Intellectual Discussions

ATTEND IN PERSON OR ON ZOOM Note the new location! (St Hilda's East in Shoreditch, London) Should you put on Plato's Ring of Gyges? What makes a decision a good one? And what can slaying dragons teach us about living well? Join philosopher, educator, author and veteran Dungeon Master [Peter Worley](https://peterworley.uk/) for an accessible introduction to the surprising philosophical depth of Dungeons & Dragons. Using examples from the game alongside ideas from the Stoics, Simone de Beauvoir and Nietzsche, Peter Worley will show how role-playing can become a powerful way of thinking about the decisions we make both in fantasy worlds and in our own lives. No previous experience of D&D required. Pre-explore via RationalGrid.ai [here](https://rationalgrid.ai/g/what-are-the-philosophical-underpinnings-of-dungeo-2511f5/graph) [Peter Worley](https://peterworley.uk/) is a philosopher-educator, specialising in questioning, dialogue, and philosophical inquiry. He is the author or editor of eleven books on doing philosophy, including *The If Machine, The If Odyssey and Corrupting Youth*. He is creator of PhiE pedagogy of philosophical enquiry, and the Founder of The Philosophy Foundation, through which he helped bring philosophy into schools, communities, and workplaces internationally. Peter's work has inspired and featured in films including the BAFTA-nominated BBC animation *What Makes Me, Me?*, the acclaimed documentary *Young Plato*, and the BBC drama *Waiting for the Out*. An experienced Dungeons & Dragons 'Dungeon Master' (DM), Peter has been incorporating its elements in his educational work in philosophy for two decades. This event is sponsored by the Royal institute of Philosophy. Lecture and discussion! See you there? For the full programme of events pls see [pfalondon.org](http://pfalondon.org)

The Sylvans will hold a debate on the following motion: ***The UK needs a new attitude to work [to solve the productivity and NEET crises].*** 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).

A monthly gathering in Central London to talk about the Equal Satisfaction idea (see "About us...." section for a description of this). Anyone welcome and other topics may also be discussed. Due to low attendance it's currently merged with a more general meeting in which Equal Satisfaction is discussed alongside other ideas intended to make the world better, e.g. citizen's income and land tax.

**PLEASE MAKE SURE TO BOOK YOUR TICKET IN ADVANCE TO ATTEND THE EVENT. YOU CAN RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE. [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1990784488997?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1990784488997?aff=oddtdtcreator)** **You are invited to take part in Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Business Networking Event !** Join us for an empowering and insightful networking event designed for professionals in the dynamic fields of Women in Tech, Fintech, Artificial Intelligence, Startups, and Entrepreneurship. This event is a melting pot of ideas and innovations, bringing together the brightest minds and trailblazers in these sectors. **You will also be able to join the dedicated Whatsapp group for the event and start networking before the actual event.** **Event Overview:** * **Women in Tech:** An exclusive platform for women in technology to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. This segment focuses on empowering female professionals and entrepreneurs in the tech industry, offering a space to connect, learn, and inspire. * **Fintech:** Dive into the world of financial technology with experts and innovators. Explore the latest trends, discuss challenges and opportunities, and connect with peers who are shaping the future of fintech. * **AI:** Engage with professionals at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence. Whether you’re a developer, a strategist, or simply an AI enthusiast, this segment offers a deep dive into emerging technologies, ethical considerations, and groundbreaking applications. * **Startups:** A space for startup founders and entrepreneurs to network, share stories, and gain insights. This segment is perfect for those looking to scale their startups, seeking mentorship, or wanting to learn from successful entrepreneurial journeys. * **Entrepreneurs:** Connect with fellow entrepreneurs across various industries. Discuss strategies, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations. This is an ideal platform for both seasoned and aspiring entrepreneurs. * * **Why Attend?** * **Networking Opportunities:** Meet and connect with professionals across diverse yet interconnected fields. * **Knowledge Sharing:** Learn from leaders and peers, and gain valuable insights that can propel your career or business forward. * **Collaboration and Growth:** Discover potential collaborations, partnerships, and ways to expand your professional network. * **Inspiration:** Get inspired by success stories and innovative ideas that are driving these industries. **Who Should Attend the event?** * **Female Professionals in Tech** * **Fintech Enthusiasts and Professionals** * **AI Innovators and Tech Buffs** * **Startup Founders and Team Members** * **Aspiring Entrepreneurs** * **Investors and Venture Capitalists** * **Business Consultants and Advisors** * **Academics and Researchers** This diverse group of attendees ensures a dynamic and multifaceted networking event, full of potential for new insights, collaborations, and business development opportunities. How our event works: 7.00pm - When you arrive your name will be checked off the guest list, the host will direct everyone to the reserved area and explain how the event will work. 7.30pm – Event starts, you will be introduced to each other in a nice relaxed environment in the semi private reserved area. 8 pm - Short presentations. 8:30 pm- Networking 10 pm - Event ends, all guests are welcome to stay and enjoy chatting with each other. Dress code is either business or office attire or smart casual, no T-shirts, no trainers. Ticket for 1 person allows 1 person to enter the venue from 7pm If you have any questions email contact@thebusinessminds.co.uk Please Note: **Tickets need to be bought online and are not available at the door.**

IN PERSON STUDY & CONVERSATION GROUP - KNOWLEDGE OF THE HIGHER WORDS. HOW IS IT ACHIEVED ? WITH TREVOR DANCE **Knowledge of the Higher Worlds is an essential book for understanding Rudolf Steiner’s ideas. It contains practical exercises to set one on the spiritual pathway advocated by Steiner – a reliable and safe path based on a rational, scientific approach.** **You are warmly invited to join the study group.** **Further information: trevordance@hotmail.com** This group is run under the auspices of the Anthroposophical Society in Great Britain and small donations towards expenses are welcome. £ 3 / £2 .

The Data Science Speakers Club is a Toastmasters International club enabling the current and next generation of Data Scientists to improve their Public Speaking Skills. This is a HYBRID Meeting! So join us Online via ZOOM or In-Person. Joining the Data Science Speakers Club means joining a supportive environment to build your confidence in public speaking and to practice speaking in front of an audience. You will also gain the opportunity to receive feedback on your speeches in a friendly environment, including what you have done well and guidance on the areas you can improve upon. We also run a mentorship program where an experienced mentor supports you on your public speaking journey. Meeting Theme: **TBC** Tentative Schedule: 18:30 - President's welcome 18:40 - Prepared Speeches (3 prepared speeches with evaluation) 19:25 - Guest introduction 19:30 - Break 19:40 - Table Topic 20:30 - Wrap up, awards, announcements End of Meeting The theme is to do with exploring various aspects of power, including how it is distributed, challenged, and transformed in different contexts. In the first part, there will be speeches. In the second half, we will have impromptu speeches preparation in groups called Table topics where guests can participate. We meet on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Mondays of each month from 6:30 pm online. Each meeting is a mixture of prepared speeches by our members, speaking roles, and impromptu speaking challenges by members and guests. Our meetings are free to attend and you only have to speak if you want to. For in-person attendance, snacks will be provided. Entrepreneurs, Innovators, and Mathematical and Logical Thinkers aiming to focus on their communication and leadership development are always welcome to attend our meetings, to increase their self-confidence, become better speakers, and become better leaders. TEAMS LINK: [https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/382345239116121?p=cuLtNaK8UsjrLbnexq](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/382345239116121?p%3DcuLtNaK8UsjrLbnexq&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1h_-J2X3xLknX4gfg-Hy0V) FACEBOOK: [https://www.facebook.com/datasciencespk/](https://www.facebook.com/datasciencespk/) LINKEDIN: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/data-science-speakers-club](https://www.linkedin.com/company/data-science-speakers-club) TWITTER: [https://twitter.com/datasciencespk](https://twitter.com/datasciencespk) INSTAGRAM: [https://www.instagram.com/datasciencespk/](https://www.instagram.com/datasciencespk/)

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)

In our next book club, we ‘re discussing **“Talking to My Daughter About the Economy”** by *Yanis Varoufakis*, a clear and accessible book that explains how the economy works, why inequality exists, and how power and money shape our lives—using stories rather than technical theory. **POTENTIAL DISCUSSION POINTS:** * Varoufakis describes early economies where money and debt served stability and obligation, and **profit was a by-product rather than a goal**. Do you agree with his account, and do you think modern capitalism has turned profit into an end in itself? * Varoufakis argues that inequality stems from power and control over money and resources, not merely from hard work or talent—**but can any economic system truly overcome it?** * Varoufakis suggests **AI could make the economy vastly more productive**—but in a system built around profit and power, these gains often go to a few while many lose security. **Would the benefits generated by AI will ultimately outweigh its social and economic drawbacks?** *** **RECOMMENDED READING:** We recommend the below resources— but it's not obligatory. Come with your thoughts, experiences, and opinions; that's all you need. * **Buy the book from Amazon or listen to the audiobook** [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Talking-Daughter-About-Economy-Capitalism/dp/1847924441](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Talking-Daughter-About-Economy-Capitalism/dp/1847924441) * **Download the PDF book for free** [https://pdfcoffee.com/talking-to-my-daughter-about-the-economy-yanis-varoufakis-pdf-free.html](https://pdfcoffee.com/talking-to-my-daughter-about-the-economy-yanis-varoufakis-pdf-free.html) * **Listen to the Audio book for free** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwMwGVgKkwc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwMwGVgKkwc) * **Watch a lecture by the author about the book topic** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0M24CEEMFk&t=2106s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0M24CEEMFk&t=2106s) *** **GROUND RULES:** This is a gentle, but thought-provoking, discussion. It's a judgement-free zone where people can air their thoughts on particular issues, and discover other people's similar and different perspectives. So bring your best opinions and ideas. Everyone is welcome. **LOCATION:** We will meet in the 1st floor area of Coffee Island Edgware Road. There's plenty of space 🛋️, and coffee ☕, tea ☕, cold drinks, and snacks are available. **NEAREST STATIONS:** Edgware Road [Circle, Hammersmith City, District Line] (1 min walk) Edgware Road [Bakerloo Line] (1 min walk) Paddington [Bakerloo, Hammersmith, Circle and Elizabeth Line] (7 mins walk) *** **FOOD AND SOCIAL AFTERWARDS:** Most of us usually go for food afterwards, so feel free to factor in time after for dinner 🍛🍟🍝🍣🍜🍗🍔

Do you have spare books lying around your home? Do you want to read new interesting books for free while socializing with interesting people? This is the event for you. We will enjoy nice drinks and snacks together at a beautiful lounge bar in London. You can bring your books and exchange them with whoever has the books you want to read. Since this is a Science and Philosophy book club, it would be great for you to bring non-fiction books that are insightful and thought-provoking. If you want to bring fiction books that are scientifically or philosophically insightful, feel free to bring those as well. Since it is a social event, I encourage everyone to make deep meaningful conversations and make new friends. You can come alone or bring your friends with you. If you come alone, there is no need to be shy or scared. I will welcome you and introduce you to cool interesting people to speak with. Also feel free to come even if you forget to bring any books.

More and more conversations about society are filled with nostalgia and rumination about the past; factions on the right talk about "nativism," while voices on the left demand "decolonisation". They seem like opposite ideas but have one big point in common: both believe that our identity depends on our ethnic roots, our ancestry, where we're originally from. But by focusing so much on a romanticised history, are we dividing the people who live together right now? Should our background still define who we are, or does building a shared future (and present!) together matter more? 1. **The Left-Right Paradox:** Why do both decolonization and nativism trap us in the exact same ancestral boxes? 2. **Divided by the Past:** Does ruminating on our origins stop us from building a united community today? 3. **Beyond Heritage:** In a modern world, should our ancestry matter when deciding who we are, or how we treat each other? *Join a room of international minds, creative professionals, and cosmopolitans for our weekly late-night conversation lounge. We skip the small talk to dive directly into the gray areas of relationships, modern culture, and society.* *Come for the perspective. Stay for the connections.* **🍸 THE VIBE** * **Curated Conversations:** Sharp, spicy, and unfiltered topics. We tackle everything from cultural identity to institutional trust - we focus on personal philosophies and lived experiences rather than rigid point-scoring. * **Cinematic Backdrop:** Hosted in the moody lounge of Curzon Aldgate, perfect for late-night cocktails and deep chat. * **Fluid Mingling:** An organic mix of curated group discussions, then unstructured socializing over drinks. * **A Global Collective:** Connect with international graduates, London's creatives, open-minded travelers, etc. **🕒 THE RUN SHEET** * **19:30 – 20:00 \| The Warm Up:** Arrive, grab a cocktail, and settle into the lounge space. * **20:00 – 21:30 \| The Hot Takes:** We move into our hosted conversation circles. We rotate groups so you meet everyone. * **21:30 – Late \| The After\-chat:** The lounge bar stays open for late-night mingling and drinks. **📜 HOUSE RULES** 1. **Challenge Ideas, Not People:** We love strong opinions, lightly held. No personal attacks. 2. **No Soapboxing:** This is an exchange of perspectives, not a lecture. Leave your monologues at home. 3. **Be Present:** Put the phones away during the conversation circles. 4. **Open Minds Only:** Bring your cultural background, leave your judgment at the door. **📍 THE DETAILS** * **Where:** The Lounge Bar at Curzon Aldgate, 2 Canter Way, E1 8PS. * **Entry:** Free entry. Kindly support the venue by ordering a drink or snack at the bar. * **Dress Code:** Smart/City Casual * **Transport:** Aldgate East, Aldgate, Tower Hill/Gateway stations are all within a 5-minute walk. **🌎 ABOUT US** **World Citizens** is London's premier cosmopolitan collective. For over 15 years, we have curated high-vibe spaces, salon discussions, and cultural mixers for global minds, young professionals, and international expats living in the capital. **\*Our other weekly events\*** \- Friday evening socials every week \- Cafe tour around London every Saturday \- Canary Wharf socials every other Wednesday \- Outdoor fun \(hiking\, kayaking\, etc\) every weekend \- Dining\, cultural and travel activities on\-demand **JOIN OUR TEAM!** We're all volunteers, so if you enjoy organizing activities or events in your spare time, while meeting great people every week, send a message to our team account "TP"! **DISCLAIMER** We are a 100% volunteer-run team. Though we have high standards in planning, this is a private informal activity so we cannot be liable for any damage or inconvenience. However, we put safety and comfort first. We take all complaints seriously, and take severe action against any harassment, verbal or non-verbal, and anti-social behaviour, towards our guests or team members. We collaborate with the police when needed. We take photos and videos which may include you to help promote the community in line with GDPR Data Protection law, as well as stock photos from Pexels or Unsplash. We may restrict or prioritize guests at our own discretion for safety, quality and logistics reasons. While our team's decisions may not be perfect we ask that you follow our decisions first and raise any disputes to discuss with us later and privately. By attending you understand, agree with and respect all terms of this disclaimer.

Dissatisfied and discontent, Florent-Claude Labrouste feels he is dying of sadness. His young girlfriend hates him and his career as an engineer at the Ministry of Agriculture is pretty much over. His only relief comes in the form of a pill – white, oval, small. Recently released for public consumption, Captorix is a new brand of anti-depressant which works by altering the brain’s release of serotonin. Armed with this new drug, Labrouste decides to abandon his life in Paris and return to the Normandy countryside where he used to work promoting regional cheeses, and where he had once been in love. But instead of happiness, he finds a rural community devastated by globalisation and European agricultural policies, and local farmers longing, like Labrouste himself, for an impossible return to what they remember as the golden age. Written by one of the most provocative and prophetic novelists of his generation, Serotonin is at once a devastating story of solitude, longing and individual suffering, and a powerful criticism of modern life. Available from all good libraries and book shops. You don't have to have read it to join us - but it'll probably help. We will be meeting in The Ludski Bar in the Rio Cinema. [https://www.riocinema.org.uk/your-visit/](https://www.riocinema.org.uk/your-visit/) You are welcome to bring outside food in with you but please buy your drinks from inside the cinema. Thank you. We hope to see you there. ... To join the Brain Worms WhatsApp Group please click here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EvFibn1d6AsEwdVGmwkhko](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EvFibn1d6AsEwdVGmwkhko) (in order to stop spam bots this will take you to a Waiting Room. Once in please write your name and we will join you to the main chat). Meetup charges subscription fees. If you would like to make a donation please click here: [https://paypal.me/philosophycollective](https://paypal.me/philosophycollective)

Who or what belongs in the picture? Let’s explore the story of art, freedom, and an expanding world at the National Gallery in London. Together, we will take a closer look at five popular paintings, from the early Renaissance to the 19th century. I will select five well-known paintings for us to discuss, but suggestions are very welcome if there is a particular painting you would like to explore in more depth.

Dissatisfied and discontent, Florent-Claude Labrouste feels he is dying of sadness. His young girlfriend hates him and his career as an engineer at the Ministry of Agriculture is pretty much over. His only relief comes in the form of a pill – white, oval, small. Recently released for public consumption, Captorix is a new brand of anti-depressant which works by altering the brain’s release of serotonin. Armed with this new drug, Labrouste decides to abandon his life in Paris and return to the Normandy countryside where he used to work promoting regional cheeses, and where he had once been in love. But instead of happiness, he finds a rural community devastated by globalisation and European agricultural policies, and local farmers longing, like Labrouste himself, for an impossible return to what they remember as the golden age. Written by one of the most provocative and prophetic novelists of his generation, Serotonin is at once a devastating story of solitude, longing and individual suffering, and a powerful criticism of modern life. Available from all good libraries and book shops. You don't have to have read it to join us - but it'll probably help. We will be meeting in The Ludski Bar in the Rio Cinema. [https://www.riocinema.org.uk/your-visit/](https://www.riocinema.org.uk/your-visit/) You are welcome to bring outside food in with you but please buy your drinks from inside the cinema. Thank you. We hope to see you there. ... To join the Brain Worms WhatsApp Group please click here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EvFibn1d6AsEwdVGmwkhko](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EvFibn1d6AsEwdVGmwkhko) (in order to stop spam bots this will take you to a Waiting Room. Once in please write your name and we will join you to the main chat). Meetup charges subscription fees. If you would like to make a donation please click here: [https://paypal.me/philosophycollective](https://paypal.me/philosophycollective) You can also find the Brain Worms Book Club here: [https://www.meetup.com/brain-worms-book-club/](https://www.meetup.com/brain-worms-book-club/)

Hi everyone! We're Jared and Petria Walker, local real estate investors based in Columbus, Ohio, with a passion for short-term rentals and hospitality. We're looking to start a casual monthly Columbus-area meetup for entrepreneurs, investors, real estate professionals, and anyone interested in short-term rentals to share ideas, discuss market trends, learn from one another, and build meaningful relationships. Whether you're just getting started or have years of experience, we'd love to connect, collaborate, and grow together. We believe some of the best opportunities begin with great conversations. See you soon!

Let’s meet and discuss John Updike's Rabbit, Run, the first in his series of four novels following the life, hopes, and disappointments of former local basketball star, Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, as he fitfully confronts and evades adulthood.

🚀 **Go Viral with AI – Faceless Content on Autopilot** Launch a content brand that grows on autopilot using AI-generated media. ⚠️ Complete registration to confirm your seat. RSVP is not enough. ### [🔗 SAVE YOUR SEAT](https://aiventurelab.org/product/AiInfluencer?city=Columbus&groupurlname=the-book-lovers-journey-discussion-group&startgmtdatetime=2026-07-07T22:00:00Z) --- What you'll create: - A monetisation path from day one - AI tools to generate, edit, and post content automatically - A faceless brand that runs without your time *Your brand. Your rules. No face needed.* 🚀

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

This is not an event, but an announcement that we are accepting new members. If you'd like to pursue joining our group, please read the "about us" section and then write us at columbusmensgroup@gmail.com with a few paragraphs about yourself, what you'd like to experience in the group, and the contribution that you'd like to make. Thank you!

Be prepared for an entirely different type of sci-fi movie! Unofficially, the second movie in director Lars von Trier's "Depression Trilogy," 2011 Melancholia depicts the events that occur before a rogue planet is about to collide with the earth. Considered by many to be a masterpiece, the film was included in BFI's 2022 Sight and Sound Poll of the greatest movies of all time. It is available at the library as well as on Kanopy.

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.