Esoteric Philosophy

**🏛️ WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?** Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎 Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic. The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌 **📓 HOW DOES IT WORK?** Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://tally.so/r/KYLZlD), along with jump-off points to get the conversation going. When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture. **General Meeting Agenda** Each Practical Philosophy meet-up follows this general timeline: * 19:00-19:15 - People arrive and chat, get to know each other before the official start. * 19:15-19:25 - Meeting introduction, explanation of Practical Philosophy and the topic for the week, read the guidelines and the overview so attendees know what to expect in terms of timelines. * 19:25-20:45 - Break into small groups - introduce yourselves and general thoughts on the topic, open discussion afterwards. At this point the group can review the ‘jump-off’ questions as needed, but they are just there to help guide the conversation. It’s not obligatory to answer them. * 20:45-21:00 - Bring everyone back together to discuss conclusions of the topic - each group gives a short 1-minute summary. Organizer concludes the meeting and everyone takes a group photo. * 21:00 - The official meeting is over but it’s a great opportunity to get to know people in a non-structured environment, so we often stick around, chat, and get to know each other. **🧧PRICING?** Practical Philosophy is operated entirely on voluntary donations! If we are meeting in a café, buy a beverage! Donations are 100% voluntary, but they help us to bring the gift of deep conversation to people around the world. If you'd like to support, you can [donate here](https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/donate-to-practical-philosophy)! (Practical Philosophy is a registered Canadian charity) **💛 WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY** **🗣** “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam 🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 (the topic was authority) and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel **🤓 FAQ** * **Do I need to study or read anything to attend?** No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what you think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it. * **Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on?** The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school. * **Is it mostly men that attend?** Surprisingly, no! Although often, philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms. * **Can I come alone?** Of course you can, we encourage it :) * **Can I be late?** Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow of the conversation. * **Where do you meet?** The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://tally.so/r/KYLZlD)[ ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FtwkSBwyNUbCTSOq5H4Kmn?mode=gi_c)group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our[ website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/practical-philosophy-locations/). 🤝**POLICY** To respect our members privacy, we ask that no one privately message a member without first getting explicit consent. (This looks like speaking in person and being asked to message privately.) Contacting or texting other participants without prior consent is not permitted and may result in removal from the group. Practical Philosophy reserves the right to enforce this policy at its discretion to maintain a safe and respectful environment. **PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY CLUB - Philosophy, everywhere. ✨** We started in Practical Philosophy back in 2021 and there are now 50+ chapters in over 25 countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️ **\*\*\*** **Join our [Vaughan Whatsapp](https://tally.so/r/KYLZlD) 👈** **Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/) 👈** **Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/) 👈**

Baruch Spinoza's *Theological-Political Treatise* (1670), originally published anonymously, is one of the most important and controversial philosophical works of the early modern period. Aiming to "liberate the individual from bondage to superstition and ecclesiastical authority", the work has been characterized as one of the most significant events in European intellectual history, laying the groundwork for ideas about liberalism, secularism, and democracy. In it Spinoza discusses at length the historical circumstances of the composition and transmission of the Bible, demonstrating the fallibility of both its authors and its interpreters. He argues that free enquiry is not only consistent with the security and prosperity of a state but actually essential to them, and that such freedom flourishes best in a democratic and republican state in which individuals are left free while religious organizations are subordinated to the secular power. His Treatise has profoundly influenced the subsequent history of political thought, Enlightenment philosophy, Bible hermeneutics, and textual criticism more generally. The work attracted harsh criticism and vigorous attempts by religious leaders and conservative authorities to suppress his work entirely, with one critic describing it as being "Forged in hell by the apostate Jew working together with the devil". **\* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \*** This is Day 2 of a two day conference presented by the University of Toronto's Centre for Ethics on the contemporary relevance of Spinoza's *Theological-Politico Treatise* (or *Tractatus Theologico-Politicus*) published in 1670. The conference is free to attend and open to the public. The Conference Schedule [Thursday, April 23rd](https://www.meetup.com/the-toronto-philosophy-meetup/events/314226963/) * 9:45 AM – Julie Klein (Villanova University) – OBEDIENCE * 11:00 AM – Daniel Garber (Princeton University) – THEOCRACY * 1:30 PM – Yitzhak Melamed (Johns Hopkins University) – POWER & RIGHT * 2:45 PM – Mélanie Zappulla (UW-Madison) – THE PEOPLE * 4:00 PM – [Michael Rosenthal](https://philosophy.utoronto.ca/directory/michael-a-rosenthal/) (University of Toronto) – THE JEWS [Friday, April 24th](https://www.meetup.com/the-toronto-philosophy-meetup/events/314352946/) * 10:00 AM – Jac Jacob Zellmer (UW-Madison) – FLATTERY * 11:15 AM – Justin Steinberg (Cornell University) – SEDITIOUS SPEECH * 1:45 PM – Willi Goetschel (University of Toronto) – FREEDOM OF THOUGHT * 3:00 PM – Jason Yonover (Yale University) – GENEALOGY About the Centre for Ethics (http://ethics.utoronto.ca): The Centre for Ethics is an interdisciplinary centre aimed at advancing research and teaching in the field of ethics, broadly defined. The Centre seeks to bring together the theoretical and practical knowledge of diverse scholars, students, public servants and social leaders in order to increase understanding of the ethical dimensions of individual, social, and political life. In pursuit of its interdisciplinary mission, the Centre fosters lines of inquiry such as (1) foundations of ethics, which encompasses the history of ethics and core concepts in the philosophical study of ethics; (2) ethics in action, which relates theory to practice in key domains of social life, including bioethics, business ethics, and ethics in the public sphere; and (3) ethics in translation, which draws upon the rich multiculturalism of the City of Toronto and addresses the ethics of multicultural societies, ethical discourse across religious and cultural boundaries, and the ethics of international society. The Ethics of A.I. Lab at the Centre For Ethics recently appeared on a list of 10 organizations leading the way in ethical A.I.: https://ocean.sagepub.com/blog/10-organizations-leading-the-way-in-ethical-ai

### Thursday Evening Discussion Group **In\-Person \| Starts at 8:00 PM \(Doors open at 7:30 PM\) \| Drop\-In** **Starting material:** *[Network of Thought](https://www.holybooks.com/wp-content/uploads/Network-of-Thought-Krishnamurti-ebook.pdf)* by **Jiddu Krishnamurti** This weekly discussion group offers a reflective and open space to explore themes of **mysticism, spirituality, and inner transformation** through selected writings and talks by Jiddu Krishnamurti, Annie Besant, Alice Bailey, and other thinkers whose work invites deep **inquiry into consciousness, freedom, truth**, and **the nature of self-understanding**. Rather than promoting a particular belief system, the group emphasizes **shared reading, thoughtful reflection, and respectful dialogue**. Participants are welcome to engage at their own pace—whether through listening, contemplation, or open discussion. While there is **no requirement to commit before attending**, *the intention is to gradually build a group of participants who are interested in returning regularly and engaging sincerely with the material* and the group process. Newcomers are very welcome, and those who feel drawn to ongoing study are warmly encouraged to continue attending. **This is a drop-in group,** and no prior background or preparation is required. **All are welcome.** Come as you are, reflect together, and take part in a spirit of openness, seriousness of inquiry and mutual respect.

### Thursday Evening Discussion Group **In\-Person \| Starts at 8:00 PM \(Doors open at 7:30 PM\) \| Drop\-In** **Starting material:** *[Network of Thought](https://www.holybooks.com/wp-content/uploads/Network-of-Thought-Krishnamurti-ebook.pdf)* by **Jiddu Krishnamurti** This weekly discussion group offers a reflective and open space to explore themes of **mysticism, spirituality, and inner transformation** through selected writings and talks by Jiddu Krishnamurti, Annie Besant, Alice Bailey, and other thinkers whose work invites deep **inquiry into consciousness, freedom, truth,** and **the nature of self-understanding**. Rather than promoting a particular belief system, the group emphasizes **shared reading, thoughtful reflection, and respectful dialogue**. Participants are welcome to engage at their own pace—whether through listening, contemplation, or open discussion. While there is **no requirement to commit before attending**, *the intention is to gradually build a group of participants who are interested in returning regularly and engaging sincerely with the material* and the group process. Newcomers are very welcome, and those who feel drawn to ongoing study are warmly encouraged to continue attending. This is a **drop-in group**, and no prior background or preparation is required. **All are welcome.** Come as you are, reflect together, and take part in a spirit of openness and mutual respect.

We are meeting at the Multifaith Centre every Friday evening from 7 pm to 9 pm in the Third Floor Quiet room, for periods of 8-fold moving exercise, sitting meditation, and walking meditation in the tradition of Chan Buddhism. The session ends with a tea-sharing and discussion. All are welcome and this event is free of charge!

Welcome ! OM Chanting is a group practice that has multiple benefits, including calming the mind, feeling relaxed, activating one's self-healing potential. OM Chanting''s powerful vibration contributes to send Peace . A participation of 5$ minimum is strongly encouraged to sustain the rent of the studio . \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- EVENT DETAILS: address: 283 Spadina Avenue; 3rd floor. ( SE corner of Spadina and Dundas). We will start at 6:30 pm. Please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes earlier. We will be sitting on chairs; you can also sit on the floor if you prefer. You are encouraged to bring a bottle of water. Looking forward to seeing you ! For more information about Om Chanting, please visit: [https://bhaktimarga.org/yoga-meditation/](https://bhaktimarga.org/yoga-meditation/) Much Love, Veda Cell: 416-845-9375

**For those who want to go deeper…** Why does a philosopher from over 2,000 years ago still matter today? In this course, we explore Plato’s *Republic* not as an academic text, but as a living guide to understanding ourselves and the world we’re in. At a time when life can feel fast, uncertain, and often overwhelming, these teachings offer something steady, clear, and deeply relevant. Together, we examine timeless questions around truth, justice, and wisdom — and why ancient insights may be more important now than ever. What does it mean to live well in today’s world? How do we stay grounded amidst noise, pressure, and constant change? Classes are interactive and guided by experienced facilitators who are long-time students of the School. As a not-for-profit community, all facilitators volunteer their time, sharing something they continue to explore in their own lives. This is not about studying philosophy. It’s about using it. Try it out for one-week on Saturday April 25th, if you enjoy it, join the 8-week course meeting Saturdays from 1:30-3pm at 29 Madison Ave in Toronto. [Sign-up here.](https://schoolofpracticalphilosophy.ca/special-courses/)

Archetypal Coaching — Activate Your Goals with Ancient Wisdom Ready to energize your goals and gain clear direction? In this weekly meetup, we work with powerful archetypes from ancient traditions to align your intention, sharpen your strategy, and ignite real momentum. 4 Sessions Per Month Tap into the power of 4 ancient traditions: • Egyptian — Strategic clarity & long-range vision • Scandinavian — Decisiveness & breakthrough energy • Greek — Harmony, inspiration & personal charisma • Sephirotic (Kabbalistic) — Deep integration & energetic anchoring. Each 90-Min Session Includes: • Group energy alignment (20 min) • Personal goal setting in the energy of the week’s tradition (20 min) • Group activation & anchoring (20 min) • Personal alanyses, archetypal insights & support circle (30 min). What You’ll Gain: ✓ Mental clarity & motivation ✓ Energetic support for your path ✓ Clear, inspired next steps ✓ A deeper connection to purpose. When: Every Sunday afternoon 4-6pm Fee: $50 CAD per session (Limited spots available) Facilitator: Andrey Litvinov — Business Coach, Psychotherapist, Grand Master of Reiki Yggdrasil To Reserve Your Spot: Pre-registration required via WhatsApp or Telegram Message: t.me/AndyTherapist WhatsApp: +1 437 606 6502

*This ceremony will be held at our beautiful studio* *'The Soul Sanctuary'in Leslieville, Toronto* ***Hosted by Chris Dub & Jennifer Mya.*** **Do you want to:** * Love yourself the way you are, and feel more confident to show people the real you? * Experience less anxiety, more joy, and move through triggers with more ease and grace? * Forgive your past self, and move forward feeling empowered by your choices? * Be held and guided as you look at negative thought patterns, so you can work through the outdated beliefs associated with them? * Free yourself from worry, and self-doubt, and receive practical tools to pull out the roots of depression? * Have a life changing spiritual experience, feel incredible gratitude for everything that has brought you to this point, and become the creator of your life moving forward? **Join us, dear Soul.** The time is now to rise up into your most empowered Self. To love, forgive, and have unconditional self compassion, unlearning the ways you've been taught to judge your emotions, thoughts, and desires. ***When you feel unconditionally loved and supported, you can more easefully bring forward the gifts you came here to share, and the purpose you came here to fulfill.*** The mind can distract you, and make you question your access to this unconditional love, but when you touch the source of it within you, it clarifies any confusion and you remember that it is your birthright. ***This ceremony is an opportunity to open your heart, and gain control of the mind.*** **Forgive yourself at the deepest level, and allow gratitude to guide you toward freedom.** When you forgive yourself and those around you, your power flows back into you. Gratitude is the open door to freedom and abundance, and ***when you recognize the gifts of the lessons life has given you - it becomes easier to let go of anger, resentment, and regret***. As you unravel what has been held and blocked within you, there is a natural alchemy that takes place within the body. Energy that's become stagnant is unfurled, allowing you to open to your natural confidence, peace, and vitality. ***We create and hold you in a loving space to heal and process through old traumas, ancestral karma, and to become more astutely aware of ego identification, leading to freedom, peace, and simplicity.*** **Release negative thought patterns, and rewire your nervous system for harmony and balance.** This ceremony is a safe space for you to look at the negative thoughts and limiting beliefs that hold you back from feeling your freest, clearest, most fully expressed self. Regulate your system through the awareness of breath, body (all levels - mental, emotional, physical & energetic), your 5 senses, and extrasensory perceptions. ***As you re-balance and re-align your system you will be able to see your internal experience more clearly, and also recognize why other people are the way they are, allowing you to have more compassion and forgiveness both for others and yourself.*** The more ***aware*** you are, the better ***regulated*** you are, and from that space you can become the master of your domain. You deserve the space and time to simply be, rest, rejuvenate, and feel the aliveness of living life moment by moment for YOU! **You are fully supported throughout the entire journey.** This ceremony includes the optional combination of pure MDMA along with the psilocybin mushrooms. We have found these medicines work very synergistically together, and offer an amplified level of heart opening. The pure MDMA is optional, and the dosing for both medicines will be based upon your intentions, disposition, prior experience, and current state at the time of the ceremony. After this ceremony you will feel more love for yourself and others, with a heightened sense of courage, strength, and integrity. ***You will want to make better choices, and also have the self-awareness needed to stay accountable to yourself.*** This level of love and clarity will emanate out to reach and impact all those closest to you. ***This is an invitation to open up your heart, and love and forgive yourself through unconditional acceptance. To awaken to your divinity and beauty, and access your greatest gifts of self-healing and conscious creatorship.*** **Ceremony Preparation & Integration** Prior to the ceremony you will receive an in-depth **plant medicine workbook** to help you prepare, questions to ask yourself and a recommended diet to support your experience. We will meet as a group before the ceremony for an **Intention Setting Call**, to connect with each other and share our intentions for the journey. You will also receive a **nervous system regulating practice** that supports in expanding internal awareness, grounding, centering and overall mindfulness. Following the Ceremony we will have an **Integration Call** to support and hold space for continued breakthroughs, challenges and dream weaving. (*All is Included in the Energy Exchange)* \| **Ceremony Day Flow** * Introduction & Sharing of Intentions * Opening the Directions **Mushroom Medicine Ceremony:** **What Can Happen Throughout This Sacred Ceremony** * Calling in Deities to Support Moving Through Energy Blockages & Embodiment of your Highest Virtues. * Shamanic Drumming for Answering Prayers, Deep Emotional Healing, Connecting to Ancestors & True Forgiveness. * Medicine Songs, Frequency Transmissions, Gong, Shruti, Theta Chimes, Animal Spirit Drumming, Crystal Harp, Singing Bowls, etc. * Periods of Pure SilenceEarth Core Connection & Synchronizing with Mother Nature's Clock. * Channelling of Higher Dimensional WisdomInter Dimensional Shifts of Consciousness * Future Visioning into Your Becoming * Energetic Shedding of the Old Self & Re-birthing as Who You Truly Are. **Ceremony Closing** * Integrative Sound Journey * Gratitude Circle & Honouring of Spiritual Supports * Organic, Vegan, Gluten-Free Potluck w/ Integration Circle **Timing** Saturday, April 25th, 2026: 11 AM - 7 PM **Location** Toronto, Ontario (Leslieville) Exact Address Given Upon RSVP **Energy Exchange** $325 = *when deposit is sent by March 31st* $375 = *April 1st or after* (Includes Group Intention Setting Call, Ceremony, Post Ceremony Integration Call, & Prep Material) **\*Price does not include Tax** **\*How to Register\*** Send $84.75 ($75+tax) deposit or the full amount $375 + tax **E-Transfer:** [chris@chrisdubkundalini.com](mailto:chris@chrisdubkundalini.com) **Paypal:** [chrisdubkundalini@gmail.com](mailto:chrisdubkundalini@gmail.com) \*\*Credit Card: [HERE ](https://soulguidednetwork.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aeb32b09d05d01ccc4f8655ff&id=6be5f0baa6&e=fcdf32ca3b)\*\*through paypal *Email [soulguided@soulguidednetwork.com](mailto:soulguided@soulguidednetwork.com) if you are interested in joining the ceremony so you can fill out the intake form & get on a connection call to see if this is a fit. If you have worked with either of us before or we know each other well, you can just send the deposit.* *A couple spots are reserved for financial assistance. If you are in need, reach out to us at: [soulguided@soulguidednetwork.com](mailto:soulguided@soulguidednetwork.com) to start the conversation.* **Cancellation policy:** *If you cancel up to 7 days before the day of the ceremony, you may use payment towards the next ceremony.* \|

Register here: [https://isha.co/free-toronto-meetup](https://isha.co/free-toronto-meetup) **Facilitated by an Isha instructor, this free session offers detailed information about Inner Engineering, designed by Sadhguru. Learn the benefits of the program along with the practices and tools offered. There will also be an opportunity to have your questions answered.** **An interactive session providing insight on:** * **Stress and its impact on the system** * **How yoga & meditation can be effective tools to relieve stress, develop mental clarity & nurture a healthy lifestyle** Sign up for free. Open to all aged 18 yrs and above. Contact: 647 797-3350 or Toronto@ishafoundation.org

Hello everyone, I'd like to invite you out to our Sunday Night Cocktails and Conversations event. -Reserved seating, friendly people, good conversation and cocktails specials all night \*Kitchen will be open too -Please plan to join us if you can :) \*Joined by my other groups too; so we can anticipate a fantastic evening **Time: 7:30 p.m. -9:30 p.m.** **Location:** La Carnita - Good Fortune Bar (Main Floor) **Address:** 130 Eglinton Ave. Toronto, ON M4P 2X9 Event Details Bellow: Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer/Host) Event Details: **Sunday Night COCKTAILS and CONVERSATIONS** -The great thing about this event is you're free to move around to different tables and meet the other members throughout the evening **Cocktails and Conversation Topics** may include but not limited too: Travel, Culture, Spirituality, Relationships, Modern Dating, Work/Life balance, Art, Life (before, during and after) Marriage, Technology, Day Trips, Vacations spots, Passions, Music, Favorite Movies, T.V. Shows, Community, Modern Living, Fashion, Hobbies, Books, Psychology, Philosophy, the Future of A.I. , History, Pop Culture, Theatre, etc.) **Arrival Time:** \*Join us any time between 7:30 pm and 8:00 pm (if you can) for a fun and highly interactive evening as we get to know the members over dinner and great conversations (of your choice) Event goes until roughly 9:30 pm **Event Fee:** 5 dollars (cash only please) (HST included) or in advance by e transfer to **[steveflemming11@gmail.com](http://steveflemming11@gmail.com/)** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Friendly Reminder:** \*One beverage or appetizer minimum to support the venue- this is greatly appreciated :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Parking Available:** \*Plenty of free street parking on Eglinton and (Residential area south/east of venue for free) **Close to Subway Station:** \*Also right beside the Yonge/Eglinton subway station \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

Men by nature are built for action We incline towards building things, working with our hands, and getting things done That’s why we are protectors and providers Similarly, physicality is engrained in our mental and emotional health #### Session includes: * Physical exercise * Guided meditation * Chi-do #### Benefits include: * Find stillness in chaos * Sleep better * Manage cortisol levels * Help you get in shape * Balance your mental, emotional and physical bodies * and more…. #### Cost: $20 drop in \*Location disclosed upon registration\* \*Please RSVP minimum 24 hours in advance\*

Hello everyone, I'd like to invite you out for fabulous Sunday afternoon; with our beloved party game, **Family Feud! (The Best Social Party Game in Town!)** It's going to be a total blast with a game designed to keep us laughing and interacting all afternoon! \*Super easy to learn, play and have fun! *\*Joined by my other social groups too so we can anticipate a fabulous turn out!* **Date:** Sunday April 26th, 2026 **Arrival Time:** Please arrive between 4:00 p.m. -4:30 p.m. **Where to Meet us?** **Location:** La Carnita - (Main Floor) **Address:** 130 Eglinton Ave. Toronto, ON M4P 2X9 **Free Parking:** in Residential area and on Eglinton on the north side-just east of the restaurant **Yonge and Eglinton Subway:** (Very close, 3 minute walking distance) Event Details Below: Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer/Host) https://www.meetup.com/soulcity/ **Details of Event:** **\*\*FAMILY FEUD\*\* (The Best Social Party Game in Town) (Sunday April 26th)** -Lots of laughs in store as we have a great evening making new friends and playing **Family Feud** hosted in a unique group vs group format -Groups will be divided into groups of 4-5 players, with multiple rounds played \*Treats handed out to the winning teams after each round we play \*\* Invite your friends or come on your own; either way we can anticipate a great time! ***It's all about having fun and laughing out loud!*** \-\-\-\- **Event Fee:** 10 dollars (cash only please) (HST included) or in advance by e transfer to **steveflemming11@gmail.com** \-\-\-\-\- \*Plan to come for dinner (one beverage or appetizer minimum to support this wonderful restaurant) (The food is fresh and really good!) \*Includes reserved seating for the group \*Beverage and/or appetizer minimum to support the staff and venue \*Dinner Party after Family Feud at no extra charge :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

When judging morality, should we prioritize **intentions/duty** or **outcomes/results**? It introduces two influential philosophers as representatives of these approaches. * **Immanuel Kant (deontology):** An action is moral when it is done from **duty** and follows rational, universal principles (the **categorical imperative**). Certain acts—like lying—are wrong regardless of the consequences; you can’t do a wrong thing for a right reason. * **John Stuart Mill (utilitarian consequentialism):** The morality of an action is determined by its **effects**, specifically how much **happiness/well-being** it produces. Mill argues that some pleasures are “higher” than others, and that good intentions don’t redeem harmful outcomes. ## Discussion Questions 1. **The lying dilemma:** A murderer comes to your door and asks if your friend is hiding inside. Kant would say you must not lie. 2. **Can good intentions rescue a bad outcome?** 3. **The organ harvest problem:** A surgeon has five patients dying of organ failure and one healthy patient in for a checkup. Killing the one to harvest organs would save five lives, and the math works out for the utilitarian. Why does this feel so deeply wrong? Is that feeling a point in Kant's favor, or just a bias we should overcome? 4. **Do rules need exceptions?** Kant insists moral rules must be universal, with no exceptions. But most of us can imagine extreme scenarios where any rule seems like it should bend. Does the need for exceptions fatally undermine deontology, or is the strength of the system precisely that it refuses to bend? 5. **Who gets to calculate the consequences?** Utilitarianism asks us to maximize good outcomes, but we're notoriously bad at predicting consequences. If we can't reliably know the results of our actions, is it practical to base our entire moral system on outcomes? Does this uncertainty push us back toward rules and principles? 6. **Everyday morality:** Think about a real moral decision you've made recently, even a small one. Did you reason more like a Kantian (what's the right thing to do in principle?) or more like a utilitarian (what will produce the best result?)? Do most people naturally lean one way? 7. **Justice vs. the greater good:** A town can prevent a deadly plague by sacrificing one innocent person. The greater good is clearly served. But is it just? Can an action be morally right and deeply unjust at the same time? 8. **The big synthesis question:** Are these two systems actually opposed, or do they often arrive at the same answers by different paths? Is it possible that we need both: rules to guide us in the moment and consequences to evaluate systems and policies over time?

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

You can also join the meeting by Conference Call at (518) 263-8851.

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B 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. All backgrounds are welcome.

Evolve exists to connect women entrepreneurs connect with one another, serve one another, and help one another overcome challenges in marketing, sales, networking, and professional development. **[Add to Calendar](https://www.evolvewomensnetwork.com/columbus-oh.html)** **What to Expect:** \~ Welcome team to greet you, introduce you to others, and make sure you feel a part of the group from your very first meeting \~ Welcome & Introductions: 15 second introductions \~ 15 Minute Speaker Spotlight: Member speaker who shares a bit of her story, how she got to doing what she does, and a tangible tip she uses to gain success in her business. No hard selling...no expectations. Simply giving the group an opportunity to get to know her and her journey. \~ 20 Minute Break Out Sessions: Small groups is where we connect best. Extroverted and Introverted alike get the opportunity to share on a deeper level and learn from one another. \~ Take Aways: Hear what the other groups talked about and share resources to grow yourself and your business \~ Grow Time!: Do you need a specific connection to a person, company, or industry? Share it with us! We love to open our networks to one another and grow together! Guests are always welcome. Please contact Mentor Director Donna Schomer at Donna@EvolveWomensNetwork.com for more information. We'd love to meet you!

Walk for Children - 2026 Save Soil Walkathon in Columbus 🌍 Over 52% of the world soil is degraded and scientists warn we may have only a few decades of fertile soil left. As Sadhguru shares, soil is a living system—and when it degrades, our food, health, and future are at risk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyT-6qiubd0 🚶‍♂️🌎This Earth Day, Join the Walk for Children-2026 SaveSoil 5K Walkathon here in Columbus and help raise awareness about soil for the future of our children! Every step you take helps: ✔️ 1. Raise awareness in your communities about protecting and restoring soil. ✔️ 2. Supports sustainable food systems. ✔️ 3. Helps secure our children’s future. 📅 Date: April 26, 2026 📍 Location: Scioto Audubon Metro Park Check-in address 400 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215 ⏰ Time: 8:30 a.m. check-in event starts at 9:30 a.m. 👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walk-for-children-2026-save-soil-walkathon-in-columbus-registration-1986596534713?aff=oddtdtcreator 👉🏼Free and Open to All. Share this message and bring your neighbours, friends & family along to celebrate our planet! Let’s make it happen!