Intellectual Discussions

**CLH Humanist Science Fiction Group: Astronomy Photography Exhibition** **Sunday 3rd May 2026 - 10:45am to 12.45pm GMT** Hello fellow Humanist Sci-Fi fans! We will be meeting up in **Greenwich** at the **National Maritime Museum** to go and look at the Astronomy Photography Exhibition at **11am**. We can then grab a drink and / or snack in the Museum's cafe or a local pub / cafe and discuss Sci-Fi and Astronomy. We've deliberately gone for 3rd May as it is the nearest weekend date to May the 4th - Star Wars Day! Looking forward to hopefully seeing lots of you so we can continue to boldly do lots together! **Have Your Say** * As always, if you have anything you would like to share or discuss let us know too by posting in the CLH sci-fi WhatsApp group or leaving a message on this page. * As usual, we will also be keen to hear all suggestions for ideas that would be interesting to cover and future events to add to the calendar both online and in person. * Looking forward to hopefully seeing lots of you so we can boldly do lots together! ……………… **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 at events do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large. ……………… Central London Humanists is a volunteer-run community group. We aim to provide a safe space for the humanist community in London to come together for fellowship, learning and fun. We receive no financial support and are entirely funded by donations from our membership and event attendees. ……………… **Stay Connected with Central London Humanists** * Subscribe to our **[mailing List](https://www.centrallondonhumanists.org.uk/signup)** * For more events **[follow us on Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/Central-London-Humanists/)** * Chat with fellow members in our **[WhatsApp Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/ChBmK8gZWQKB8jdthwAJ2h)** * Follow us on **[Twitter](https://twitter.com/londonhumanists/) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/londonhumanists/) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centrallondonhumanists) \| [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/LondonHumanistGroup)** * Listen to the **[Humanism Now Podcast](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2246305/share)** For any questions email us at [info@centrallondonhumanists.org.uk](http://mailto:info@centrallondonhumanists.org.uk/)

*📣 Meetup RSVPs do not reflect actual attendance! We usually have around 20-30 people at every single event. 📣* **[🎟️ Sign up here to grab your ticket 🎟️](https://luma.com/london5ftst)** 🎫 **RSVP ≠ ticket. A paid ticket is required to attend.** 🔗 On your phone and can’t click? Click the link in the comments :) F\*ck the Small Talk has travelled the world across Berlin, Mexico City, Melbourne, Lisbon, Medellin, Vienna, and now back to London for its 3rd year in a row! 😎 **📦 WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?** FTST is a **one-of-a-kind social experience** where strangers come together for an afternoon of meaningful, fun, and deep conversation. It’s also a different & cool way of meeting new people by getting a bit out of your comfort zone and skipping the small talk! Join us for **games**, **talks**, and **connections** with **friends you haven’t met yet**. Join if you get annoyed after being asked what you do, where you are from, and how long you've been in London every single time you meet someone. If you feel that there are better questions in life, this is the place for you. 🙌 **📓 HOW DOES IT WORK?** We start with a short & sweet intro talk followed by a few light-hearted group games to warm up. After that, we split you up into small groups and start with the conversation rounds (with 3-4 people). We'll have awesome question cards that will guide the flow of the conversation. You’ll never have to speak in public if you don’t want to. **📣 NOTE**: We won't validate your payment unless you've been accepted! (which you most likely will ❤️) **🕹 HOW TO JOIN?** **[Take 1 minute to sign up 👈](https://luma.com/london5ftst)** 🔗 On your phone and can’t click? Click the link in the comments :) Our events are **limited to 30 handpicked guests** to ensure a cozy atmosphere. We aim to curate events with similar age and gender groups *wherever possible.* If you're invited you'll receive a confirmation within 48 hours via Luma (our ticketing platform) **🧧 HOW MUCH IS IT?** The cost to attend is **13-15£** and includes the following: ⏰ 3 hours of facilitated and curated activities 🍎 Light snacks to keep the energy going (only if outdoors) 👥 A space to meet new people in the least boring way possible 💛 Supporting our mission to spread human connection events around the world *(🎫 also includes those annoying ticket fees!)* We're also happy to give out student discounts! 🙂 **🌳 WHERE IS IT?** We host our events in awesome pubs & parks across the city! We will reveal the exact location to ticket holders 24 hours before the event. This edition will take place in a nice pub near **Waterloo**. **💛 WHAT THEY SAY** 🗣 “This is the kind of activity humanity needs every weekend. Thank you for all.” - Sonya 🗣 “F\*ck the Small Talk changes the narrative from "Where are you from?" to "When was the last time you laughed uncontrollably?" and I think that's beautiful.” - Monika 🗣 “I loved F\*ck the small talk, I was a little bit nervous at first but they are pros at making you feel comfortable with the rest of the group, the activities are really fun and I enjoyed every second (consider that the one who's saying this is very, very shy). Give it a try!” - Brenda 🗣 “Lively, interesting, introspective, completely open, and no judgment. Everyone that joined was ready for great conversation and helped with different perspectives. So much fun! I can't wait for the next one! “ - Yaz Check out our other [reviews on Google here](https://goo.gl/maps/TpZy77bfPFkGoikn7) 🫶 🤓 FAQ **• Can I come alone?** Of course, in fact, we encourage it! **• Can I be late?** Please don't! "Doors" open at 11:45am and we start at exactly 12:00pm! Late arrivals will disrupt the floooooooow. **• I signed up but never got an invite. Why?** We usually get a high volume of sign-ups yet we like to keep it cozy & only invite around 25 people. We believe this is a good number to ensure an awesome experience, and we’ve learned that it’s easier to build connections with smaller groups! Please try again next time if do not receive an invite - no hard feelings 💛 **• Why do you charge?** We value our time and put a lot of love, planning, and effort into creating & designing these experiences. 💛 This is our project/business and what we give to the world and we think everything should be a fair exchange! 🎈 However, money should never be the reason for people not to attend. If you can’t afford it simply get in touch with us :) **• I'm digging this! Can I get involved somehow?** Sure thing, send us a message! **• Can I bring my pet (llama)?** 100% yes (depends on the venue, ask us!) -- 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨, 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙. ✨ * Age guide 22 - 40ish\* (only a reference, never a limit 💃) * Only 30 spots available * Location is only revealed to ticket holders! 🙅‍♀️📱This event is a no-phone experience. Keep them tucked in your pocket 🙅‍♀️📱 We started in Berlin back in 2019 and there are now chapters in Mexico City, Lisbon, Medellin, and Vancouver! 🌏 **Stay in touch 👇** [Website](https://epicllama.com/fuckthesmalltalk) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/epic.llama/)

**Enjoy a beautiful walk and at the same time:** * Practice Greek language and learn about the Culture. * Connect with people and create new friendships. * Συνδεθείτε με Έλληνες και δημιουργείστε νεες φιλίες. * Guided Tour. * We will stop at a river side boat caffe for coffee * Please feel free to bring your own food during the walk if you think you will be hungry. * **Starting point :** Warwick Avenue Tube station at 12:00 and at the **Warwick Avenue Exit** **Details** Get to know this 8.0-km out-and-back trail near City of London, London. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 8 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Enjoy winding along the path beside Regent's Canal from Warwick Avenue station to Camden with lovely views over the water and interesting architectural sights along the way. There are numerous places for refreshments in Camden as well as some points of interest to explore before making the return leg or taking the tube back to the start. We will finish at Camden town and will show you the way to Camden Town Tube Station. **What happens during our walks?** We meet at a park or site of interest and enjoy the walk and scenery. Discussions are encouraged between members in order to practice Greek language and strengthen friendships. An educational speech about the site is always given.

SCIENTOLOGY **TOOLS** **FOR LIFE** What if you had simple tools which you could use to improve your relationship with others? What if a step-by-step procedure could help you achieve your goals in life? What if you could learn the secret to mastering any subject you wanted to master? Come and find out!

Discover the World at International Cafe! We are a group of Christian volunteers set out to create a friendly community that welcomes everyone! Come and practice speaking English with our English speaking volunteers. You will learn more about British culture and discuss life with NEW topics each week. We also include a Bible story at the end of our sessions. At International Cafe, we start our meet up with Tea & Coffee and continue in engaging conversations. Each week, we'll look at NEW topics about British culture and history, so you can learn and socialize. Best of all, it's a free event and open to everyone! So mark your calendars: 🕕 Time: **Sunday at 2:30 PM** 📍 Address: ECIR OEA, Inspire at St James Questions? Text Organiser at 07708228436.

*"The blood is the life! The blood is the life!"* (Renfield, Dr. John Seward's patient, in Bram Stoker's Dracula.) **Join LoMAZ for our first interactive series of events in a read-a-long of Bram Stoker's Dracula as the story unfolds over six months...** Dracula Daily is a free subscription newsletter that sends Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula to subscribers via email. The novel takes place within a single calendar year, from May to November. Dracula Daily sends the portion of the novel that occurs each day on the corresponding day. You can read more about it on Wikipedia here: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracula_Daily](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracula_Daily) You can sign up for Dracula Daily for free here: [https://draculadaily.substack.com/about](https://draculadaily.substack.com/about) LoMAZ are going to read the book together from the spring to autumn of 2026, with meetup events coinciding with events in the book as they happen. These will include a trip to Whitby in August ([https://www.meetup.com/london-museums-a-z-lomaz/events/314283739/](https://www.meetup.com/london-museums-a-z-lomaz/events/314283739/)) and a trip to Romania in November ([https://www.meetup.com/london-museums-a-z-lomaz/events/314200947/](https://www.meetup.com/london-museums-a-z-lomaz/events/314200947/)). The novel begins on 3rd May, when Jonathan Harker writes that he left Munich on 1st May on his way to meet Count Dracula. The Dracula Daily Read-a-long launch party will start on the day he makes his journey from Munich to Transylvania 🧛🦇😱 **MEET DETAILS:** **FROM 3.00pm:** The Union Jack pub **Address:** 225 Union Street, SE1 0LR [https://maps.app.goo.gl/6BRvJ6h6WcmTxA1c6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/6BRvJ6h6WcmTxA1c6) **GETTING THERE:** **Nearest train stations:** London Bridge, Waterloo and Waterloo East **Nearest tube stations:** Southwark, but Borough, London Bridge and Waterloo are also close. [https://tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/](https://tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/) **EVENT WHATSAPP GROUP:** Please join the event WhatsApp group to help you find the group on the day. ***The link can be found in the event comments.*** *Joining this WhatsApp group will make your phone number visible to other members in the group.* **GROUP ETIQUETTE AND RULES:** * LoMAZ events are run by volunteers. Our events usually have an attendee limit to help the host manage the event as we prefer a smaller, friendlier group. However there is no limit on the number of people who can join the Dracula Daily Read-a-long and the launch party. * **However if you can no longer attend, please change your RSVP to 'Not Going' as soon as possible so we can plan for the numbers taking part.** **We remove members from the LoMAZ Meetup group who:** * **RSVP as ‘Going' but then do not show up three times in a row.** * **RSVP as ‘Going' but then change their RSVP to 'No' five times in a row.** * **Are on the Waitlist or who have not RSVPd, but turn up anyway.** **Thank you for your interest in the group & being part of LoMAZ.** Image credit: British Library Board, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

**Online Speed Dating for Mature Harrow Singles** Live on Zoom. Real conversations. Local people who value genuine connection and traditional dating. **Pick your age group to register:** - Ages 18-32: [Click to Register](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=452.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Harrow&groupurlname=club-for-active-retirees-meeting-friends&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - Ages 30-46: [Click to Register](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=452.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Harrow&groupurlname=club-for-active-retirees-meeting-friends&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - Ages 40-58: [Click to Register](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=452.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Harrow&groupurlname=club-for-active-retirees-meeting-friends&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) - Ages 55+: [Click to Register](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=452.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Harrow&groupurlname=club-for-active-retirees-meeting-friends&ar=55+&face_v=2.0) RSVP alone does not hold your spot. Register through the link above and complete the quick personality quiz. For mature singles who appreciate meaningful connections and are serious about finding the right person. Host-guided. All ages welcome. Mutual matches shared after the event.

The Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park is a historic site for public speaking, debate, and protest. Let's meetup there to listen and watch. If we're lucky, there will be talented speakers. Then we will look for a spot away from the attention of the crowd and practice a few speaking rounds between ourselves. Being outdoors, we will train clear articulation and voice projection. What works to get the attention of listeners: being bigger than life, showering them with good energy, pleasure to be alive, enthusiasm! Then we will sit on the grass and eat sandwiches from our bags. I, Jean-Marc will lead this session. As a storyteller (storytelling is a performing art) I have the experience of being on stage, on my own, and hold adults' or children's attention for one hour or more. When I came to London, I retrained my skills speaking English with Toastmasters. Please don't RSVP Yes if you are not determined to turn up.

🟤 THE FIRST 10 TICKETS ARE **£4.50 ONLY** 🟢 REMAINING TICKETS ONLINE ARE **£9.50 ONLY** 🟣 TICKETS AT THE DOOR ARE **£15** **Click The Link Below To Buy Tickets**: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984712044151](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984712044151) In this workshop Ryan explains how to reduce hostility in social situations, then how to set boundaries & defend yourself if necessary while minimising the chances of overreacting or that there is a misunderstanding. Including brain training exercises you can practice to be sharper in this area. 🔵 - How to defend yourself if trying to keep things peaceful isn’t working 🟣 - How to set boundaries in a healthy way 🟠 - Being reasonable so that you’re neither having your boundaries broken but also not overreacting potentially ending up becoming the hostile person 🟢 - How to deal with bullying 🔵 - How to manage emotions related to this area ⚫ - Brain training exercises designed to increase sharpness at this area of social skills Ryan has been coaching people social skills full time for over 10 years. As a quiet & shy person he wanted to work on his own social skills & after making huge improvements plus understanding how social situations work & how to improve he developed a process to help others for every area of social skills. He has helped thousands of people over the years to improve & now has a huge following including over 180000 followers on TikTok. More info on Ryan & Social Shortcuts can be found on the website [www.socialshortcuts.com](https://www.socialshortcuts.com) After workshops we spend time hanging out together, a great opportunity to practice the workshop content & make new friends. Plus Ryan is happy to answer any questions you want to ask one to one. 🟢Workshop happening after this: **1\. Creating Or Joining A Social Circle Workshop** Sun, May 10, 2026, 5:45 PM in LONDON **[Click to get a ticket -](https://eventbrite.com/e/1984712047160)**[ eventbrite.com/e/1984712047160](https://eventbrite.com/e/1984712047160) In this workshop Ryan explains how to easily expand, create or join a social circle with the kind of people you want to hang out with plus how to maintain it long term. Ryan also gives some brain training exercises to sharpen your conversation skills to make conversations flow. 🟡 - How social circles function 🟤 - How modern society changes the dynamics of a social circle ⚪ - How to add to your existing social circle if you have one 🔴 - How to build a completely new social circle 🟢 - How to join one that’s already existing 🔴- Ways to make sure you hang out with the types of people you want to 🟣 - How to maintain your social circle over time 🟡 - Brain training exercises designed to increase sharpness at holding & maintaining conversation In person workshops are at 40 Store St. - Store Street Espresso: London. For any questions feel free to contact Ryan or Gabriel. Please don't contact the other group organisers as they are not involved in running the event & won't be able to provide much help:
 ✉ **Ryan**: info@socialshortcuts.com
 ✉ **Gabriel**: gabrielsocialshortcuts@gmail.com **OTHER EVENTS LINED UP** 🟡 Developing Humor And Quick Thinking In Social Situations
 🟢 Persuasion Workshop
 🟤 How To Manage Emotions Workshop 5 minute documentary on our workshops - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rlbCYdeaws We have a score of 4.9 out 5 on Trustpilot - https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/socialshortcuts.com Our WhatsApp chat where we discuss social skill, give updates about our events & you can ask questions - https://chat.whatsapp.com/FuT9gAwf9oMKACjbWFLmxk For one to one coaching on social skills and also our free trial session - [ http://www.socialshortcuts.com We have over 180000 followers on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@socialshortcuts.com Our video courses - [https://social-shortcuts.teachable.com/p/conversation-course **DISCLAIMER**:
This workshop is intended for educational and or entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any medical condition. **Follow us on the sites below also**:
 http://www.socialshortcuts.com
http://www.youtube.com/c/socialshortcuts
http://www.facebook.com/socialshortcutsofficial
http://www.Instagram.com/socialshortcuts 🟣 **Ken Robinson** 🟢 Up to a point you welcome being interrupted because it is only by interacting with others you get anything interesting done

**Join us at* 'You Are Here' at the Southbank Centre*, an epic, one-off, pop-culture spectacular that invites you on an electrifying journey through 75 years of British music, dance, theatre, fashion and film.** Follow the performance as it unfolds around you in an on-the-move theatrical journey where every corner holds a new story. This is a freewheeling journey of discovery that traces through-lines across decades, remixing and reimagining some of the most vivid and influential youth and social movements that have driven culture forward since 1951. Rebellion meets euphoria as a cast of hundreds take you on a trip through punk, grime, northern soul, acid house, dancehall and disco – from the swaying of a tea dance to the beating heart of a superclub. Astonishing performers bring the energy of resistance, freedom and creation to every moment. Marking the centrepiece of the Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary celebrations, *You Are Here* is an exhilarating, full-throated celebration of cultural life that asks where we’ve been, where we’re at and how we’ll choose to shape where we want to go next. Created by Danny Boyle, Gareth Pugh, Carson McColl, Sabrina Mahfouz and Paulette Randall. **Read more here (including access and sensory information):** [https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/you-are-here/#overview](https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/you-are-here/#overview) **MEET DETAILS:** **6.50-7.30pm: MEET AT BFI BALCONY BAR** **Upstairs at BFI Riverfront Restaurant, SE1 8XT** **7.30pm: ENTER THE EVENT** Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX. **9.45pm - Late: PUB SOCIAL (optional)** We'll head to a nearby pub for a social chit chat over drinks. *Location tbc in Event Comments 24 hours before the event.* **TICKETS:** **Please book your ticket [here](https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/you-are-here/#overview),** and select the **7.30pm time slot** (or around that time). Tickets cost from £35 plus £3.50 booking fee. Ticket prices may be adjusted without notice to reflect demand. **GETTING THERE:** [https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/visit-us/getting-here/](https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/visit-us/getting-here/) **Tube:** Waterloo, Embankment **Train:** Waterloo, Waterloo East, Blackfriars **Buses:** 1, 59, 68, 76, 139, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, N1, N68, N171, N343 and SL6 **EVENT WHATSAPP GROUP:** Please join the event WhatsApp group to help you find the group on the day. Link tbc in the Event Comments at least 48 hours before the event. *NB* *Joining this WhatsApp group will make your phone number visible to other members in the group.* **IMPORTANT NOTE:** * If you can no longer attend, please change your RSVP to 'Not Going' as soon as possible. We remove members from the LoMAZ Meetup group who: * RSVP as 'Going' but then do not show up three times in a row. * RSVP as 'Going' but then change their RSVP to 'No' five times in a row. * Are on the Waitlist or who have not RSVPd, but turn up anyway. Thank you for your interest in the group & being part of LoMAZ.

Welcome to our **Free Event - Master the Art of Communication**! Join us at the Church of Scientology **Life Improvement Centre** to learn valuable basics of communication and skills that will help you in both your personal and professional life. During this event, you will learn some fundamentals of communication - what is it, what are the vital parts of the communication formula.... and have the opportunity to participate in these new skills. Hear from trained and experienced communicators, and practice communication techniques in a supportive environment. Whether you struggle with public speaking, conflict resolution, or simply want to improve your relationships, this is for you! Come and discover the power of knowledge and how to achieve effective communication. Find out how you could guide and control communication in your life! Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your communication abilities and connect with like-minded individuals. We look forward to seeing you here!

**Online Speed Dating for Mature Peterborough Singles** Live on Zoom. Real conversations. Local people who value genuine connection and traditional dating. **Pick your age group to register:** - Ages 18-32: [Click to Register](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=452.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Peterborough&groupurlname=club-for-active-retirees-meeting-friends&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - Ages 30-46: [Click to Register](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=452.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Peterborough&groupurlname=club-for-active-retirees-meeting-friends&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - Ages 40-58: [Click to Register](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=452.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Peterborough&groupurlname=club-for-active-retirees-meeting-friends&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) - Ages 55+: [Click to Register](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=452.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Peterborough&groupurlname=club-for-active-retirees-meeting-friends&ar=55+&face_v=2.0) RSVP alone does not hold your spot. Register through the link above and complete the quick personality quiz. For mature singles who appreciate meaningful connections and are serious about finding the right person. Host-guided. All ages welcome. Mutual matches shared after the event.

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?

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

Let’s meet, wander the exhibits and open galleries, and enjoy an evening out in the Franklinton Arts District. (Nearby pay parking is available in the garage on McDowell, right around the corner from One Line Coffee, and, past it along the curb as McDowell dead ends.)

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

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.

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar