AI Ethics

We will cover the following topics * Tech as a tool of geopolitical power * Relations with the U.S., China, and Global South * Export controls and tech diplomacy * Balancing openness with strategic protection I am looking forward to discussing with you this critical topic, You will find below links to articles that I suggest as pre-reads for our chat. Reading one article is enough, reading them all is a plus. Also, feel free to suggest what you think might be relevant for the discussion via DM. 1. [https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-research-reports/report/digital-sovereignty-europes-declaration-of-independence/?utm_source=chatgpt.com](https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-research-reports/report/digital-sovereignty-europes-declaration-of-independence/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 2. [https://www.noemamag.com/reclaiming-europes-digital-sovereignty/](https://www.noemamag.com/reclaiming-europes-digital-sovereignty/) 3. [https://ip-quarterly.com/en/dominance-and-sovereignty-geopolitics-transatlantic-tech-stack?utm_source=chatgpt.com](https://ip-quarterly.com/en/dominance-and-sovereignty-geopolitics-transatlantic-tech-stack?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 4. [https://ecfr.eu/article/trumps-ai-thaw-how-europe-and-the-gulf-can-protect-against-american-and-chinese-tech-pressure/?utm_source=chatgpt.com](https://ecfr.eu/article/trumps-ai-thaw-how-europe-and-the-gulf-can-protect-against-american-and-chinese-tech-pressure/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 5. [https://www.webpronews.com/data-sovereignty-key-to-protection-amid-geopolitical-tensions/?utm_source=chatgpt.com](https://www.webpronews.com/data-sovereignty-key-to-protection-amid-geopolitical-tensions/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) I am considering changing the location, to a more private café in Place Jordan. If you have an issue with this, please let me know. Cheers, Carolina

We will be walking through the forest for a little about 1 1/2 hours, silently, just noticing the world around us and inside us. The idea is to experience the magic of a different type of walking, The invitation is to slow down and notice what is going on inside you and around you. Very often people experience a closer connection with nature and with self, with sometimes surprising insights. *Please make sure you are fit enough to go the 4.5 km distance. We will be walking slowly, but we will not take any breaks.* We will be meeting at the Hermann Debroux Metro at **14h**. (Exit straight ahead after leaving the platform--on the Loxam side). If you RSVP as coming, please be on time. We will be starting our walk from there 5 min. after the hour sharp. There is the renovated Maison de Prieur at the exit of the forest where we could gather for a drink or a meal after our walk, depending on what you feel like. Looking forward to an inward adventure? Come and join us on **Saturday, February 14, at 14h** My phone number is 0472 92 11 76, in case you need to communicate with me.

Voici un espace simple et régulier pour celles et ceux qui souhaitent découvrir ou approfondir la pratique de la méditation de pleine conscience. La pleine conscience aide à mieux gérer le stress, traverser les émotions difficiles sans se sentir dépassé et à se centrer dans un monde qui devient de plus en plus turbulent. Je propose un petit temps de méditation guidée, suivi d’un échange, en ligne, tous les samedis matins. C’est ouvert à toutes et tous, aucune expérience n’est nécessaire. 🗓 Tous les samedis ⏰ 10h15 (entre 45 et 55 minutes) 💻 En visio 💚 Première séance gratuite 👉 Puis 10 € / séance Si ça te parle, tu es le·la bienvenu·e 🌿

On Saturday I suggest a pretty long but flat hike from Beernem to Aalter. This hike will lead us through multiple short forests, parks and agricultural areas. We will follow the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes, since we will pass by the castle of Wingene on the way. This castle was repeatedly in the news ten years ago, because its owner was killed in a mysterious murder in 2012, which fascinated many Belgians for several years. At our destination Aalter we will probably find an open bar for a drink. As the number of participants is limited, it is important that you manage your registration responsibly: only sign up if you really intend to come and cancel as soon as you know you can’t (this also goes for people on the waiting list!). We will try to keep close to an average speed of about 4,5 km/h. We will walk mainly on unpaved roads. I’ve not tested this track beforehand, so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning. ●●You can find the track here: https://loc.wiki/t/250125630?wa=sc ●●Meeting point: We meet at 10h12 in Beernem (in front of the railway station). If you start from Brussels-South, you should take train IC 530 towards Ostend at 09h03. In Ghent you have twelve minutes to change to train L 580 at 9h43 with direction Bruges and Zeebrugge-Strand. You should get out in Beernem. I am starting from Ghent, so I will jump on the train in Ghent. You can find me in the first car of the train. ●● Train tickets: Return ticket Brussels-Beernem should be fine. ●● Back to Brussels: In Aalter there is at least one direct train per hour back to Brussels. ●● Specifics: Distance: ca 28km Elevation gain: 100m Net walking time: ca 7h Weather forecast: Cold but probably dry. In the unlikely case of too bad weather, we may cancel a hike, even few hours before the event. If this must happen, we will of course update the Meetup website and send out an email to those registered. So it is important to have access to either the [[[[[Meetup.com](http://meetup.com/)]([http://meetup.com/](http://meetup.com/))]([http://meetup.com/](http://meetup.com/))]([http://meetup.com/](http://meetup.com/))]([http://meetup.com/](http://meetup.com/)) website and/or your emails. ●● What to bring: * Comfortable hiking clothes &shoes * rain gear (just in case) * water + food for the breaks * sun cream * Compeed for blisters * some small money for drinks ●● Basic rules: Please RSVP only if you really intend to come. And if your plans change, update your RSVP asap, even hours before the walk. This is basic courtesy towards others. Repeated late cancellations are not well considered (at all). No-shows are even worse. Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the “going” list. ●● Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability: You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you want to take part. As the participation in the events is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers from any responsibility and liability. Moreover, the organisers aren't tour operators, so they don't feel obliged to answer to every text message or email!

A weekend in a quiet place to focus on your writing… Join us for this first retreat in Brussels area ! ✍🏻 The Winter Writing Retreat includes : * 2 days and 1 night on site * a shared writing room * ⁠a private bedroom (with a dedicated workspace) * ⁠all meals included (1 breakfast + 2 lunches + 1 dinner + snacks) (\*), * ⁠a workshop on Saturday afternoon about « Tips and tricks for reading your text aloud effectively » (\~90 minutes) * ⁠a creative meditation session on Sunday morning (\~15 minutes) (\*) Vegetarian and lactose free options available on demand ! Price: € 190 per person all included Priority for regular members of the Brussels Writing MeetUp 😊 For registration, please send a message to Candice, organiser of Brussels Writing MeetUp. Have a great day ! ✨

We’re often our own biggest critic. This workshop invites you to explore a different relationship with yourself — one based on **support, understanding, and consistency**, rather than pressure or self-judgment. In this reflective and practical session, you’ll look at how you usually respond to challenges, setbacks, or moments when motivation drops — and what it would mean to become **your own ally instead of your inner obstacle**. This workshop is offered on a **donation basis**. A contribution is **expected** to support the time, preparation, and continuity of these sessions. You’re welcome to give what feels fair and accessible to you. Donation details will be shared during the session.

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @ **Château Moderne**, on Saturday, is 14 February 2025, from 10:00 - 13:00. **Château Moderne is changing its name to Radio Moderne!** 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the place, you will see a long table that is set up for the event. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== *** **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I post the event on Saturday/Sunday for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder as an email or a comment on the event page on Thursday/Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON SATURDAY!** **LOCATION:** Château Moderne Mont des Arts 1 1000 Bruxelles

Welcome to our weekly event in the upstairs room of The Sister Café, rue Chair et Pain 3, one block from the Grand Place. Please get there early enough to order your drink at the bar first. Thank you! After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations. Past questions have been wide and not confined to academic philosophy: What is a genuine friend? Is social media turning us into emotional zombies? Do we lose some of the experience of things by defining them? Are we driven by sex? Is loneliness a personal failure? Is morality relative? **Crucially, be kind and respectful and generous** in your disagreements; remember how much you personally enjoy someone else proving you wrong before celebrating your cutting counterexamples.

**Cinema Flagey : La grazia** 15/02 @ 14h00 La grazia. 2025. Italy. Written and directed by Paolo Sorrentino. With Toni Servillo, Anna Ferzetti. DCP courtesy MUBI. In Italian; English subtitles. 131 min. Perhaps the most fantastical plotline for a film this year would be “a political drama centered on thoughtful contemplation and ethical decision-making.” Oscar-winner Paolo Sorrentino (The Great Beauty, 2013) crafts a captivating contemporary tale about a fictional Italian president on the cusp of retirement, and several decisions that will shape his legacy. Brilliantly portrayed by Toni Servillo (winner of the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at this year’s Venice Film Festival), this is a leader capable of restraint in a world that is pulling him to extremes. With a vibrant score, and Sorrentino’s signature lush urban visuals, La grazia seeks that rarest of qualities in today’s world: grace. [Cinema RITCS](https://www.cinemaritcs.be/february-2026/) [Museum of Modern Art](https://www.moma.org/calendar/events/10981) **For Dreamers, Coffee shots, Orezza, eau de Saint-Georges !**

Let’s have our first meetup this coming Sunday at MIR Concept. This meeting is meant to be relaxed, human, and focused on real conversations ,no pressure, no expectations, just people meeting people. I created MIR as a space for genuine human connection, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a cozy and inspiring place designed for conversation, creativity, and positive impact. I warmly invite you to join us and enjoy a great cup of coffee, tea, or matcha, along with delicious pastries. We’ll chat, laugh, share opinions, and see how different languages and cultures connect us. I’m really looking forward to hosting this first event and meeting many of you.

*We will take a winter break in January and meet again in February.* _____ Let's read and discuss non-fiction together. In **February** we will be discussing "The Other Significant Others: Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center" by Rhaina Cohen. For more information about the book check out goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/127305688-the-other-significant-others How it works: - 10-15min Introduction round - 1 - 1,5h Free discussion around the book - 10min selection of the next book. (We will vote between three possible books. I bring two suggestions and we select a third one from the group. So if there is a book you like to discuss feel free to put it forward.) Don't worry if you cannot finish it in time. Just join us for a coffee or tea and a good conversation. :) Happy reading!

Been with us before or coming along for the first time, all welcome. Join the journey from where you are and however ever you are. Lets explore together. Registration mandatory, limited seats available.

Please [register yourself on the website ](https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/7QLiiTnqLMxNg6Bdm5Bm)to receive the details of how to join. This powerful healing technique removes the negative energies and blockages to then nbe replaced by life energy or prana. Organized by Juliana Cruz, a Pranic Healing practitioner for over 10 years. These donation-based sessions are in a group session, done by different practitioners who have learned Pranic Healing. The sessions take from 20 to 30 minutes. * **Sunday** **From 11:30 to 12:50** 20 - 30 min session per person First-come, first-served. This practice comes after a meditation (from 10:30 to 11:30) to receive and share energies of loving-kindness to the entire Earth. You can join by [registering yourself here](https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/j5YTbU6YaGLgGOXyvMNn). With love, Juliana

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞'𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐨: 🍵Take a moment to unwind and connect with herbal tea and biscuits. 📑 Read a thought-provoking passage from a spiritual author and share our reflections and insights in the circle. 🧘🏻‍♀️🧘🏻‍♂️ Engage in a silent meditation for 20 minutes to integrate our insights and experience (you'll be guided into the silent meditation). 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨: 🪻 We’ll provide comfortable mattresses, and the room is warm and cozy. Feel free to bring a light blanket for the meditation if you like. You’re also welcome to bring a small snack to share. ➡️ Participation is based on donation (suggested on-the-spot donation: €10-20). 🤗 Limited to 10 participants – if you’d like to bring a friend, please let us know in advance. 🪶 Visit our website for more information & registration: [https://justinspiring.org/tea-meditation-evenings/](https://justinspiring.org/tea-meditation-evenings/) 📩 For any questions, you can contact Eirini by email or WhatsApp/Sms/Telegram/Instagram: Email: [info@justinspiring.org](http://info@justinspiring.org/) WhatsApp/Sms/Telegram: +32 (0) 487 20 14 73 Instagram: @inspiringeducationcoaching

**\*\*\*\* More details and sign up at: https://aifalliance.org/summit-2026/ \*\*\*\*** **What is AI Freedom Alliance?** AI Freedom Alliance promotes the responsible growth of AI guided by practical, commonsense ethics. Our nonprofit is built by professionals from a wide range of industries and is made up entirely of small- and mediumbusiness representatives—never large tech companies. We provide a counterbalance to big corporate influence, focusing instead on how AI can benefit businesses and the world at large. **What’s Happening?** ***The inaugural AI Freedom Alliance Summit.*** This full-day event will explore how we can ensure AI is adopted responsibly through shared ethical standards that empower humanity. The summit will feature interactive and educational sessions led by thought leaders, technologists, policymakers, and advocates who are passionate about making AI fair, transparent, and beneficial for everyone. **Why Attend?** Learn about the legal and technical challenges with implementing AI solutions within your organization. Build better solutions while protecting your organization from legal and compliance risks. And learn how to think strategically about AI as a differentiation tool for your business. This summit is highly recommended for C-Suite leaders to learn as well as interact with each other and our sponsors.

Join the Columbus AI community for our quarterly gathering — a casual, community-focused evening where everyone has a chance to share, learn, and connect. These open mic–style events give anyone in the community up to **5 minutes** to present a project, share a tool, pose a question, or offer a perspective on the evolving AI space. No slides required — just a welcoming space to exchange ideas and keep the local AI conversation moving. If you’d like to take the stage, message **Chris (the organizer)** with a **title and short description** of what you’d like to share. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services)

As you may or may not know--I didn't until late last year--Aristotle wrote extensively on "friendship" in the Nicomachean Ethics. After 69 years the concept of friendship still creates questions and uncertainty. I had close friends in high school and for a few years after high school but our interests diverged and people moved all over the country so it was hard to maintain connections. * So if I/you haven't talked with a friend for several years, are you still friends? Are we friends who meet at Drunken Philosophy or Omnipresent Atheists? * Can you be friends with someone with whom you have virulently divergent political views? Sartre and Camus could not. * Aristotle regarded friendship as essential to a good life, not merely an added "bonus." Do you agree? * In the Nicomachean Ethics (Books VIII and IX), he claims that wealth and power are meaningless without friends. Trump has wealth and power but seems to have no real friends, but wealth and power seem meaningful to him in perverted ways. Can you have meaning in your life without friends? * Do men and women view and maintain friendships in different ways? * Aristotle categorizes friendship into three types, based on what forms the bond: * **Utility**: Based on mutual benefit, but this type is fragile and ends when the usefulness ceases. * **Pleasure**: Based on shared enjoyment (e.g., humor, hobbies). Common among youth but fades as interests change. * **Virtue (The "Complete" Friendship)**: Based on mutual respect for each other's character and goodness. You wish good for the other for their sake, not yours. * **Key Principles of "True" (Virtuous) Friendship:** * **Permanence**: Virtuous friendships last a lifetime whereas those based on utility and pleasure are fleeting. * **Reciprocity**: Requires mutual goodwill; secret or unreciprocated affection does not qualify. * **The "Second Self"**: A true friend is "another self"—their virtue helps you understand and improve yourself. * **Time and Intimacy**: Deep ("complete") friendships are few, built on time and shared experiences. * **Self-Love and Friendship:** * Good friendship starts with being a friend to yourself. * They distinguish shallow egoism (chasing honors) from real self-love (pursuing virtue). * A virtuous person’s pleasant self-company allows them to be a stable, good friend to others. * Aristotle argues that one's social circle ultimately reflects one's character—a view with striking relevance today. Well--the Drunken Philosophy social circle certainly reflects good character!

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

**🎬 Movie Meetup: Avatar: Fire and Ash + Pizza & Games at Pins! 🍕🎳** Join us for a fun, low-key outing at Easton! We’ll be seeing *Avatar: Fire and Ash* together and then heading over to Pins for Mikey’s Late Night Slice, games, and hanging out. **📍 Location:** Easton Town Center **🕓 Start Time:** 4:30 PM (please arrive a little early so we can get seats together) ⌛**Movie Duration**: 3 hours & 15min **After the movie:** We’ll walk (or drive) over to Pins Mechanical Co. to grab Mikey’s Late Night Slice and enjoy some games and social time. Feel free to come just for the hangout if you can’t make the movie! **What to expect** * Casual, friendly group * No pressure — come solo or bring friends * Stay as long (or short) as you’d like **Cost** * Movie ticket $15.99 (purchase individually) * Optional food/drinks after

**When:** Saturday\, February 21 \| 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM **Where:** [1124 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206](https://twodollarradiohq.com/about-us) Looking for a night of meaningful connection and great vegan food? Join us at [Two Dollar Radio Headquarters](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/11fkn49_yq&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj14_nkjsWSAxVt4ckDHdRCH4oQqdYPegYIAQgFEAI) for a special community gathering! **What’s on the menu?** While [2$R](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/11fkn49_yq&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj14_nkjsWSAxVt4ckDHdRCH4oQqdYPegYIAQgGEAI) typically serves a selection of [house-made sandwiches](https://twodollarradiohq.com/weekly-food) and vegan pastries, they are creating a **special menu** specifically for our event. You can also grab a coffee, tea, or a drink from their [full bar](https://twodollarradiohq.com/) of cocktails and beer. **The Main Event:** * **Play:** Bring a favorite game from home to share or dive into the ones available at the shop. * **Connect:** Meet new and old friends in a space that values independent culture and plant-based living. * **Support:** Help us champion a local, family-owned vegan business that doubles as a powerhouse [indie book publisher](https://twodollarradio.com/pages/headquarters). **Parking Instructions:** * **Street Parking:** There is free public street parking available on both sides of Parsons Avenue and on the surrounding residential side streets. * **Lot Parking:** The [Columbus Metropolitan Library](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/126262ks5&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj14_nkjsWSAxVt4ckDHdRCH4oQqdYPegYIAQgKEAM) lot (1113 Parsons Ave) is located directly across the street and is available for guest use **only after the library has closed**. On Saturdays, the lot is typically available starting at 6:00 PM. * **Bike Parking:** For those cycling, there is a bike rack conveniently located at the corner of Cline and Parsons.

Meeting Room 3B, Main Library Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. This first gathering is a simple introduction to the spirit of the group and a chance to meet others seeking deeper meaning and community. All backgrounds are welcome.