What we’re about
Studio 42 is where we have moving conversations about controversial and consequential topics. Join us if you want to improve your active listening, thinking, persuasion, speaking, and dispute resolution skills while becoming more informed about the world.
As media bubbles are getting more isolated and the world is getting more polarized, it is becoming difficult to have productive discussions about controversial subjects. We face great political, economic and environmental challenges, but how can we hope to make progress on them if we cannot even discuss our disagreements reasonably?
The mission of Studio 42 is to bring people together with different backgrounds and opinions to have friendly and substantive discussions about philosophy, science, politics, spirituality and personal development. Discussions are moderated to ensure respectful exchange and to give everyone an equal opportunity to speak. You are welcome to join regardless of your political views, knowledge level or skill level. Participation is optional; you can speak or just listen in.
Studio 42 is not for "winning debates". We come together in the spirit of learning knowledge and skills, and broadening our horizons by hearing a wide range of opinions.
GUIDELINES
This is a conversation not a debate
Please come in the spirit of sharing your opinion, listening to others, and doing your part to create a friendly and productive atmosphere.
This is not a scientific institution
We are here discuss philosophical concepts, opinions and values. We will not argue about the scientific consensus on empirical matters like the veracity of anthropogenic climate change, the effectiveness of COVID vaccines, or the implications of quantum mechanics, to name a few examples.
Evidence
Claims may at any time be held to standards of evidence. We aim to have an open conversation, but also to follow good epistemic practices - to reason methodically from the basis of reliable facts.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Discussion: "Free" "Speech" + 6th Anniversary!!4671 Rue Berri, Montréal, QC
* Shoes-Off Venue * *
This venue requires that you remove your outdoor footwear on arrival.
* * Feel free to bring food or drinks * *
* * Participation is optional - you can join us to speak or to listen * *
Let's celebrate the 6th anniversary of this Meetup group!!
Free speech has long been held up as one of the foundational elements in any free, democratic, and civilized society. Allowing people to say unpopular opinions gives a voice to the underprivileged by protecting their right to speak against those in power, who might otherwise oppress them. Although we shudder when we must protect the speech rights of the hateful and the misinformed, we accept it as a necessary evil in protecting everyone's rights.
But will this concept of free speech deliver on its promise? We live in liberal, progressive times and we protect the free speech rights of Nazis and conspiracy theorists. If the balance of power shifted to them, would they return the favour, and protect the speech rights of minorities and experts who challenge their views?
Do you believe that free speech advocates want these rights for everyone, or only those they agree with? Do you believe in the "free market of ideas"? Is free speech OK?
Join us for fun, friendly and substantive discussion about the important topics of the day. All opinions are welcome for this friendly, moderated discussion.
How it Works
Everyone will be invited to share their opinion, share relevant facts and reasoning, and respond to the views of others.
Our moderator will ensure that everyone has equal opportunity to speak and that dialogue will be kept respectful. All viewpoints are welcome. After the event, you are invited to stay for friendly, informal discussion if you wish.
Aren't you worried about having an event with 50+ people?!?
No because there will not be 50 people at the event. On Meetup, many attendees cancel at the last minute, and many are no-shows who skip the event without cancelling. I set the RSVP limit to 55 people, I reduce that limit to 45 in the last two days before the event, and then 20-30 people will actually attend.
This allows us to hit our attendance target of 15-30 people, and it ensures that attendees have their spot guaranteed weeks in advance. This makes the guest count inaccurate, but it's the simplest way to provide you a reliable and positive RSVP experience.
Suggested Reading
Any suggestions?
Ideals
Please read the Studio 42 Ideals before attending the event:
http://stu42.co/idealsAdmission
Admission is free. We accept donations to help fund our events.
Latecomers
Latecomers are welcome but we start promptly at 6:05pm so if you arrive late, you will miss out!