Information Science

A growing program in political philosophy champions social experimentation as a way of justifying normative principles. But a clear methodology of how social experiments can justify normative principles has not yet been developed in full. We reconstruct and assess two existing methodologies, before developing a third methodology. A first methodology — *evidential experimentalism* — claims that experiments provide justification by generating evidence for what “works.” This is plausible but doesn’t depart as far from mainstream political philosophy as some of its proponents may hope. A second methodology — *iterative experimentalism* — claims that experiments can, over time, justify initially controversial normative principles. But, we argue, iterative experimentalism is susceptible to a regress problem. We develop a third methodology — *procedural experimentalism* — that shifts the attention of normative theorizing significantly but avoids the regress problem. Procedural experimentalism is a variant of procedural justification at the level of mid-level normative principles. We illustrate this methodology using a case study about central banking. This type of justification is widely applicable across the administrative state but has, so far, been overlooked. Johannes Himmelreich https://www.maxwell.syr.edu/directory/johannes-himmelreich Associate Professor Department of Public Administration and International Affairs Syracuse University **About the Speaker:** Himmelreich works on applied ethics and political philosophy. Himmelreich's research asks how artificial intelligence and data science can augment human judgment. Two questions drive this work: How should AI systems be governed? What does it take for data science to lead to better decisions? Himmelreich co-edited the *Oxford Handbook of AI Governance* (Oxford University Press) and has published on algorithmic fairness, the ethics of autonomous vehicles, and collective responsibility in leading philosophy and public affairs journals. His current book project, *Good Decisions*, is supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Beyond this interest in ethics and technology, Himmelreich has also published on the commodification of asylum-provision services as well as on the foundations and nature of moral responsibility and blame. He argues that corporations, states and autonomous systems are agents that can be morally responsible for their actions. Prior to joining Syracuse University, Himmelreich was a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University from 2017-19. During his time in Silicon Valley, he consulted on tech ethics for two Fortune 500 companies, taught ethics and worked on the ethics of autonomous systems at Apple Inc. He holds a PhD in philosophy from the London School of Economics. **\* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \*** This is a talk with audience Q&A presented by the University of Toronto's Centre for Ethics that is free to attend and open to the public. The talk will also be streamed online with live chat here [to be posted]. 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

**🚶🏽‍♀️‍➡️ Join us for Multi-Sensory Meditative Walking 🚶🏽‍♀️‍➡️** Are you looking to hone your mindfulness practice? This is a fun way to explore meditative walking and beat the winter blues ❄️☀️ Come away with your own personal on-the-go wellness tool. Walking Meditation can help with stress, depression, and anxiety. And believe it or not, the buzz and energy of a busy place can enhance our focus and ability to get into that special state of mind so important to wellbeing. Multi-sensory objects of attention guide us through the meditation journey. **Immersive sessions exploring different sensory anchors and philosophical aspects of mindfulness practice.** All levels welcome! 🧘Let's build the capacity to find our bliss everywhere we go 🧘🏼 *In a distracting world that already has us sitting too much, this is the perfect approach to meditative practice. Benefit from a mindful stance exactly wherever and whenever you need it. Nurture another state of mind that brings joy to your soul and resets your nervous system.* **What are the unique benefits multi-sensory meditative walking?** * An alternative way to access meditation for those who prefer not to sit * More variety in terms of objects of attention * Conveniently turn things in your immediate environment into a type of meditation * Benefit from mindfulness practice while you get in some movement * Reset your mind wherever and whenever you need to * Turn mindfulness practice into a regular part of your lifestyle **What are the general benefits of all forms of mindfulness practice?** * Experience more calm and more time in a special state of stillness * Experience more time in another mental realm associated with increased sense of acceptance, presence and meaning * Experience more peace and sense of control over your non-stop thinking mind * Experience more clarity and creative breakthroughs * Experience more tolerance and comfort when it comes to life's adversities **What else will be provided?** * Meeting location (please check your email) * Guidance on the practice of multi-sensory meditative walking * Guidance on principles of mindfulness practice * Each session explores a specific sensory anchor and philosophical focus * Participants will be asked to complete a brief participation agreement before attending * Session is followed by (optional) coffee☕with other participants, not covered by event fee ***Tickets are limited and will go quickly. ([See More Events](https://juliewellness.ca/multi-sensory/)).*** These are small-group events allowing for high quality engagement and connection. **See you there 😊** *-Julie*

日本語の案内は下にあります Fee: $5 (Every 5th time is free!) Girls’ Night Promotion is ongoing! (If you have a promotion pass, you can join for free.) Payment: Cash or E-transfer If you choose E-transfer, we recommend sending it before arrival to: canasianstation@gmail.com (This is recommended, not mandatory.) Event Style ・Group-based language exchange ・Small groups of 3–4 people ・Use both Japanese and English to communicate Schedule 6:15 – 6:30 Check-in 6:30 – 7:10 Round 1 7:10 – 7:15 Seat change 7:15 – 7:55 Round 2 7:55 Wrap-up Friendly Guidelines ・Participants with 2 no-shows may be removed from future events ・This is not a dating or matchmaking event. You cannot request specific people to talk to. If you have an NG (someone you prefer not to be matched with), please let us know in advance ・Photos may be taken for Instagram and event pages. If you do not wish to appear in photos, please inform the organizer beforehand ・Harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment, solicitation, or inappropriate behavior is strictly prohibited If you notice any issues, please inform the organizer About This Event (Important) This is a group-based Language Exchange event. ・One-on-one conversations with Japanese participants ・Conversations with participants of a specific nationality ➡︎are not guaranteed. Anyone who is interested in using Japanese and/or English is welcome to join, regardless of nationality. Thank you for your understanding. 参加費：5ドル（※5回参加ごとに1回無料） 女子会プロモーション開催中！特典をお持ちの方は無料でご参加いただけます 支払い方法：現金 or E-transfer ※E-transferをご利用の方は、到着前に Canasianstation@gmail.com へ送金していただくことを推奨しています イベント形式 3〜4人のグループで、日本語と英語を使った国際交流 タイムスケジュール 6:15 – 6:30 Check-in 6:30 – 7:10 第1ラウンド 7:10 – 7:15 席替え 7:15 – 7:55 第2ラウンド 7:55　解散 参加にあたってのお願い ・2回以上のNo-show（キャンセル無しの無断欠席のこと）があった場合、以降の参加をお断りします ・本イベントはデート目的マッチング目的の場ではありませんので、特定の「話したい人」の指定はできません ※NGの方がいる場合は、事前にお知らせください ・Instagram・イベントページ用に写真撮影を行う場合があります。写りたくない方は事前にお知らせください ・セクハラ、差別的発言、嫌がらせ、勧誘行為は固く禁止しています。もし見かけた場合は、主催者までご連絡ください イベントについて 本イベントは Language Exchange（言語交流）を目的としたグループ形式のイベントです。 ・カナダ人との一対一での会話 ・特定の国籍の参加者との会話 →これらを保証するものではありません。 日本語・英語を使って交流したい方であれば、国籍に関わらずご参加いただけます。

\*These classes are not a language exchange, but instead are meant to be a step in between so that students feel confident maintaining in depth and grammatically correct oral conversations outside of class\* \***Meetup event numbers only tend to show new students registering and do not include returning students attending class.** **Per class, there is an average of 7 students.** The first 2 classes are free and then only cost between $15 and $35 depending on which type of class you want to continue with\* These French, English (For Spanish and French speakers only), and Spanish classes are primarily meant for adults who are travellers, or who are planning to live in a French, English, or Spanish-speaking country. The classes are primarily oral-based through guided conversations. They will teach you how to handle conversations in situations such as **"Going to the Convenience Store"**, **"Making Plans"**, **"Negotiating Prices"**, and **"Going out for a Drink"**. To ensure that students get used to using the language automatically, students will learn to maintain contextual conversations with timing before moving on to the next lesson. Call (647)787-9953, e-mail us info@monkeylingo.ca, or visit monkeylingo.ca for more information! **Online and private classes are also available!** No other language classes are as conversational as these ones. We guarantee it! Cheap parking can be found using the "Spot Hero" app.

This is a casual drop-in style event. Anyone is welcome to attend. Grab food and/or drinks, and engage in such wild activities as; interesting conversation, taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi, drinking, not drinking... Social starts and ends with you so please leave a comment letting other's know when you plan to arrive. Thanks.

Welcome to the Toronto Young Professional & Startup Enthusiast Meetup Group! Navigating work/personal life in this mega city can be challenging ! We welcome all the Toronto young professionals & startup lovers to join this community that provides you an inclusive and casual platform to share, discuss, and grow! No matter what career stage you are at, what industry you work for, or what startup idea you are brainstorming, this inclusive & vibrant community aims to help you embark on your new personal/work journey! If work sounds annoying to you or you are new to the city, you can just come have a coffee and meet new people! Let's exchange ideas and create new memories together! We welcome you to join us at Sweetway Cafe. We plan to meet weekly or biweekly at various locations in Toronto. If you have any suggestions for meeting locations or activities, feel free to let me know!

**Note: This is a Waiting-List-Only Event: There is a $5 Meetup fee that must be e-Transferred to me before your spot can be confirmed.** **• *Please be on time* \- we're looking forward to hitting the buffet as soon as it opens\, to give us maximum opportunities to network and engage with our group members\!** I’ve made a reservation for a group of 14 people at **Bangkok Garden** (18 Elm St) for an intentional networking lunch. This session is strictly for **AI Professionals (AIP)**: founders and practitioners in the AI space. Whether you're deep into Machine Language, deep learning, data science, blockchain, GenAI or training your own LLM, this is your opportunity to actually meet some of your peers out in the real world, to have some high-level technical and strategic conversations. **THE EXPERIENCE:** * **The Venue - Bangkok Garden:** A soaring, high-ceilinged Thai "oasis" near Dundas Station. * **The Meal:** A full Thai lunch buffet. * **The Cost:** You are responsible for your own buffet bill at the restaurant (approx. **$24.00 + tax + 18% gratuity**, totalling roughly **$32.00**). **HOW TO SECURE YOUR SEAT:** 1. **Join the Waitlist.** 2. I will DM the first 20 people on the waitlist with e-Transfer details. 3. A **$5.00 non-refundable commitment fee** is required to move from the Waitlist to the "Going" list. 4. Your seat is only confirmed once the fee is received. Unpaid spots will be offered to the next person on the waitlist after 2 hours. **THE GOAL:** To cut through the noise and meet the actual builders in the Toronto AI scene. No generic "small talk" needed - this is just a group of 15 AI practitioners discussing all things AI, from LLM implementation to agentic workflows, the latest GenAI models, and the future of the stack.

💘 **Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) with MongoDB Skill Badge** **Rescheduled due to hazardous winter weather for Toronto.** Fall in love with building smarter AI applications using Retrieval Augmented Generation with MongoDB. In this Valentine-themed session, you will learn how to design RAG applications, use vector search effectively, apply smart chunking strategies, and build an LLM-powered app with LangChain and MongoDB using your own data. 🎓 **Skill Badge** Complete the skill check at the end of the session and earn a Credly Badge to share with your network. **💚 Why Attend** • Learn RAG architecture, chunking strategies, and hands-on implementation • Connect with MongoDB users, engineers, and AI enthusiasts • Free community event with complimentary food **🕠 Agenda** **5:30 PM** Meet & Greet - refreshments **5:45 PM** Talk: [Dev J. Shah](https://www.linkedin.com/in/busycaesar) (SWE @ [TribalScale](https://www.linkedin.com/company/tribalscale)) - RAG with MongoDB: Learn and get a [Credly Skill Badge](https://learn.mongodb.com/courses/rag-with-mongodb) **6:45 PM** Networking and connecting with your peers **7:30 PM** Event ends **⚠️ Important RSVP Notes** • When you arrive, please take the **elevator to the 4th floor, turn left, and follow the signs** • We kindly ask that **you arrive on time** so we can keep the event running smoothly • If you arrive **after 6 PM and the building doors are locked**, please signal the **security guard** at his desk for assistance • You may use a **fully charged laptop or a smartphone** to participate in the session • Please note that this event **will end firmly at 7:30 PM** 💡 Join us for an evening of learning, sharing, and community-building. We look forward to seeing you there! ✅ Thanks to our sponsors **[@MongoDB](https://www.linkedin.com/company/mongodbinc)**, **[@Slalom Consulting](https://www.linkedin.com/company/slalom-consulting),** and **[@Delbridge Solutions](https://www.linkedin.com/company/delbridge-solutions)** 💚 We’d love to hear from the community. **Are you doing something cool with MongoDB you’d like to share?** Message our MUG leaders [@Ian](https://www.linkedin.com/in/iancloves) / [@Leonardo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/leogomesdev) 🌎 Sessions will be presented in English

Welcome to the profound depths of the Ancient Kabbalah, an esoteric tradition open to all who sincerely seek to know. For thousands of years, its eternal mysteries have been transmitted through an oral tradition known as Kabbalah, meaning “to receive ”. This group systematically explores the authentic doctrines and writings of the sages, providing students with a conceptual understanding of the universe’s structure, including its internal worlds, aspects and dimensions. This understanding is the foundation for all practical applications of the wisdom, which include meditation, unification, alchemical self-transformation, and ultimately, leading the student towards a direct knowledge of the Soul and the actual experience of the Upper Worlds. Our studies delve into foundational cryptic texts such as *The Zohar*, *Sepher Yetzirah* (The Book of Formation), and *The Tree of Life*, alongside spiritual doctrines from diverse traditions throughout history—including both the Old and New Testaments. For the dedicated seeker, the mysteries reveal the golden thread that weaves together all wisdom traditions, sciences, and the very fabric of the universe into a single luminous and shining garment. **Meetings are held every Thursday from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.**

This is a ticketed event. Please register at [this link](https://luma.com/q7t43ncn). ​Diana Issatayeva will provide an overview of the physical network architectures underling AI training and inference. Then, we will explore how these architectures influence governance options. ​​​**Event Schedule** 6:00 to 6:30 - Food and introductions 6:30 to 7:30 - Presentation and Q&A 7:30 to 9:00 - Open Discussions ​​​​If you can't attend in person, join our live stream starting at 6:30 pm via [this link.](https://www.youtube.com/@Trajectory-Labs/live)

Don't be disappointed if you don't see a bunch of people attending. I advertise this on multiple platforms and the class usually sells out. \*\*If you don't use Paypal, email me at ralph@socap.ca and we'll figure it out. You can pay be etransfer or with a credit card/cash at the venue.\*\* Improv comedy uses several techniques to create laughter. These include, creating an atmosphere free of judgement, saying 'yes', active listening, being positive, putting your focus on others, and the importance of play and laughter. Not coincidentally, these are the same things that happen to us naturally when we are bonding with another person. In this class, we'll explore these techniques not with the goal of being funny, but with the goal of being people that other people want to be around. The teacher, Ralph MacLeod, is a co-founder of two independent improv clubs in Toronto - Bad Dog Theatre and Social Capital Theatre. He's been teaching improv for over 30 years. He also teaches these same techniques to several organizations including UofT, Google, Kraft, Shopify and many, many more. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have! FAQs and Good To Know.... After every event, a group from this class sit down and have a drink together so be prepared to stay if you want! Of course, you don't HAVE to. You also don't have to be single or bring a friend. The vibe of this class is much more 'making new friends' than a 'singles' mixer'. We usually run to 8:15 so pay for extra parking!

There is a rich philosophical literature on skills (e.g., chess, ballet, cricket) which focuses both on the mental states of performers (e.g., what is the phenomenology of doing something well?) and on the evaluative dimension of skill and talent (e.g., what makes skilled achievements valuable?). Within this literature, there is a glaring omission of any discussion of skills acquired and expressed in standard workplace contexts, from cafés to warehouses. This talk considers the significance of that omission, both for our philosophical conception of skill and our understanding of action in the workplace. I argue that the phenomenology of workplace skill (which should account for feelings like boredom and fear) complicates our evaluative notions about skill and talent, mainly because it elucidates and reveals as untenable certain assumptions within the philosophy of skill about the evaluative implications of phenomenological states. Zara Anwarzai https://www.sfu.ca/philosophy/people/profiles/zanwarza/ Assistant Professor Department of Philosophy Simon Fraser University **About the Speaker:** I received my PhD from Indiana University in Philosophy and in Cognitive Science in 2024. My current work focuses on the social dimension of skill and expertise. Specifically, I'm interested in how to apply traditional inquiry into the cognitive and epistemological mechanisms involved in skill (which mainly focuses on individual skilled performers) to skills acquired and expressed by pairs or groups, like team sports or ensemble performances. I have done empirical work on the evolution of human tool use and manufacture. I also have broad interests in social ontology (e.g., the nature of collectives, shared agency, and group dynamics) and the philosophy of work (e.g., the phenomenology of automaticity in the workplace, the structure of skilled action at work, the relationship between standards of expertise and capital). I am co-organizing the upcoming workshop, ["Can Social Ontology Change the World?"](https://sites.google.com/view/social-ontology-and-the-world/home) in October 2026. **\* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \*** This is a talk with audience Q&A presented by the University of Toronto's Centre for Ethics that is free to attend and open to the public. The talk will also be streamed online with live chat here [to be posted]. 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 and mutual respect.

Window functions have nothing to do with the Windows operating system but provide a “window” to a result set when used in SQL queries. They are powerful, set-based methods to view data in unexpected ways. Window functions provide easy, set-based solutions to solve some common problems: * Using running totals * Performing operations in intervals * Identifying data gaps and islands * Performing aggregates without losing detail Many people are confused by window functions and do not know how to use them properly. This session will explore window functions, how they work, and how to use them. Demonstrations with several examples will solidify how window functions can simplify queries and make them more powerful.

Join membersrs of the Central Ohio UX and digital design community for a casual monthly breakfast.

**New Dojo Location!** **Draft Day Columbus** 1130 Dublin Road Columbus, OH 43215 We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead. We're looking for topic suggestions and people interested in presenting at our monthly meetings. To this end we've set up a survey form at [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc)

This meeting will be an open discussion about the book "an Immense World" by Ed Yong

**Google Analytics Alternatives** Is it finally time to make the switch away from Google Analytics? Two-and-a-half years ago Jason Packer asked this question at Columbus Web Analytics Wednesday. Since then: Google’s Universal Analytics has been sunset, we’ve changed our name to Columbus Data & Analytics Wednesday, and Jason has released two editions of his book “Google Analytics Alternatives”. Fresh off the release of the 2nd edition of his book, we thought it was time to re-open this conversation. While people love to complain about it, GA’s market share has remained relatively constant (at least in the United States). Why is that? You won’t find any complaints about GA4 in this talk, but rather an overview of what’s currently available in the market and how to frame your decision-making process. We’ll also be giving out some free copies of Jason’s book! So even if you’ve got a “GA4Lyfe” tattoo (no judgement), there’s free books to go with the free pizza and beer. Thanks to our 2026 sponsors: [Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro) More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

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

Join other experienced and aspiring agile coaches and professionals to: * develop and practice your coaching skills in a peer-to-peer environment * share current successes and challenges in your work environment and get support from each other * learn from each other, build better relationships and experiment with new ideas