Socrates Cafe Riga: Philosophy Club

This is a philosophical discussion group. We ask and discuss questions and ideas to stimulate critical thinking and to widen our perspectives but CRITICALLY in a respectful way. This is done by raising your hand to speak rather than speaking whenever. This forces listening and introspection that we feel is vital and missing from many parts of daily and important communication.

It is not a debating club or a platform to proselytising. Instead, we place the emphasis on questioning, open mindedness and challenging our own assumptions while listening to and respecting the views shared by others.

A Socrates Cafe meetup is considered a success when participants leave a discussion with many more questions than they had at the beginning.

The subject of each discussion is nominated and then voted on by the participants at the beginning of each meetup. No academic training in philosophy necessary; just an enthusiasm for exchanging ideas and points of view.

Everyone is welcome... Any gender, age, education, national origin, race, religion, etc. A range of perspectives is appreciated, or in fact desired. If you're shy, just come to listen; you won't be pressured to speak.

This is an international initiative that I first explored in Barcelona and wanted to bring with me to my next destination: Riga.

The inspiration for Socrates Cafe originates with the book of the same name, written by the philosopher Christopher Phillips. (Socrates Cafe: A Fresh Taste of Philosophy, 2002). Phillips felt that the Socratic method of dialogue and discussion should be practiced not just in academic settings, but among everyday people interested in examining deep questions together. Hundreds of Socrates Cafe groups now exist around the world.

To learn more, visit [https://socratescafe.com].

Hope to see you at one of our events very soon :)

Our rules:

1. Please be on time
   It is not fair on other punctual participants and late comers can affect the team dynamics. Coming on time helps with proper introductions, understanding rules, and won't make things awkward.
2. Please be respectful
   This is non negotiable. Difference of opinion is welcome, disrespect is not. Homophobia, sexism, racism, name calling, bullying, shouting, etc. will not be tolerated. The discretion lies solely with the host.
3. Please show up
   If you RSVP, please show up. If you decide to not show up, please withdraw your RSVP 24 hours in advance. There are people in the waiting list that don't get a chance otherwise and that is not fair to the ones genuinely wanting to attend.
4. Please order something at the cafe and show them support
   They allow us to conduct these meetups at their venue.

A note from the organizer:

Hello to all current, future and past members <3

My name is Oleksii. I’m the founder of this group and the organizer of Socrates Cafe Riga. I’d like to share a few things about how this group works, so we all have the same expectations.

1. This is a private initiative. I voluntarily follow the Socrates Cafe concept and its guidelines, but this group is not a formal organization or a collective. I may change the group, the events, or the format at any time. If I make significant changes, I’ll announce them in advance, so you can decide whether the group is still right for you.
2. The events are free, and I cover the costs. I pay the Meetup organizer subscription myself, which is several hundred euros a year, and I don’t charge participants anything. Because I run and fund the group, final decisions are mine.
3. Mutual respect. By joining the events, you acknowledge how the group works and agree to treat each other, and the organizer, with respect.

Frequently asked questions:

• Many of us would like a different day, time, place or frequency. Shouldn’t the majority decide?

The schedule and location are set by the organizer. If you’d prefer different conditions, you’re welcome to organize your own events.

• The limit is 15 people. Can you split into several groups so more people can join?

My preference is to keep one group of up to 15 participants at a time. This may change if I find it suitable, but it’s my decision to make.

• I’d prefer a more free-flowing debate, where I can jump in and respond without waiting for my turn.

In this group, we take turns speaking. This is the format I’ve chosen, and it’s how our events work. If it doesn’t suit you, that’s completely fine, but please don’t join expecting it to change.

• Where to share feedback

At every event there’s time set aside for thoughts and feedback. That’s the right place to share your ideas. I’ll listen to everyone, and I may accept, adapt or decline suggestions.

Thank you for reading, and see you at the next Socrates Cafe!
Oleksii