Discussion: The End of the World

* * 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 * *

Are we in the End Times? People may have been predicting the end of the world since humanity began, but, given the myriad threats and uncertainties that currently face us - wars, unbridled technology such as artificial intelligence, climate change - are they right this time? Or are such predictions alarmist and overblown? What does the phrase "the end of the world" really mean - the actual annihilation of planet Earth, or just life on Earth, or just human life on earth, or just advanced civilization? What would it take to actually snuff out humans or life to the point that they wouldn't bounce back in a relatively short time, geologically speaking? Is it just the end of the world as we know it that's coming - and in a sense, isn't "the world as we know it" always ending as times change? Do some people want the world to end, either due to some nihilistic impulse or to fulfill a religious prophecy? What can - or should - we do to control the fate of the world? Is there any value in embracing the inevitable end of the world as part of the impermanence of all things, including our own lives? Or can life on earth - and life itself - be extended indefinitely?

Join us for fun, friendly and substantive discussion about the important topics of the day. All viewpoints 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/ideals

Admission
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!