About us
Shy Philosophers is a welcoming discussion group for thoughtful people who enjoy exploring big ideas in a safe setting. Each session centres on a philosophical topic, and consists of a structured, open-ended discussion. No background in philosophy is required—just curiosity and a willingness to listen and share ideas.
Calendar of events: https://shyphilosophers.short.gy/calendar
Suggest a topic: https://forms.gle/Qs45jLY2s4ix8TQU9
Join our contact list: https://forms.gle/p2GhcoxGboJvCdnGA
Provide private feedback to us: https://forms.gle/RHdNco39sFyRJm3s7
Philo means love, Sophy means wisdom and so it means "love of wisdom" and literally pursues it.
In doing so it has given birth to several academia studies that are still present today from over two thousand years ago. It covers everything from metaphysics to morality to linguistics to gender studies and beyond. The primary objective is to simply define the simplicity of 'what is' within discussions and views. Those who travel in this void experience greater depths of insight and understanding.
At Shy Philosophers, our humble objective is much the same. We come together in a love of wisdom, seeking insightful conversation and clever company. It's a great space were people come together to share their thoughts ideas around abstract concepts, contentious, thoughtful, and for some irrational ideas about life. The idea is to not dominate one's views but to reasonably questions oneself and another's through reason, belief and your own inner conviction to access a greater depth in knowledge and wisdom collectively..
All meetups will have a theme. Each meetup theme will vary from different philosophy period's from classical to modern, and may even fall upon current philosophical events.
• It's a fun experience and the conversations inevitably lead down a journey that is not predicted!
• This is an ideal space to learn about debates, how to create them, and why some crumble and some stand.
• Discover subtle differences in other people's views
• Learn about yourself and others
• Gaining the skills of rebuilding your views and making your point as 'bulletproof' as possible in the moment!
• Please join us even if you want to observe. The gift of listening is always welcomed! Please let the facilitator know that you would like to listen so we are aware of your desired choice.
At each meet-up we are asked to collectively participate in our code of ethics:
Bring your thoughts. Please remember we come in a space of friends where we share ideas and absorb them through listening. There is no urgency or battle to be won. The need for better arguer's is to not dominate but to celebrate the ability to be present in the conversation through honesty and vulnerability. On the main page under Shy Philosophers check the mini clip provided by Daniel Cohen for further understanding.
Code of ethics for each Shy Philosopher Night!
- The group conversation is "basketball style" - where we pass the ball or time to speak around to each other briefly as if we are all on the same team cooperatively. Instead of "ping pong style" where only two people go back and forth adversarially, please be mindful to this metaphor to aim for basketball, not ping pong.
- Share your relevant point in 3 mins or less (each time).
- No Ad Hominems - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en7hi9LjCdU
- We are proud that we are respectful and open-minded to the ideas of others. (I.E waiting for your turn, mindful comments) please help us keep it that way.
- Comment on the point. And naturally refrain from commenting on the person it can become an ad hominem (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ad+hominem)
Boundaries for Organizers and Meetup Facilitators -
- No event spamming - this means no listing of reoccurring meetings that shows up "every week of every month all year" ongoing. This clutters the page.
- Limit is to list meetings only within the next Eight weeks. For Co-Organizers and Organizers please check-in with each other if you are gonna add new organizers to the first before any change of roles are handed out.
3)This is a local group for those residing in Vancouver. This is not for advertising your business.
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For additional point of view on the groups space that we create together;
please view Daniel Cohen's discussion in the need for better arguers. Skip to 7:30 for the meaty part! =)
http://www.ted.com/talks/daniel_h_cohen_for_argument_s_sake
Disclaimer - This group prohibits advertising businesses, programs, profit organizations, and other platforms/services of any kinds from other members and organizers.
This group is a volunteer community only group. With zero ambitions to profit and no entrepreneurial pursuits.
This is for the local community and by the local community, that is all.
Upcoming events
14
Parlour Series: Techno-Utopianism
Victoria Drive, Victoria Dr, Vancouver, BC, CAParlour series events are hosted in members' homes, so they work a little differently from our public events. The group size will be smaller, so we give preference to people who have recently attended another event. If you're interested in joining, please add yourself to the waitlist!
The address will be posted as a private comment below, visible only to attendees. It is near the location pin that is visible publicly. Also, the hosts have a few fluffy felines!Let’s consider:
- If machines can do most of what we do, what is left that is distinctively human?
- Is there value in work, effort, or difficulty beyond the results they produce?
- The promises made for AI — an end to disease, poverty, and drudgery — resemble older promises of salvation. Does that resemblance tell us anything?
- Can a machine understand, create, or care, or only produce the appearance of doing so?
- If an AI gave better advice than any friend could, would something be lost in taking it?
- Would a life without necessity — nothing you had to do, decide, or wait for — be freedom or aimlessness?
- Who decides which technological futures get built, and on whose behalf?
- Is discomfort with these technologies a form of wisdom, or just unfamiliarity that will pass?
- Is there something you would not hand over to a machine, even if it did the job better?
No homework required, but if you’d like to reflect ahead of time, you can listen to the following podcast episode:
- The Gray Area with Sean Illing — "Being human in the age of AI"
- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/being-human-in-the-age-of-ai/id1081584611?i=1000612148857
- Meghan O'Gieblyn traces how each era's dominant technology becomes the metaphor we use to understand ourselves, and asks what transhumanism and chatbot companionship reveal about what we are actually seeking.
Shy Philosopher Night Procedure and Code of Ethics:
1. Discussion Style
We aim for a cooperative flow, like passing a ball among teammates rather than engaging in back-and-forth debates. Please share the “ball” so everyone has a voice.
2. Brief Points (2-3 Minutes)
Keep points concise so we can hear a variety of perspectives. Occasional exceptions may come up naturally, but our goal is inclusivity.
3. No Crosstalk
Respect the speaker’s time without interjecting or questioning mid-speech. If you’d like to add something, simply raise your hand and the facilitator will guide the flow.
4. Avoid Ad Hominem Remarks
Focus critiques on ideas, actions, or beliefs—not people. For example, say “This idea could have certain impacts” rather than “You’re wrong.” This ensures a respectful environment.
5. Respectful Engagement
As we are guests in someone’s home, let’s maintain a high level of respect for the space and one another. Mindfulness, patience, and courtesy are essential to making this gathering comfortable and enjoyable for all.
6. Cancellation Courtesy
If your plans change and you’re unable to attend, please let us know at least a day in advance by canceling your RSVP. Since space is limited, early notice helps ensure that someone else interested can join in your place. We really appreciate your understanding and help in making this a smooth, inclusive experience for everyone.Looking forward to seeing you there!
1 attendee
Shy Philosophers on Hope
Spartacus Books, 1983 Commercial Dr #101, Vancouver, BC, CALet’s consider:
- What is the difference between hope and optimism, and does hope require uncertainty?
- How much of hope is a choice, and how much is temperament or circumstance?
- Should we place hope in outcomes we cannot control, or only in our own actions?
- Is false hope better than no hope, if it makes the present bearable?
- When does hope stop sustaining us and start keeping us from accepting what cannot change?
- Can a person live a meaningful life without hope, or is hope a condition for meaning?
- Is hope something we can give to others, or only something we can feel ourselves?
- What gives you hope today?
No homework required, but if you’d like to reflect ahead of time, you can listen to this podcast episode:
- BBC In Our Time — “Hope”
- https://www.bbc.com/audio/play/m00017vl
Thanks to Spartacus Books for generously opening up their space for us! If you're able, please support them with a small donation (suggested: $2), or with a purchase if one of their titles catches your fancy.
Shy Philosopher Night Procedure and Code of Ethics:
1. Discussion Style
We aim for a cooperative flow, like passing a ball among teammates rather than engaging in back-and-forth debates. Please share the “ball” so everyone has a voice.
2. Brief Points (2-3 Minutes)
Keep points concise so we can hear a variety of perspectives. Occasional exceptions may come up naturally, but our goal is inclusivity.
3. No Crosstalk
Respect the speaker’s time without interjecting or questioning mid-speech. If you’d like to add something, simply raise your hand and the facilitator will guide the flow.
4. Avoid Ad Hominem Remarks
Focus critiques on ideas, actions, or beliefs—not people. For example, say “This idea could have certain impacts” rather than “You’re wrong.” This ensures a respectful environment.
5. Respectful Engagement
As we are guests in someone’s home, let’s maintain a high level of respect for the space and one another. Mindfulness, patience, and courtesy are essential to making this gathering comfortable and enjoyable for all.
6. Cancellation Courtesy
If your plans change and you’re unable to attend, please let us know at least a day in advance by canceling your RSVP. Since space is limited, early notice helps ensure that someone else interested can join in your place. We really appreciate your understanding and help in making this a smooth, inclusive experience for everyone.Looking forward to seeing you there!
1 attendee
Past events
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