wary of Witchcraft?

Osbourne Hotel

***Note to Attendees: Please consider making a $5 donation to contribute to the running costs of this Meetup.***

From climate protesters gluing themselves to paintings to religious fanatics committing acts of violence, the word *extremism* tends to provoke immediate moral judgment. But are all forms of extremism equally condemnable? Can extreme acts ever be justified in the pursuit of justice, survival, or truth?

Martin Luther King Jr., in his famous “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” wrote:
*“The question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be.”* History is full of movements—some praised, others reviled—that have relied on radical means. This is the topic we will discuss at our next Gold Coast library meetup.

**The questions we will address at this meetup are as follows:**

1. Are there circumstances in which extreme actions become a moral obligation?
2. Is there a meaningful ethical distinction between extremism and activism?
3. Can the ends ever truly justify the means?

**For those who want to keep chatting after the meetup, we will head to lunch at a local venue in Southport.**

**PLEASE NOTE:**
– This is intended to be a good-natured but robust discussion. Please be respectful and prepared to have your ideas challenged. If you are easily offended, this event may not be for you.

Rachel Hunter

James Kelson

Ryan Watson

Simon jackson

Mike

Lisa

Kelvin

Haruko

Amir

R E Bolton

Chantal 

Andrew4271

Gonza

Ollie

Is Extremism Ever Excusable?

Southport Library

Gold Coast Free Thinkers Meetup

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