Humanity

Connecting people into Philosophy. All welcome. No previous philosophical experience needed. **What it is** Philosophy in the Park is a fun and friendly space for people to come together and have discussions that get deep. It’s a safe space where active creative thinking is encouraged and enjoyed, and where everyone can explore abstract concepts in a way that combines both sincerity and playfulness. Where the most important question is always - what do you think? **What is Philosophy?** Philosophy is about analysing concepts. It's thinking about thinking. It's not about empiricism or the physical world (eg Science and statistics). It's about abstractions, concepts and ideas (eg Identity, Morality, Mind and Truth). **How Philosophy in the Park Works** * Each hour begins with a group vote on which questions to discuss. You can vote for more than one question if you'd like. * We then break out into groups, each focusing on one of the chosen questions. The question is just a starting point and it's cool if you go on tangents and end up talking about different things. You're welcome to join in and participate or if you'd prefer to sit back and enjoy the conversation, that’s also welcome. * After an hour we regroup, take a quick break and then repeat all over again. So across the 3 hours, we’ll break out 3 times. **Where it is** We meet at Baroness Burdett Coutts Drinking Fountain in Victoria Park (East Park). It is marked down as "13" on the official maps found in the park. Please feel free to bring snacks and drinks with you if you want. After the event finishes most people stay and hang out. There’s a local supermarket to get drinks and snacks, or bring your own. You are very welcome to join us. **Guidelines** In order to make the conversations as fun, interesting and productive as possible please follow these simple guidelines: 1. Keep it Philosophical (No Science, no History, no Sociology, no Evolutionary Psychology, no contestable facts, personal anecdotes etc). 2. Think for Yourself (No phones, no looking up definitions, no name dropping Philosophers / books you've read). 3. Tangents are Cool (Don't worry too much if the subject drifts and you don't answer the question). 4. Keep it Succinct (Like this). 5. Be Excellent to Each Other (But of course). Please remember: It's not about debating and trying to win - it's about listening to people and working collaboratively to increase our collective understanding. **Community** Follow us on instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/londonphilosophycollective/](https://www.instagram.com/londonphilosophycollective/) We have a WhatsApp group if you'd like to continue these conversations between meetings. To join the Philosophy in the Park WhatsApp Group please click here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK) In order to stop spam bots this will take you to a Waiting Room. Once in please write your name, answer the joining question and we will add you to the main chat. **Say Thanks** If you would like to help support Philosophy in the Park you can buy me a coffee here: [https://buymeacoffee.com/philosophyjoel](https://buymeacoffee.com/philosophyjoel)

For this iteration of the Philosophy of Life Sciences Reading Group, we will explore the relationship between technology and feminism through Helen Hester’s Xenofeminism, focusing specifically on the first chapter. Xenofeminism (XF) is a technomaterialist, anti-naturalist, and gender-abolitionist form of feminism. With it provocative motto "If nature is unjust, change nature!", XF reimagines feminism within the accelerationist/prometheanist wave. Should we embrace technology and depart from nature to achieve emancipation? Anyone from any background is welcome! If you’d like the pdf or to ask any question feel free to drop me a message. Please don’t worry too much about the RSVP list: we usually have 5-10 people attending already. Doors open at 12:00, the discussion will start at 12:30pm.

"*The experiments I am about to relate may be repeated with great ease, whenever the sun shines."* North Downs nature from Zone 6! On Thomas Young's birthday in 1773, this walk links places connected with two great intellects. Armed with a piece of board into which he cut a couple of slits, in 1803 Thomas Young proved for the first time that light travels in waves. A year later he was developing a theory of capillary phenomena and surface tension. Also defined the term 'energy'. When not expanding knowledge of physics, there was time to decipher the Rosetta Stone and define as a group the Indo-European languages. Thomas ended up at Farnborough in Kent, whose church sits on the edge of open countryside, invisible to the metropolis that lurks behind. Along the way we'll lunch at Downe, home of Charles Darwin. "*Besides love and sympathy, animals exhibit other qualities connected with the social instincts which in us would be called moral."* Plenty of ups and downs along the way🚶‍➡️ WALK START: 10.30 AM from NEW ADDINGTON tram stop (Zone 6). Village stop at lunchtime. Bring a packed lunch. Walk ends at ORPINGTON station (Zone 6). Travelcards, Oyster & Contactless cover all travel. *How to join?* * The walk is entirely free of charge; * You only arrange for your own travel and pub expenses; * Understand our terms and conditions below (the "IMPORTANT" part); * Understand how to stay safe outdoors, as you will be responsible for yourself. See our quick safety tips: http://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/ *What to bring* * Plenty of water, 1-2 litres recommended * Enough snacks and packed lunch to keep you energized along the walk * Extra snacks and an extra packed lunch just in case * Rainproof (ideally waterproof) clothing, sturdy shoes/boots you don't mind getting muddy * Spare socks * Walking poles and/or an umbrella :-) * Yourself... * ...and your camera! * Cash for train ticket * Cash for pub at the end of the walk? Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section! IMPORTANT Please bear in mind this is a free of charge, self-guided trip with a hobby group. It is not organized by a business nor any entity with commercial purposes. Any trip details, travel advice, route planning, instructions and other content in our group merely represent our shared personal knowledge, research and suggestions as outdoor enthusiasts. As this is no business, there is no "product", "service" or "package" and also no "tour guide", "operator" or "walk leader". Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Even if some of us are very experienced walking outdoors, nobody assumes responsibility for any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen. Despite this, we take extreme precautions and all trips we plan are very safe, fun, highly educational and popular. Our experienced members volunteer their time and effort to shape a pleasant and quality adventure for everyone :-) By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer. Here are our tips on staying safe during outdoor trips: http://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/ TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION, INSURANCE Although we provide detailed suggestions, each participant is expected to arrange their own travel and (if required) accommodation - this gives everyone the freedom and choice to join from wherever they want and stay wherever they want. Anyone interested in travel or outdoor insurance should also arrange this on their own. As mentioned above we always take extreme precautions, but some people may still feel safer if covered. We advise not to buy tickets until the day. People getting tickets from the same station are encouraged to meet early on the day to benefit from discounts such as GroupSave.

We've got a new art club! At MMM (Monthly Manga Meetup, every artist has great value to get support from a community of other artists. There will be drawing and storytelling games as well as opportunities to exhange opinions and discuss artwork . MMM is a safe space to grow and find encouragment while having fun with manga and comics!

We love a good chat. Come and join us at Table 45

I am loving some of the competition categories, they sound so much fun!. Attendance fee of £4 for my hosting and the social bit, to cover site costs. Tickets for entry to the dog show are free. I only booked a few tickets so please only RSVP if you know you can make it. Thank you. "The Greenwich Dog Show is back – and it’s set to be bigger, better, and more tail-waggingly fun than ever before!" "Join us on Sunday 24 May for a spectacular celebration of all things canine. This year, we’re going all out with an expanded competition, more paw-some prizes, and an exciting marketplace packed with everything a dog (or their human) could wish for – from gourmet pet bakeries and boutique pet hotels to canine fertility clinics and specialist retailers." Their programme starts at 10am but that's a bit early for me for getting there. Each competition has two slots so we'll see quite a few in the afternoon as well. We can decide which sound the most interesting and spend time at the stalls as well. Let me know what catches your attention! I'm very drawn to Best Rescue Dog and Best Trick! The programme: [https://ornc.org/whats-on/greenwich-dog-show/](https://ornc.org/whats-on/greenwich-dog-show/) Let's go for coffee or a drink afterwards to chat and rest our feet.

Register: [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/meaningful-connections-singles-gathering-ages-3555-tickets-1990484216875?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/meaningful-connections-singles-gathering-ages-3555-tickets-1990484216875?aff=oddtdtcreator) A relaxed singles gathering for ages 35–55 seeking genuine connection and meaningful companionship in Kensington & Chelsea. \#\#\# Meaningful Connections \| Singles Gathering \(Ages 35–55\) Join us for a relaxed and welcoming evening designed for single people who are genuinely looking to build something lasting. This is not a speed dating event, and there’s no pressure, awkward games, or forced interactions — just an opportunity to meet like-minded people in a comfortable setting, enjoy good conversation, and connect naturally with others who are intentional about who they meet. Whether you’re newly single, returning to dating after some time away, or simply tired of the usual apps and casual dating culture, this gathering offers a more grounded and authentic way to meet people. **What to expect:** * A friendly, low-pressure atmosphere * Thoughtful conversations and genuine connections * A curated age group of 35–55 * A respectful environment for people seeking something meaningful **Important details:** * Friday, 13 June * Location: Kensington & Chelsea area, London * Free to attend * Registration is required to receive the exact venue location Spaces are limited to help keep the event relaxed and balanced, so early registration is recommended. We look forward to welcoming you. Register: [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/meaningful-connections-singles-gathering-ages-3555-tickets-1990484216875?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/meaningful-connections-singles-gathering-ages-3555-tickets-1990484216875?aff=oddtdtcreator)

What philosophical dilemmas/deep questions have been living in your mind rent free lately?

Sunday rehearsal with Castellers of London. Meet us at the OBC Community Centre to help build human towers! This get together is a great opportunity for you to meet new friends, socialise and have a go and explore your abilities as a human tower builder a.k.a Casteller! For newcomers we have a team of trained Castellers who will introduce you to the group, guide you through the activity and help you safely take part in this unique Catalan tradition. When you arrive just approach us as we are really friendly! If in doubt ask for Cuss! Please let us know if you are bringing guests. After the rehearsal we go to a nearby pub for social drinks where everyone is welcome :) What do you need? 1. Ideally a cotton shirt: to protect your neck and shoulders, the more durable the shirt/top the better. We do not recommend any thin items of clothing! 2. Jeans: allowing you to move freely without breaking. 3. Mask: We still require the use of a mask as you will be very close to your fellow Castellers - basically you will be hugging people! The rest of the equipment is on us! We take health and safety very seriously, both in relation to COVID-19 and also the activity- please be assured that the safety of all participants is of the utmost importance to us and we take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk, ensuring we all have a great time! Our regular members won't be filling in the Meet Up to say they are going 🙂 So don't be put off if you see only a handful have said they are going. A minimum of 25 on the day is normal. What the Meet Up may show is how many new people like yourself are going.

If you love anime & manga then please join us for our weekly meetups, where we basically just sit, chat and read anime & manga! We usually sit in the back of the pub. If the weather is nice we may sit outside at the back of the pub, or even outside on the downstairs floor. In this meetup, you can BYOM (bring your own manga) or read one from the selection we will bring. See this as an opportunity to discover, recommend or simply enjoy Japanese comics & anime with like-minded people! Note: This is not a book club. Also, the TCR bar is kind enough to allow us to use their space to host this meetup, and has asked if possible for attendees to support the venue by purchasing a drink or food while you're there. Please don't bring your own food or drink to consume at the venue, as the venue does not allow this!

*This event is closed and all tickets have been sold* **Group Travel Ticket (Optional)** Participation in group travel is optional. You are welcome to attend the hike using your own transport. The hike itself is free of charge. 🚨 **PLEASE PAY BY TUESDAY 09 JUNE 12:00** Scroll down for payment details **EVENT** Saxon Shore Way: Hastings to Rye [**[HERE](https://www.meetup.com/freehiketogether/events/314872036)**] **DATE** Saturday 13 June 2026 **IMPORTANT** Anyone who signs up for a group ticket but does not make payment may be removed to allow others to take their place. **THIS OFFER IS FOR YOU IF** * You want to pay £13 total travel cost for the day * You are happy to travel in a group of four * You understand that individual tickets are not issued * You will travel London Victoria ⇄ Hastings *Note: The hike will end in Rye, which means you will need to buy an additional single ticket from Rye to Hastings, as the Southern Rail ticket does not cover this part of the journey.* \-\-\- **HOW IT WORKS** * You pay **£13 in advance** * Once a group of four is confirmed, tickets are purchased * If a group is not formed, you receive a full refund \-\-\- **REFUNDS** A full refund will be issued if a group of four participants is not formed. Once National Rail tickets have been purchased, they are non-refundable. However, if another participant is willing to purchase your ticket from you, you may be able to recover the cost. \-\-\- **PAYMENT** *This event is closed and all tickets have been sold* \-\-\- **CONTACT** WhatsApp - AdrianB: +44 (0) 7438 812 663 \-\-\- 📍 **MEETING POINT** **Walt** will be present as a focal point for group travel with group tickets. 07:20 Meet at London Victoria Station ticket office 07:40 Leave the meeting point and board the train 07:54 Train departs London Victoria 09:58 Arrive in Hastings Journey time: 2 hours and 4 minutes **For the return from Rye, buy a single ticket from Rye to Hastings for £5.55.** \-\-\- **JOINING EN ROUTE** You may join at stations like Clapham Junction or East Croydon. You must have your own valid ticket to pass through barriers at those stations. \-\-\- **❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS** **Can I leave the group and travel alone later?** No. You must stay with your group of four for the entire journey. **Will I get an individual ticket?** No. This is a group ticket only. **Will the group of four receive a ticket?** Yes, as long as all four travel together. **Who holds the tickets?** The organiser will hold the tickets, and the group must pass through barriers together. \-\-\- **⚠️ FINAL NOTE** If you are late and miss the group, the group will continue without you. \-\-\- **PAID:** 01 Claire 02 Denise 03 Emily 04 Roni \-\-\- 05 Yaswi Agarwal 06 Jay 07 Lauren 08 Anne \-\-\- 09 Fabian 10 James Angus 11 Ahmet 12 Walt \-\-\- 13 Samer Aldardari 14 Marianne Thorndahl 15 Tiger 16 Navraj \-\-\- 17 kirstybeatricerobinson 18 Angela 19 Niko 20 Stephen \-\-\- 21 Benjamin (EmilyGuest1) 22 Elvira (EmilyGuest2) 23 Sorca 24 Moulay Idris **NOT PAID:** Emil - Removed \-\-\- **NOTE** If you prefer to arrange your own travel, you can purchase tickets directly from National Rail **[HERE](https://ticket.southernrailway.com/daysave/2026-06-13/VIC/4/)**.

A regular meetup for those committed to practising and improving their Arabic. It is designed for those who know the very basics and want a structured opportunity to practise reading, listening, speaking, and building confidence. If you're still learning the very basics but want some motivation to keep going, you're very welcome to join. Note: This is a practice group facilitated by a native speaker - not a formal teacher or taught class, and not a Quran teaching session. 📚 SESSION FORMAT: ⏱️ 30 mins Intro & Social: We'll go around and introduce ourselves in Arabic. Feel free to prepare 2-3 sentences beforehand if you don't like being put on the spot! 🗣️ 60 mins Structured Practice: A focused session practising together with guidance : ◾ Taking turns reading passages aloud ◾ Listening to excerpts from an audiobook ◾ Working together to translate and understand the text 💬 Continued Socialising: Feel free to stick around afterwards for more informal chat and connection. ✊ Note: Active Muslims is equally about focusing on the actual activity, in this case, it is a practice session requiring mental engagement and active participation (and not just a social), therefore it is advised to approach and attend these events with that mindset, intention and purpose. 📍 LOCATION: Barbican ⌚ MEET: By the cafe G Level (Benugo) ⏱️ TIME: Meet from **11:00am** for intros and socialising. The practice session starts promptly at **11:30am** insha'Allah. 🎒 What to bring: 📚 Any Arabic texts you would like to read 🎧 Headphones (optional, if you prefer listening privately) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ If you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to free up your spot for someone on the waiting list. ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ 🌐 **[@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims)** *(Follow for latest events updates)*

Join the NoVa Psychedelic Meetup group for a chill happy hour and dinner meetup! Come connect with friendly, open-minded people, share conversation, and enjoy a welcoming evening together. Everyone is welcome. This is a great chance to build community, meet others in the area, and enjoy good food and drinks in a casual setting. Feel free to bring a friend. We hope to see you there! **Details:** Date: Tuesday, June 16 Time: 5:55 PM to ? Location: Ozzie's Good Eats 11880 Grand Commons Ave, Fairfax, VA 22030

Where did political correctness and "woke" come from? At least part of the answer lies in the modern development of **Postmodernism**. This meeting will be the first of a series of discussions of the book ***Explaining Postmodernism: Skepticism and Socialism from Rousseau to Foucault*, by Stephen Hicks.** For the meeting, please read (or listen to) chapter 1. This book can be found in audiobook format on YouTube, read by the author, entirely for free: [YOUTUBE LINK](https://youtu.be/qcSb6VCRoMc?si=IQYiGodxXPeOQVNg) The book is available in multiple formats on Amazon: [LINK](https://a.co/d/0h0mUD5V) Tracing postmodernism from its roots in Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Immanuel Kant to their development in thinkers such as Michel Foucault and Richard Rorty, philosopher Stephen Hicks provides a provocative account of why postmodernism has been the most vigorous intellectual movement of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Why do skeptical and relativistic arguments have such power in the contemporary intellectual world? Why do they have that power in the humanities but not in the sciences? Why has a significant portion of the political Left--the same Left that traditionally promoted reason, science, equality for all, and optimism--now switched to themes of anti-reason, anti-science, double standards, and cynicism? Explaining Postmodernism is intellectual history with a polemical twist, providing fresh insights into the debates underlying the furor over political correctness, multiculturalism, and the future of liberal democracy.

**NoVES Philosophy Discussion Series: Right and Wrong** To restart NoVES' Philosophy Discussion Series we thought we would choose a topic that is fundamental to philosophy, determining right from wrong. This discussion will look at the thinking that determines right and wrong actions and the values and assumptions underlying these decisions.

# Ethical Culture's 150th Year **Humanist Happy Hour Returns!!!** After a prolonged absence, the Northern Virginia Ethical Society's **Humanist Happy Hour** returns. This event welcomes Humanists, Atheists, Agnostics, Free-Thinkers, and everyone else to come and converse. We are at a new venue: Chubby Squirrel Brewing Company 10382 Willard Way Fairfax, VA 22030 Happy Hour will be from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. (Note that our Happy Hour does not include reduced prices for drinks). I look forward to a lively event at this new location.

**From Tolerance to True Unity** *** Is tolerance enough? Or can it sometimes just be prejudice in disguise? Or even hate? In an increasingly divided society, does simply “tolerating” others sometimes inadvertently separate us all into “us” and “them” categories in our minds (and hearts!), only serving to further reinforce those divisions? How can spirituality and the dual concepts of the “Oneness of Mankind” and “Unity in Diversity” help us to see past our differences and regard all – whether family, friend, or stranger – as one of “us” and part of our own shared story? How can we see our differences not as something to be merely tolerated but rather as a source of strength for our communities? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the role of love for all of humanity in moving beyond tolerance. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore how a spiritual foundation can enable us to work together for the betterment of ourselves, our families, our communities and our world. *“Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path.”* – Bahá’í Teachings \*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.

…Transform Our Lives, Work, and World (2024) by Jamie Metzl, 432 pages [Genetics] • Paperback • Hardcover • Kindle • Audiobook • Library: [https://fcplcat.fairfaxcounty.gov/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=615082](https://fcplcat.fairfaxcounty.gov/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=615082) Check the How To Find Us section for Zoom Link **(Remember, the Zoom Link is different each month, do not bookmark)** ### Review “In Superconvergence, Jamie Metzl takes readers on a magical journey through the science of the intersecting genetics, biotech, and AI revolutions, deeply explores the implications, and challenges us to think creatively and proactively about what comes next. Very few books are absolute must-reads. This is one.”―Siddhartha Mukherjee, assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University and author of The Gene: An Intimate History "During the 25 years I have known Jamie Metzl, he has always been ahead of the curve. There is no one better to help us understand and prepare for the fast-approaching technological revolutions. Superconvergence is brilliant. I can't recommend it more strongly."―Sanjay Gupta MD, bestseller author, neurosurgeon, and Emmy-award winning chief medical correspondent (CNN) "Our world is defined by our science and technology—whether we like it or not. The question now is not whether to use these powers, but how best to use them. In Superconvergence, Jamie Metzl takes us on a journey through the new capabilities that are radically transforming ecosystems inside us and around us, challenging each of us to get personally involved with building the future we want."―Beth Shapiro, University of California Santa Cruz evolutionary biologist and author of Life as We Made It: How 50,000 Years of Human Innovation Refined―and Redefined―Nature "In a fine counter-blast to the pessimism of today, Jamie Metzl lays out just how spectacular the future of humanity and planet can be if we harness innovation responsibly and imaginatively to create what he calls the 'spiral of progress.'"―Matt Ridley, author of How Innovation Works, and co-author of Viral: The search for the Origin of Covid-19 “A page-turning journey through space and time that shows us how our lives will be changed by imminent technological advances we once only dreamed of.”―David Sinclair, Professor of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, and author of Lifespan: Why We Age―and Why We Don't Have To “The superconvergence of the genetics, biotechnology, and AI revolutions provides spectacular opportunities for building a better world. It also represents an almost limitless investment opportunity. We were excited to collaborate with Jamie Metzl, one of the world's great experts on how these aspirations can best be realized, including in capital markets. Superconvergence is a master class for imagining, investing in, and building a future we'd like to inhabit."―Jeremy Schwartz, Global Chief Investment Officer, WisdomTree “A clear examination of a transitional moment in the story of life on Earth…. Metzl capably describes recent developments in genetics and biotech and looks at how AI is providing an analytical engine of unprecedented power…. An important book in which the author sets out a path for the future based on his experience and expertise.”―Kirkus “Erudite, optimistic, and timely.”―Science Magazine "[In Superconvergence] Mr. Metzl has identified an important truth: that the convergence of new technologies is galvanizing us to reimagine how to meet urgent challenges in medicine and the environment. It’s a compelling opportunity—provided we manage to sidestep self-induced catastrophes along the way."―The Wall Street Journal ### About the Author Jamie Metzl is a leading technology and healthcare futurist and the founder and chair of OneShared.World. He is the author of Hacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity and four other books and was a member of the World Health Organization expert advisory committee on human genome editing. Jamie previously served in the U.S. National Security Council, State Department, and Senate Foreign Relations Committee and with the United Nations in Cambodia. His work has been featured by most major media organizations around the world, including 60 Minutes, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Fox, CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, the Times of London, Le Monde, and Paris Match, and his podcast interviews with Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman, and others have reached tens of millions of listeners. He lives in New York City. Visit Jamiemetzl.com.