
What we’re about
## Details
Another enjoyable free flowing discussion after the regular
Saturday Melbourne Existentialist Society Meeting. Please feel free to join the Melbourne Existentialst Society meeting from 2 pm AEST
https://www.meetup.com/existentialist-society/?eventOrigin=event_home_page
Life the Universe Street Philosophy commences at cessation of
The Melbourne Existentialist Society meeting
Last week, according to A.I -
The group engaged in philosophical discussions about democracy, technology, and consciousness, exploring various perspectives on voting, AI, and the nature of reality. They examined different philosophical concepts including idealism, materialism, and the existence of God, while also discussing the role of religious institutions in society and the factors contributing to happiness. The conversation concluded with analyses of political dynamics, particularly focusing on the United States, China, and India, along with discussions about religious abuse and international relations.
Some of the many topics we have discussed previously,
some of which I could almost follow, are -
The Id, Super Ego and Ego
Where did the laws of physics come from?
Why is there something rather than nothing?
Does Truth exist independent of consciousness?
Hard problem of consciousness.
Conspiracy theories - is there a psychological profile of a habitual conspiracy Theorist.
Is it possible to have ojective Morality without a concept of God?
Definition of "Information"
How do we know how a particle behaves in an unobserved state if "unobserved" by definition means we don't blinking well see it?
Meaning of meaning in "what is the meaning of life?"
Definition of Language
Ship of Thesis - is the "thing" just a construct?
Tranendentalism
Determinism
Observer effect in quantum physics
--------------
Is there a why to human existence?
Definition of experience.
Method of applying reason.
What does it mean to be "your authentic self?"
Idealism v Realism - ABSOLUTE TRUTH - What does that mean ? does it exist ? Ontology, how equipped are we to fathom the nature of things? HARD PROBLEM OF CONSCIOUSNESS: WHERE DOES CONSCIOUSNESS ARISE?: DOES DNA TRANSLATE TO BEHAVIOUR?, IF SO HOW - definition of rationality - origins of "value" - precision of mathematics - concept of infinity.
Definition of Information
- where is the information in an un opened book, does it exist when unobserved?
Reason
- what is the definition of reason
does it exist in physical laws, i.e. if we can we say "the reason the rock fell is because of gravity"?, how is this different to "what is the reason she chose Pepsi max instead of Coke Zero?"
Validity of evolutionary psychology:
- what evidence is there for evolutionarily selected behaviour, given that we cannot observe the history of the emergence of neurological structures as we can observe evolutionarily selected anatomical changes?
Events in Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Philosophy of Mind Consciousness Existentialist Philosophy
Upcoming events
161
- •Online
Multiculturalism: Good Idea or Bad Idea?
OnlineMulticulturalism is the idea that different cultures can come together and co-exist, which suggests some levels of tolerance toward each other.
However, this is not always true. So what happens when different cultures have a clash of ideologies and cannot co-exist?
Modern examples of both sides of the Multiculturalism perspective:
The western world had long been nations of multiculturalism. The pros of multiculturalism is diversity of food, music, arts, religions, and creativity. The cons of multiculturalism in the west is often rife with racial & cultural tensions.
Countries like Japan had long been a nation of monoculturalism. The pros of monoculturalism is the lack of cultural & racial tensions, and the ability to maintain moral & cultural standards. The cons is the lack of creativity and diversity. Perhaps the biggest con is the lack of procreation
Examples of Pro-Multiculturalism gone wrong --> Spain in chaos as locals fight back after migrant gangs violently attack innocent people https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmlI4ICp-OI & Migrant mob ATTACKS politician as cops LOSE control of streets to THUG rioters https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxjsP5ysgDY
Examples of Anti-Multiculturalism gone wrong --> Why Can't Japan Accept Mixed-Race? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIvASePK45E & The Real Reason For Japan's Declining Birth Rate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e_m_lxkR7o
Questions the ponder:- Is cultural assimilation necessary?
- Does multiculturalism strengthen or weaken a sense of national identity?
- What happens when foreign cultures fails to obey the laws of countries they are stepping into?
- Are multicultural nations outperforming monocultural nations in the 21st century?
- Should there be a limit on tolerance?
- How and who should determine the limits on tolerance?
- Do you believe that all cultures can co-exist?
- What was your experience of culture shock?
- Should we be culturally sensitive to other cultures?
- What should we do with cultures that poses threat to national identity and unity?
- Is the "Great Replacement Theory" a real threat or conspiracy theory?
- Is it wrong to exclude cultures that harms other cultures?
- What are some positive traits of multiculturalism?
- How multiculturalism affects racial identity?
- How should multiculturalism be taught in schools and communities?
- Is it necessary for all to be aware of other people's cultures?
- What happens when cultures are forced upon people?
- Are we being too biased toward others cultures by only viewing a snapshot rather than the entire picture?
Guidelines:
- Hand raises are required.
- There will be a 3 minute timer for every person. However, in this group, I do allow a brief back and fourth interjection from others if it's something that's related to the person who was just speaking. This is a way to prevent the group from feeling too "robotic" in style and get your pressing question asked to the speaker and get the answer right away without waiting all the way back to your turn again.
- Be authentic & civil!
- Please refrain from using Ad Hominem (personal) attacks. Instead, please attack the points from others. Severe Ad Hominem such as racist behavior will result in being removed from the meeting.
- Zoom link will be posted 15 minutes before the meeting. (Refresh page 15 min before start time)
3 attendees - •Online
FTI: The Impact of Oral Health on Systemic Health: A Vital Connection
OnlineWe will examine how periodontal disease, an infection of the gums, can, by spreading inflammation throughout the body, cause disease in the heart, lungs, brain and other organs, contribute to cancer, autoimmune disease and dementia.
Speaker: Michael Strassberg
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.
2 attendees - •Online
ONLINE / ENGLISH: How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
Online## Details
This is our series on Donald Robertson’s book “How to Think Like a Roman Emperor”. We will learn about the life of Marcus Aurelius and his philosophy practice. As usual on Friday nights, we will cover the book in-depth; see schedule below.
SCHEDULE
8-08-2025 Chap. 1
8-15-2025 Chap. 1 continued
8-22-2025 Chap. 2
8-29-2025 Chap. 2 continued
9-05-2025 Chap. 3
9-12-2025 Chap. 3 continued
9-19-2025 Chap. 4
9-26-2025 Chap. 4 continued
10-03-2025 Chap. 5
10-10-2025 Chap. 5 continued
10-17-2025 Chap. 6
10-24-2025 Chap. 6 continued
10-31-2025 Chap. 7
11-07-2025 Chap. 7 continued
11-14-2025 Chap. 8 (just 1 part)
11-21-2025 Finale
READING MATERIALS
The book is available on Amazon and other booksellers. Various formats are available: audio, paperback, Kindle. Reading in advance is optional; StoicDan will collect highlights from each part of the book in an outline for the meeting.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F9YYR62
Time
Meeting time (USA):
7:00PM Eastern
6:00PM Central
5:00PM Mountain
4:00PM Pacific
For our international friends,
Please convert time with the free tool
https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/
Zoom Info
CLICK TO START MEETING - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86559843870
If you don't have a computer with camera or mic, then you can attend by telephone. Dial one of these numbers and add meeting ID 865 5984 3870#
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US
In general, Stoicism teaches us how to handle difficult people and events, how to avoid anger and worry, and overall to use moderation in life. We will discuss how Stoic practice can lead to a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Our group enjoys open-minded, respectful conversations on Stoicism and how it relates to science, culture, philosophy, history, other belief systems, and pop culture (books and movies). If we differ in our opinions, then "we agree to disagree". The long-term goal is to improve our minds via group discussions. Our group does NOT discuss religion or politics.
This event is free and open to the public.
Events inPhilosophyPsychology
Self-Help & Self-ImprovementMarcus AureliusStoicism3 attendees
Past events
507
Group links
Organizers
