Free Thinker

**What we talk about when we talk about AI** Wendy Grossman We talk about “artificial intelligence” as if it were a single thing, but in reality it’s an umbrella term that can mean anything from a computer program that generates an image from a prompt composed of a few words or automates keeping meetings notes to a non-biological superhuman consciousness to which we seem as dumb as a computer program that prints “Hello, world” seems to us. The issue is exacerbated by a number of factors: the hype “AI” companies’ marketing people sprinkle on everything; the depictions in science fiction books, movies, and TV shows; and, not least, our eternal desire for companions and superhuman guardians and our ability to anthropomorphize absolutely anything. This talk will tease apart some of these threads, and provide some guidelines in deciding how to navigate the difference between the state of the art and fantasy. Wendy M. Grossman is the founder and former editor of The Skeptic magazine. For 35 years, she has focused on computers, freedom, and privacy in books and for publications such as the Guardian, the Daily Telegraph, New Scientist, Scientific American, and Wired. Since 2001 she has published a weekly blog, net.wars. She is also a sometimes folksinger.

Join us for a Free 10 Week Course - Monday evenings 7:30-9:00pm All Welcome - Join any Week Week 1 - Getting your Self Realisation - Achieving Yoga - Starts Feb 16th 2026 Venue: Ealing Quakers House, 17 Woodville Road, Ealing, W5 2SE Meditation has been used as a source of serenity for millennia. The combination of deep inner silence and a renewed spiritual awakening has helped thousands of people from all walks of life achieve a sense of balance they never thought possible. We know there are many meditation practices on offer across the world, but we're confident that you'll find something special in Sahaja Yoga. It's not just the meditation itself, it's the overall connection with our core being, the feeling of being comfortable in our own skin again. This comes from the powerful effect of the energies flowing in balance as they should do. Meditation should be more than just feeling relaxed in the moment. It should lead to a transformative experience which takes us to a new level of awareness and empowerment. Over time we should grow and evolve into the person we know we can be, the person which maybe we've lost as we've faced the challenges of adult life. But please don't take our word for it, come and experience it for yourself.

The Sylvans will hold a debate on the following motion: ***TBC.*** All are welcome to attend without pre-registration - we have new joiners all the time, and no experience is required. Attendees are welcome to participate or simply observe. The event will take place at Ye Olde Cock Tavern, 22 Fleet Street, simply turn up at 6:45 for a 7pm start. We will offer a hybrid online option for these longer debates. Please contact us to receive joining details. If the maximum 10 attendees on Meetup become filled, you are welcome simply to join on the night without registering. For more information please see [our website](http://sylvans.org.uk).

Want to feel more confident in English? Join our friendly group classes and practise in a relaxed, supportive environment. ✔ Improve your grammar and comprehension ✔ Build your vocabulary and speaking skills ✔ Meet new people while learning ✔ Gain a certificate for good attendance ✔ Classes are completely **free** because the teachers are training with the University of Cambridge accredited CELTA course No cost. No pressure. Just real learning, face-to-face. 📅 Mondays & Wednesdays 🕡 6:30 – 8:30 pm 📍24 Great Chapel St. London W1F 8FS (near Tottenham Court rd) ✅ Everyone welcome!

An easy way to take time out: a **30-minute guided meditation** to pause, let go of your day, unwind your mind and create a space for calm and peace. **This is a free in-person meditation.** **If you would like to make a voluntary donation, please click** [here.](https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/ "https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/") \* I consent to my submitted data being collected and stored. We will process your personal data in line with the GDPR requirements and always store it securely and use it only for the purpose for which it has been collected. We will not pass on your details to any third parties without your consent.

Come and join us every week day from 12.45pm - 2.45pm. Classes for levels elementary to upper-intermediate (A1+ - B2+) Improve your fluency, listening and reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary with our friendly classes. No payment needed - the classes are **completely free** because the teachers are training with a University of Cambridge accredited program. Join us at 24 Great Chapel St, London, W1F 8FS Take the level test in advance for more information about classes for your level (link to the level test: https://forms.gle/mn3hqUgo3BRLyAUi7) and wait for up to one business day for more information. OR Come 15 minutes early on your first day to do a quick speaking test and find your classroom. See you soon!

Join us for open minded discussions and the opportunity to learn from other people's perspectives and life experiences. This episode will explore the topic of 'RACE' by way of three original thought experiments written by Sharda, deep thinker and TEiP regular 😊 We'll meet at the beautiful Betjeman Arms in St Pancras Station. Spaces are limited and tickets sell out fast, so get your ticket early if you want to be there! **THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS** \- posted in the comments below on the day of the event **[WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DapwAXpnOHO5DRYThobpe4)** \- stay in the loop **[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/thoughtexperimentsinpubs/)** \- see what we look like \(including The People of TEiP project\) **[SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/)** \- sign up for the newsletter **The idea:** A chance to meet and talk meaningfully about thought provoking topics. **How we'll do it** (timings approximate): * 7:00pm - Arrive at The Betjeman Arms. You can access the pub either from the street (entrance to the right of The St Pancras Hotel entrance) or via St Pancras Station (entrance from the upstairs train platforms). We'll be in the private dining room - ask at the bar if you can't find us. * Organise ourselves into small groups (3-4 people per group) * Have a look at the **thought experiments** (announced on the day of the event) * 7:15 - First rotation begins - Talk about the first thought experiment, but feel free to veer off topic. * 7:35 - Optional reshuffle: swap groups, move on to the second thought experiment. * 8:00 - Optional reshuffle: swap groups, move on to the third thought experiment. * 8:25pm - Wrap up - hear about upcoming events, feedback/requests for future meetups. * 8:30 Meetup ‘ends’. But feel free to carry on conversations. We have the room until 10pm and usually a lot of us stay until then :-) **Notes on the general atmosphere**: * The vibe is to let conversation flow rather than stick strictly to one topic. * While we'd like to talk about 'meaningful things', we also see the value in lighter topics, so don't worry about not being 'deep' enough! * Feel free to suggest ideas for future Thought Experiments in Pubs meetup groups, both in terms of structure and topics to discuss. **Where we'll meet**: This group will be at The Betjeman Arms. The nearest Tube station is King's Cross St. Pancras. You can access the pub either from the street (entrance to the right of The St Pancras Hotel entrance) or via St Pancras Station (entrance from the upstairs train platforms). We'll be in the private dining room - ask at the bar if you can't find us. **Who should come**: Everyone! We believe that the more perspectives, the richer the conversation. This group is not about being experts in Philosophy, it is about *doing* philosophy. That is, bringing our various life experiences and lenses on the world to group discussions about the human experience, the nature of reality... etc.... I'm so looking forward to meeting & talking with you in this beautiful location :-) If you would like to further support me & these meetups, you can do so here: [https://buymeacoffee.com/bonnyastor](https://buymeacoffee.com/bonnyastor) Thank you!

**What does energy really mean for ordinary lives - for safety, dignity, education, and opportunity?** Few of us stop to ask why it matters so profoundly. In this thought-provoking talk, award-winning science communicator Zion Lights reveals the human story behind one of the most misunderstood forces in our world. Drawing from her new book Energy is Life, she explores how access to energy has lifted billions from hardship, empowered communities, and opened the door to human flourishing. Blending personal insight with scientific clarity, Zion challenges assumptions, demystifies modern technologies, and offers a hopeful, humane vision of our shared future. She examines why our intuitions about risk often mislead us, how cognitive biases shape public debates, and what we can do to think more clearly in an age of misinformation. Sharing her own journey from anti-technology activism to evidence-based advocacy, Zion makes a grounded case that science, reason, and abundant clean energy are essential to human progress and human flourishing. **Zion Lights** …is an award-winning Science Communicator and environmental advocate who makes complex science clear and compelling. She explores energy, climate, and technology through the lens of human challenges, showing how curiosity and evidence can shape a better future. Her work combines technical clarity with a sense of wonder, helping people see the big questions and the choices that define our civilisation. Zion is the author of the forthcoming book Energy is Life, which shows how science, technology, and the choices we make today can transform our energy systems and bring power to those who need it most. **To see more of Zion’s work visit her [website](https://www.zionlights.co.uk/). Zion blogs at [Everything is Light](https://zionlights.substack.com) and is active on [X](https://x.com/ziontree), [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKy3KeTxmLKYtMnItja_ftg), [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@zilovesscience), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/zion.lights/) and [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:whda7f6fim77kl26rnwga7lk).** **Pre-order her book [here](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Energy-Life-Environmentalism-Went-Nuclear/dp/1917458452/).** **Schedule** 6:30 PM: join for socialising and drinks 7 PM: presentation 7:45 PM: drinks break 8 PM: Q&A 8:30 PM: ends, moving on to postevent pub social **Post event social** As after all our in-person talks at the Old Diorama Arts Centre, we will move on to a local pub for a post event social. So from 8:30 PM we will be going to the [Queen's Head and Artichoke](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nXy9yvWcywRM1Hir6), 30-32 Albany St, London NW1 4EA. **Payment** We ask for a **£5 donation to attend** this talk, which can be paid on the door. (Or pay what you can afford.) If you would prefer to make the £5 donation online or can't attend and would still like to support the event [please click here](https://square.link/u/yIrpwGDk). Alternatively you can do a transfer using our account details: Central London Humanist Group, Sort code: 30-94-25, Account number: 19143068, Reference: Talk Beacon **Please note this event will be recorded and we will take photos for publication on CLH media channels. If you do not wish to be featured in video or photographs please contact the CLH team in advance or make us aware at the event.** **Resources and FAQs** …for members, supporters, and participants in CLH activities See [here for our knowledge base](https://clhorganisers.notion.site/Central-London-Humanists-knowledge-base-7ff2374eee1e43c0938123e894f37e5f) packed with important, useful information about the group, the organisers, and what we offer the community. See [here for our code of conduct and complaints policy](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Reeh69cv38DHeBnexNwOAKoeRb2dwDM3k9xaJ2tM5EA/mobilebasic). **Our events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian**. We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large.

Join us for a relaxed group walk in Epping Forest while exploring personality theory and cognitive functions. This informal meetup is open to anyone interested in MBTI, Jungian cognitive functions, or personality discussions in general—whether you're experienced or just curious. Expect a casual walk, thoughtful conversation, and a chance to connect with like-minded people.

These fortnightly sessions are dedicated to the discussion and exploration of an idea that I, as the organiser, have planned. No prior reading or knowledge is required. For more information, please visit https://www.think-philosophy.group/about/

**GO TO EVENTBRITE FOR LINK TO MEETING:** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/594084461617?aff=oddtdtcreator This is an RfR-wide event, not tied to a particular location. \*NOTE: This meeting is solely for individuals who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Asexual, or any other non-traditional gender or sexuality. Please do not join if this does not describe you. The Recovering from Religion LGBTQA+ VIRTUAL support group will meet the 3rd Sunday of each month @ 2pm Central Time (USA), unless the date falls on a holiday. This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom, and a link will be provided upon registration through Eventbrite. It is our goal to provide a safe, respectful, and confidential space for folks struggling with issues related to religious harm, doubt, or non-belief. Attendees are welcome to share, and may also decide to remain anonymous if they so choose. Real names are not required. Cameras are not required to be on. No disrespect will be tolerated. Trolls will be ejected and reported immediately. Late attendees may or may not be admitted, at the hosts discretion. What Recovering from Religion Is About Do you doubt your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone—and we are here to help. Recovering from Religion (RfR) exists to provide ongoing, personal support for individuals who are examining, changing, or choosing to let go of their religious beliefs. We are not here to deconvert anyone or tell you what to believe. We are here to offer understanding, support, and healing during what can often be a challenging and emotional transitional period. This kind of transition can bring a wide range of feelings and may have a ripple effect across many areas of life. RfR Support Group meetings are designed to be safe, anonymous spaces where you can openly share doubts, fears, and experiences—without judgment, proselytizing, or biased feedback. If you need someone to talk to before your meeting date, RfR offers both a hotline and an online chat for immediate support. Call (844) 368-2848 or visit www.recoveringfromreligion.org to chat online. There is no cost to attend our support groups. If you feel inspired to contribute, donations can be made at: www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate Please note that RfR volunteers are peer supporters, not licensed therapists. If you feel you may benefit from professional mental health support, we encourage you to explore the Secular Therapy Project. This service connects you with thoroughly vetted therapists who provide only evidence-based, non-religious treatment—no rosaries, no faith healing. Fees, insurance, and sliding scale options vary by provider. Learn more at www.seculartherapy.org. Looking for reliable information but don’t know where to start? Browse our extensive resource database: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/resources Love what RfR does? Consider volunteering! We offer a variety of roles and would be glad to have you. Explore opportunities at www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Unable to make it to a meeting—or want to attend more? Support groups are offered nearly every day, most of them online. You do not need to live in the same city or state to join a virtual group. View our full calendar here: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/sg-calendar Have feedback or concerns? Please share your thoughts with us through our anonymous feedback form: https://forms.gle/abxkXCCPCbxjFQuY8 For all RfR links, programs, and resources in one place, visit our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/RecoveringFromReligion

\*\*Fadi K & F K Dance team - present The best Salsa Night the UK has ever seen. **With FREE INTRO SALSA CLASS at 7:00PM** & Free Entry All Night !! Classes 7:00 PM - FREE INTRO TO SALSA CLASS This Class is an introduction to our regular 2 hours salsa classes run every Thursday 7:30 & 8:30 **CROSS BODY SALSA** 7:30 Level 1 & Level 2/3 8:30 Level 1, Level 2 & level 3/4 Beginners / improvers / intermediate **Teachers** ▪️Fadi K & Cristina Varga ▪️Camy Marina ▪️Tiffany Salsera ▪️Chris diamond ▪️F K Dance Team & Guests on Rotation DJs ▪️ Fadi K & Guests on rotation PRICES £10 FOR 1 CLASS £15 FOR 2 CLASS A night brought & created by dancers to the dancers. Great dance floor / Happy hour / ultimate location & late party till 11am. More info 07907945534

If an alien landed in Britain of 2026, it might well conclude that things have never been worse for women. That to be a woman in the neoliberal, post-sexual revolution West is just a vale of tears: bodily, emotionally, reproductively, and socially. Except, that's not at all the truth, is it? In Good Slut, Zoe Strimpel argues the exact opposite, that things have never been better for women, and the fact that this is a taboo shows how far off the right piste we're going. She takes aim at what she sees as a culture of female victimhood, arguing instead that women in the modern West enjoy unprecedented freedom—socially, sexually, and economically. The book is a forceful defence of the sexual revolution and a call to embrace agency, ambition, and desire without apology. It argues for a proud promiscuity: not just sexual, but in all other things too. This argument has sparked sharp disagreement. Critics have questioned whether Strimpel downplays the real costs of modern dating culture, from the effects of pornography and dating apps to the persistence of exploitation and dissatisfaction. Others argue that her dismissal of “victimhood” overlooks genuine problems—or that her vision of liberation risks collapsing into a defence of whatever currently exists.  Join us for a candid conversation on sex, freedom, and the deeper ideas at stake: what does genuine independence actually require—and is modern culture helping us achieve it, or standing in the way?

A **smaller, quieter, and less rushed** edition of THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS IN PUBS. At TEiP DEEP, we have the chance to spend a whole hour and a half on **one thought experiment**, exploring different perspectives, coming up with new questions, listening and learning from one another. **How it works:** \- We split into small groups for each chapter of the thought experiment \(3\-4\)\. \- We shuffle every 25 mins to meet new people and change things up\. \- And at the end we'll have a brief group reflection\, sharing ideas and insights \- this will be lightly facilitated to ensure that everyone has a chance to speak if they want to \(no pressure\)\. Some simple ground rules to keep our conversation the best it can be: * respect for one another’s perspectives, beliefs, time (etc.) * confidentiality of personal stories * own your perspective * you don’t have to talk if you don’t want to. Our aim is the same as our bigger Thought Experiments in Pubs meetups: **a chance to meet and talk at about meaningful, thought provoking things**. Although we’ll be going a bit ‘deeper’, we’ll keep the intention to have an enjoyable evening, with good humour and fun. Places are limited to 15-20 people and tickets are £5. Please update your RSVP if you can no longer attend so that someone else can have your place. **Who should come:** Everyone! We believe that the more perspectives, the richer the conversation. This group is not about being experts in Philosophy, it is about *doing* philosophy. That is, bringing our various life experiences and lenses on the world to group discussions about the human experience, the nature of reality... etc. etc.... **Where we'll meet:** The Fitzroy Tavern in Fitzrovia. The nearest Tube stations are Goodge Street and Tottenham Court Road. Looking forward to meeting & talking with you :-) **[SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/)** \- reflections\, invitations and newsletter **[WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D13LHw5BV3rEtUtO3ORklC)** \- stay in the loop **[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/thoughtexperimentsinpubs/)** \- see what we look like **[FACEBOOK](www.facebook.com/thoughtexperimentsinpub)** \- ditto **[WEBSITE](www.alltogether.one)** \- everything else #inclusivity #openmindedness #deepdive #TEiPdeep #philosophy #greatconversations

This month's prompt concerns the idea of the “warrior philosopher” (seemed appropriate in these times)--that is someone whose understanding of violence, power, and justice is forged through direct experience of war. We are looking at Major General Smedley D. Butler, a highly decorated U.S. Marine raised in a Quaker (pacifist) tradition who later became a prominent critic of American militarism (there is a wonderful biography of Gen. Butler called "Gangsters of Capitalism") Butler's argument in *War Is a Racket* (1935): that many U.S. interventions were driven less by national defense than by corporate and financial interests, with Butler portraying himself as an enforcer for business and Wall Street. We can consider the moral ambiguity of his insider critique—whether complicity strengthens or undermines credibility and also consider some of the concrete reforms he proposed (e.g., “conscript” capital before soldiers, restrict the military to coastal defense, and have only those who fight decide on war). Butler’s life arc clearly changed from pacifist upbringing to warrior to antiwar crusader—and asks whether true understanding of peace requires firsthand knowledge of war, and what that implies about the cost of suffering. So do we need to suffer to understand suffering? Do we have to experience war to appreciate peace? As one more question: in the movie "A Few Good Men" Jack Nicholson's character says that "you have the luxury of not knowing what I know" so do most of us go through life oblivious to real violence and suffering? See you at Drunken Philosophy!

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!

Main Library, Meeting Room 3B 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.