Self-Defense
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out self-defense events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the self-defense events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
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Self-Defense Events Today
Join in-person Self-Defense events happening right now
June Community Night - Leon Poggioli and Sanam Makadia + Peter Lake
Hello friends,
This month we will (finally!) be an entirely standalone community event, not for profit and volunteer run. We have booked a large event space in the Multicultural Hub across from Vic Market. Pizza and beverages will be graciously funded this month by Dragos, but we would really love to see other food and beverage sponsors in the future.
**We can also really use additional volunteers to watch the door, help carry in food and drinks, or help with set up or clean up. Please send us a message if you're able to help.**
This event will survive if people are involved and want to make it survive!
Cheers,
Lesley
**Talk 1: A practical methodology to secure critical infrastructure**
OT Cybersecurity is current in a “perfect storm scenario”. This is due to:
● Increased OT automation
● Increased regulation
● OT cyber maturity lags IT cyber maturity
● OT cyber risk impacts safety and production
While many large organisations are well-resourced with dedicated teams, smaller organisations who aren’t able to appoint a dedicated OT Cybersecurity leader often struggle to deliver an effective OT Cybersecurity uplift program.
This talk outlines why practical, lightweight approaches to complicated scenarios suit most critical infrastructure organisations and how such an approach would work in practice.
**Speaker:**
Leon Poggioli is the founder of NetSeg, an advisory
organisation focused on consulting around OT Cybersecurity
Strategy and Program Development. He founded NetSeg after
recognising that many organisations with OT Cybersecurity
obligations don’t have the necessary knowledge and
experience to drive a program which requires different
capabilities and stakeholders than IT Cybersecurity programs
require.
OT Cybersecurity is in a “perfect storm” - with increased OT
automation and connectivity increasing the attack surface,
increased regulations, not to mention the fact that any organisation with an OT network likely
relies on that network to conduct their core business!
Before founding NetSeg, Leon was the Australia New Zealand Country Manager for Claroty,
one of the Gartner leaders for CPS (Cyberphysical Systems) Protection Platforms, and
worked with a wide range of Australian and New Zealand organisations to drive their
programs using Claroty’s technology.
Leon also has a YouTube channel @NetSeg_IO where he shares short-form videos on a
range of OT Cybersecurity topics. He has also been featured several times on Australian
television and talkback radio.
**Talk 2: Managing a Crisis in Critical Infrastructure -**
**Incident Command System**
Critical infrastructure is increasingly exposed to cyber-physical threats impacting
essential services like energy, water, and transportation. This session introduces
ICS4ICS, a proven incident response framework adapted for Industrial Control
Systems (ICS) and Operational Technology (OT).
It enables IT, OT, and cybersecurity teams to collaborate with clear roles, shared
language, and coordinated response during high-impact incidents. Attendees will gain
practical insights into managing cyber incidents that can escalate into physical
disruptions, improving resilience and response effectiveness.
Designed for cyber, natural, and accidental events, ICS4ICS supports cross-sector and
public-private coordination.
**Speakers:**
Sanam Makadia
• Cyber Security Architect and Advisor
• Thought leader and advisor with more than 2
decades of experience in design, consulting,
architecture, Risk and Governance
• Interest in topics such as Cyber strategy, GRC,
operational technology/industrial control systems
(OT/ICS) and robotics & artificial intelligence (AI)
Peter Lake
• Cybersecurity Strategy Lead and CTF coach
• Passionate about capacity building for
neurodivergent young people, coaching, and
building Cybersecurity career pathways.
• Keen interest in critical infrastructure, space
cyber awareness, incident response and
management.
SPIRITUAL PLAYGROUP
**Event Info:**
The purpose of this gathering is to get together as an inclusive Spiritual Playgroup without any set agenda.
We will talk and discuss spiritual topics as well as exchange knowledge, skills, abilities, gifts and healing modalities to help each other unlock our highest potential.
The evening is broken up into parts, starting with a group meditation, followed by an activity, then a tea break, finishing with group discussion
Every level of experience and background is welcomed, whether you are just starting out with spirituality and want to explore more, or you are a veteran and want to share your wisdom with others.
If you are new and don't know anyone, please come talk to me, I can introduce you to regulars.
**Topics can include:**
Spirituality, esotericism, metaphysics, philosophy, psychic abilities/gifts/intuition, mediumship, working with energy, working with spiritual guides/beings, healing/energy healing, health, wellbeing, mysticism, theosophy, shamanism, starseeds and many others. Whatever comes up during our gatherings, everyone is encouraged to suggest topics and participate.
You are welcome to share any spiritual/healing/metaphysical knowledge, experiences, talents that you have with the group or simply enjoy the company of like-minded people & learn from each other through these sessions.
**This group is for you if:**
-You want to explore spirituality in a fun, laid back setting.
-You are looking to unlock deeper aspects of yourself.
-You are looking to unlock your intuition/gifts.
-You are looking for your calling/purpose/how to be of service.
-You want to reach a higher level of self-awareness and apply it to your everyday life.
-You are looking to meet and make friends with other like-minded people.
-You want to help anchor the spiritual energies.
-You enjoy spiritual discussions.
-You want to help others.
This group is open and accepting of everyone looking to learn or help others, any disrespect will not be tolerated and you will be asked to leave. Keep in mind that this group is not religion based.
**What to bring:**
-A bottle of water
-Optionally feel free to bring a snack but we do ask that you keep the place clean.
-$5 contribution which helps cover the cost of the facility
**Amenities provided:**
-Chairs
-Kitchen for tea/coffee/snacks
-Toilets
**Location:**
Level 1/234 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
**Getting there:**
It is a short 3 minute walk from Flinders Street Station, with nearby tram stops as well.
There is a parking lot on Flinders Lane as well if you are coming by car, which is 20$ flat rate for the night if you book online (otherwise it is 25$).
**Important note:** The event has a capped attendance, and as such we ask that you only RSVP as attending if you know you are able to make it. If you can no longer attend, please change your RSVP to not attending, to allow others to attend. This meetup is also posted on another meetup group, so numbers here do not reflect complete attendance.
Kind Regards,
Emile and Gunnel
Facilitators / your hosts:
Gunnel Watkins is a board member of The Melbourne Theosophical Society, she has a background in Transpersonal Art Therapy and is a practicing artist.
Emile has been hosting this group via Meetup Group [https://www.meetup.com/melbourne-spirituality-personal-growth-meditation-meetup/events/260755046/](https://www.meetup.com/melbourne-spirituality-personal-growth-meditation-meetup/events/260755046/)
Improve your Speaking Skills with fun and Support at Waverley Communicators
Speaking in public is not easy for most people, nor is running a workshop, writing a speech, thinking on your feet, or even speaking up amongst friends.
At POWERtalk you will learn how to gain the confidence to step up to speak up. We've seen it many times over. We help you with simple techniques to look confident as a speaker even when you feel like crumbling.
**You'll be giving presentations before you know it and loving it!!!**
**\>\>\>** We believe there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to growing as a person and can tailor a plan to help you grow as an individual. **<<<**
**Join us at a meeting soon to learn how to build your confidence as a speaker, effectively communicate, get creative, and have lots of fun doing so.**
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
POWERtalk Australia is a not-for-profit organisation training in public speaking and leadership skills.
Guests are free of charge for the first 3 meetings.
Full membership is surprisingly very affordable. Please ask if you would like more information or become a member.
We look forward to meeting you for a night of POWERtalk (1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month)
*PS. If you have symptoms of cough, runny nose, fever or are unwell, we wish you a speedy recovery and please ask that you stay away until you are well again. Thanks :)*
We meet every 1st & 3rd Tuesday.
Address: Power Neighbourhood House - 54 Power Avenue Ashwood Vic
7.45 pm start. 2-hour duration.
Come along and enjoy the fun. We look forward to meeting you.
Introductory Buddhist Talk & Group Meditation
Are you looking for an opportunity to learn more about Buddhism and meditation?
Come and join us for our regular Buddhist meditation sessions every Tuesday.
Every session will start with a short introductory and will be followed by a guided, 20 - 30 minute meditation.
Feel free to join us after the session for some social time and questions and answers. The evening is free of charge, but donations are always welcome.
More info can be found here:
https://diamondway.org.au/centres/melbourne
Self-Defense Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Women's Workshop Series into Authenticity & Internal Trust
### The Return: A Four-Week Immersion into Authenticity & Internal Trust
Thursday evenings across June
#### How much of who you are today is *you*, and how much is a collection of "shoulds," "musts," and the quiet habit of people-pleasing?
Join us for a dedicated **four-week immersion** designed to help you peel back the layers of societal conditioning and rediscover the internal voice that has been waiting to be heard.
This isn’t about becoming someone new; it’s about **The Return**—stripping away the masks and learning to trust your own internal wisdom: honouring yourself, distinguishing your yes's from your no's, & reclaiming true rest.
#### **What to expect:**
Over four Thursday evenings, you will join the same group of women to explore:
* *The Authentic Self*: Identifying unhelpful habits and conditioning that keeps us small
* *Somatic Release*: Gentle yin yoga and movement
* *Sacred Circle*: The power of being seen and held in a community of like-minded women
* *Inner Inquiry:* Reflection through curated journal prompts to bridge the gap between your mind and heart
*Inclusions:*
* *Guided workshop series designed and guided by clinical psychologist & yoga instructor, Dr Zac Elizabeth Buchanan*
* *Nibbles & tea to nourish each evening*
* *Connection with like-minded women*
* *Take home journal and goodies*
#### **Is this for me?**
The Return welcomes women of all ages and stages of life. Whether you are navigating a major transition—such as **motherhood, career change, perimenopause, or retirement**—or simply feel a quiet pull to deepen your self-awareness, you are welcome here.
#### **The Details:**
* *When:* Thursday evenings (June 4, 11, 18, 25)
* *Time:* 7pm - 9pm
* *Where:* A cosy, boutique studio in Balwyn North (precise location provided upon RSVP)
* **Please note - a commitment to all 4 Thursdays is required.**
#### **Investment:**
* $310 (+ booking fee) - tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-return-a-4-week-womens-workshop-series-tickets-1988474174785
* EFT available to avoid booking fee - please email hello @ drzacelizabeth.com
#### **Spaces are limited to keep the circle intimate and deeply held. I would love to see you there** ♥
[Claim your spot](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-return-a-4-week-womens-workshop-series-tickets-1988474174785)!
> **A Note on the Nature of Our Space:** While this series is facilitated by a clinical psychologist and explores psychological concepts, it is a wellness-focused immersion and is **not a substitute for clinical therapy.** It is intended to complement any personal work you may be doing elsewhere. We invite you to join us for communal growth and somatic reflection, ensuring you have the appropriate professional support in place for any acute clinical mental health needs.
####
SELF-CONFIDENCE! The key to your SUCCESS!
**Gain The Confidence to Be Unstoppable! Free Class.**
How to Achieve Self Confidence!
Without question, self confidence is the key to success. It determines how many of your goals you achieve in life and has an enormous impact on your happiness. It affects how people perceive you, your career achievements, your ability to take risks or try new endeavours, as well as your overall attitude toward yourself and others.
Self Confidence is something most people would like to have more of, but aren't sure how to get.
Did you ever feel more certain of yourself in the past?
Would you like to raise your self confidence ?
To increase self confidence, you have to understand what reduces it. If you know why this happens you can reverse the situation and rebuild your self esteem.
Self Confidence is self-determinism. One's belief in one's ability to determine his own course. As long as one has that, he's go the universe in his pocket. - L. Ron Hubbard.
This day you are able to Learn a few things about:
• The true source of security in life.
• How self-confidence, self respect and self trust interrelate, and what you can do to rehabilitate them.
• The exact steps to become more competent in whatever you do.
Today's free class will put you into a good position to help you achieve a new level of self-confidence, accomplish more and progress towards a higher level of personal survival.
Free parking, Free entree
***
Todays free class is open to all people of goodwill and is held at the Life Improvement Centre located at Scientology. Our meetup classes contain universal knowledge that is applicable to all of us and can and is used by anyone of any faith as well as by those with no faith. Our meetups contain TOOLS for better living and they will assist you greatly in achieving your goals! These practical tools can be used straight away!
JUGGER - soft-combat foam weapons, free to try!
It's Jugger time! Get on down to Hawthorn for fun, sun, exercise, and silly shenanigans!
* ✅ Free to attend
* ⚔️ Jugger Equipment is supplied
* 🍜 Post-training social lunch - all welcome
* ➡️ [Find us on Discord](https://discord.gg/WHnMyk56Cu)
Jugger is an exciting, mixed-gender soft combat sport. Two teams use a selection of padded foam spars to tag opponents as they aim to put the jugg (the game ball) into their opponent's goal.
**Watch Jugger being played in [this excellent short demo video](https://vimeo.com/28592980).**
Jugger Melbourne training sessions include both full games of jugger, as well as a variety of training drills designed to promote **teamwork, communication, exercise, health and fitness, and teach core game skills.**
After training we head across to Glenferrie Rd for lunch and socializing, which you are welcome (and encouraged!) to join.
**🏃♀️➡️ New Player Info / Who Can Join**
New players are always welcome! Our experienced coaches will teach you basics to get you and and swinging in no time Jugger is easy to pickup the basics while deep to master.
We have a minimum age policy of 16 years (please note, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian), but other than that we welcome anyone of all fitness levels. Jugger is a great way to keep active, and a fun way to meet new people in a friendly and inclusive community!
**👟 How to Join a Session and What to Bring**
Joining is simple - just show up! RSVPing on Meetup or Discord is a big help as it helps us plan around expected numbers. You are also welcome to bring along any interested friends and family.
**⚔️ Jugger equipment is supplied.** We have a collection of gear to loan out to new players.
Bring a water bottle (there is a tap nearby), sunscreen, and wear comfortable clothes and shoes for running around in - and that you don't mind getting a bit dirty!
Recommend but not required items include: sunglasses, football boots, kneepads, and gloves if you have them. You don't need any of these to get started, but you may find you want them if you become a regular.
**✅ Are there any costs are involved?**
Our training sessions are **free to attend** as often as you like, we are essentially just a group of friends that meet for training and socializing on the weekend.
The Australian Jugger League has a voluntary annual membership that helps to support the sport (including maintaining equipment and paying for Meetup), and we encourage people to join once they become a regular attendee or begin attending tournaments. However there's no obligation so spend any money when you're first trying it out or just attending casually.
**➡️ External Links**
We organise our regular players through our Discord group and their attendance is not often represented in the Meetup attendance numbers (we use Meetup to reach out to new people).
Events are also (though less regularly) posted to Facebook, while event photos and videos are shared on our Instagram.
* [Join our Discord](https://discord.gg/WHnMyk56Cu)
* [Jugger Melbourne on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/JuggerMelbourne)
* [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jugger_melbourne/)
* [Australian Jugger League website](https://www.jugger.au/)
\*\* See you on Sunday \*\*
Try Dragon Boating – Saturday Come & Try (Beginner Friendly)
**🚣♀️Ever wanted to try dragon boating?**
Join us for a beginner-friendly Saturday morning “Come & Try” session at Docklands—no experience needed.
👉 Just RSVP or message us and come along
⸻
**What to expect:**
* Quick safety briefing + basic paddling tips
* Join our crew for a real on-water training session
* Friendly, supportive environment (perfect for beginners)
* ☕ Optional coffee catch-up after
⸻
**What happens after?**
If you enjoy it, you can:
* Join our weekday trainings (Tues/Thurs evenings) in addition to Saturday sessions
* Continue to paddle with us for 30 days free on the Dragon Pass
⸻
**What to bring:**
* Comfortable clothes to exercise in
* Water bottle
* Sun protection
* Change of clothes (you may get a little splash)
👉 We provide all equipment (paddle + life jacket)
⸻
Location:
Community Hub at the Dock
912 Collin’s Street, Docklands (waterfront side)
⸻
**👊Come give it a go this Saturday!!**
No experience needed—just turn up and try it.
⸻
**Can’t make Saturday?**
We also train Tuesday & Thursday evenings at 6pm—just reach out and we’ll help you get started.
**⸻**
**Southern Storm Paddle Club** trains all year around in Docklands, weather permitting. (Rain is not an issue!)
If you have any questions, please get in touch with us on Facebook, meetup or email on [southernstormpaddleclub@gmail.com](mailto:southernstormpaddleclub@gmail.com)
Follow the team on Social Media @
[https://www.instagram.com/southernstormpc/ ](https://www.instagram.com/southernstormpc/)[https://www.facebook.com/southernstormpaddleclub/](https://www.facebook.com/southernstormpaddleclub/)
Leadership - How to activate audience minds
Smashing! Try something new Thursday
Interactive workshop - Add power to your presentation. Why and how to activate the mind of an audience!
Serious about improving your leadership - **Why mess, come to the best**
Why is Smashing different to other speaking clubs?
Just one member's thoughts, "The fun/laughs factor is definitely a point of difference. We keep it moving with high standards so it’s a nice balance. Too strict makes it tense and boring, too loose and we can lose the energy/commercial feel. SmashSpeak's vibe's in the sweet spot."
**Free parking** close: O'Connell and Cobden streets
**IMPORTANT: Be on time, as doors close when the show starts**
“Proudly Australian" – Free-flowing teamwork, greater good focus, sharing the stage, etc
Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St (Opposite Queen Vic Market)
Level 1, Purple Room (End of corridor)
More to come...
Singles dating walk for singles (25 - 45)
**Only ticket holders purchased prior to the event time will be accepted. Get your ticket now so that you don't miss out on the day.**
**Singles Dating Walk – Meeting in Glen Iris on the Gardiner's creek trail.**
Tickets here!
[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988232317383?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988232317383?aff=oddtdtcreator)
If you are lost, please message Kris at 0422467134
We will meet at 11:00 am and depart at 11:15am, so please try to arrive at 10:45 am to make sure that you don't miss us.
This is a ticketed event.
Tickets are purchased through Eventbrite. It is necessary for this to be a paid event as it assures us of the numbers that are attending and also helps you commit to attending as well. If you get in early, Earlybird tickets are available. **Don't miss out!** Tickets will be monitored and released according to demand and guided to maintain gender balance. We always do our best to orchestrate this but sometimes there will be some imbalances.
Step into nature and open your heart to new possibilities. Our *Singles Dating Walk* offers a refreshing way to meet like-minded people while strolling along the beautiful Gardiner's creek trail.
Throughout the walk, you’ll be gently guided to connect with someone new every so often, creating opportunities to meet a variety of potential matches in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. To make conversations flow with ease, we’ll provide thoughtful dating questions designed to inspire connection and meaningful dialogue.
This event is ideal for singles who are ready to move beyond apps and experience the magic of face-to-face chemistry in a natural, uplifting setting. By the end of the walk, you’ll have shared genuine moments, discovered new connections, and perhaps even taken the first steps toward something special.
Explore the '1000 Steps' Walk in the Dandenong's - Nature + Coffee & Connection
Join me to explore the stunning '1000 Steps' in the Dandenong Ranges, the first section of the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk.
For those who would like to, we can catch the train together from Southern Cross to Upper Fern Tree Gully, a chance to chat, connect, make new friends before we begin our walk.
The track starts at the Fern Tree Gully picnic grounds, the staircase winds up a steep hill along a creek through rainforest, before emerging into a clearing where we can enjoy beautiful views of Melbourne through the trees. We will complete the loop by taking the Lyrebird Track back to the picnic grounds, and will stop in at the 1000 Steps Cafe for a coffee or something to eat.
The Dandenong's is home to beautiful flora and fauna, including giant Mountain Ash trees, Rainbow Lorikeets and Lyrebirds.
The path has steep sections on both the staircase and down Lyrebird Track, and is described as moderate to challenging and suitable for reasonably fit people. The track is **3kms** and takes around **1.5 hrs** to complete.
The staircase is one way, however there are many places along the track to stop and rest. We will walk slowly, and have a rest at the clearing before heading back down. For anyone who would like to join but is not keen on the stairs, there are walking tracks to explore that run along the creek, from the Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground, with many beautiful spots to sit and relax and enjoy the environment.
**Agenda:**
I will meet you at **Southern Cross Station at 10.20am** at the Water Tower Clock
We will catch the **10.35am Belgrave train** to **Upper Fern Tree Gully**
Anyone driving can meet us at the Memorial Mates Statue, at **12pm**
We will walk the 1000 Steps, and reach the cafe around 2pm
After a coffee or something to eat we can explore the tracks at the foot of the hill,
And then catch the **3.30pm** Belgrave train back, reaching Flinders St Station at **4.30pm.**
We will keep to the times in the schedule as public transport runs to a reduced timetable on weekends.
When you RSVP please click attend on the event page, and I will be in touch about the details, I will also be available in the Event Comments on the day and add any updates there about weather conditions if needed.
Self-Defense Events Near You
Connect with your local Self-Defense community
Fundamentals: by do Jung Ishu/ the art of fighting
We are a real world Martial arts group. \
Called DO JUNG ISHU (the art of fighting) \
Based off of Jeet kune do we just continued where Bruce Lee left off. \
We have been around a while. \
Every week we get together and work technical skills and full contact spar. \
Almost all of the instructors have been in everything from street fights to the ring and some still compete in cage fighting. \
If you want to take your skills up, improve your confidence, gain self defense skills, get in better shape, test yourself or just want to kill some time and possibly get hit a bit come on down. \
We will be located at 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 Outside in the grass between the playground and horseshoe area. our instructors are normally in a black and red art of fighting shirt \ if you can not find us call or text me at 6143570295
Saturday 1:30pm Wednesday 5:45pm
From Age 16 and up. attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them. \
Wear workout clothes. \
Bring a MOUTHPIECE! \
WE HAVE GLOVES. \
$10 per class
$5 per class if you are wearing a club shirt
Club shirts are $25
Hope to see you soon. \
let me know if you have any questions :)
Ohio Fight club
We are a real world Martial arts group. \
Called DO JUNG ISHU (the art of fighting) \
Based off of Jeet kune do we just continued where Bruce Lee left off. \
We have been around a while. \
Every week we get together and work technical skills and full contact spar. \
Almost all of the instructors have been in everything from street fights to the ring and some still compete in cage fighting. \
If you want to take your skills up, improve your confidence, gain self defense skills, get in better shape, test yourself or just want to kill some time and possibly get hit a bit come on down. \
We will be located at 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 Outside in the grass between the playground and horseshoe area. our instructors are normally in a black and red art of fighting shirt \ if you can not find us call or text me at 6143570295
Saturday 1:30pm Wednesday 5:45pm
From Age 16 and up. attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them. \
Wear workout clothes. \
Bring a MOUTHPIECE! \
WE HAVE GLOVES. \
$10 per class
$5 per class if you are wearing a club shirt
Club shirts are $25
Hope to see you soon. \
let me know if you have any questions :)
Free In-Person Event: Handle Self-Confidence & Motivation to Achieve Your Goals
This is an in-person meeting.
Would you like to know the Real You, not just a shadow of yourself? Does your life energy feel somehow trapped within? Does your self-confidence get easily shaken? Do you get in the way of your own goals? We will discuss the real source of all this, what holds you back in life, and how to handle it so you can achieve more successful and happier living.
Perhaps you get weighed down with negative emotions you can't seem to shrug off. Or find yourself doing strange and irrational things - not really being yourself. We will cover why that is and tools that work to help you unearth your self, your self-confidence and motivation.
This meeting will help you learn about how to effectively overcome:
-Out-of-control unwanted emotions
-Low self-esteem
-Anxiety
-Negativity
-Stress
-Irrational fears
-Traumatic or painfully emotional incidents
-Breakups
-Betrayals
-Feeling like you're not really yourself
-Self-doubt...
We will discuss how to unleash the inner you and tap into your true potential. So come to this online meetup!
This meeting is sponsored by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation of Central Ohio
Drunken Philosophy: Are you really who you think you are? What is the "self"?
I have been studying the question of "self" online with Prof. Ellie Anderson and so I thought a prompt on the "self" might be interesting. Full confession: I had Claude create this prompt and I like it, so here goes:
Imagine a thought experiment that merges two classic puzzles:
> You undergo a procedure, performed neuron by neuron, in which every biological component of your brain is replaced with a functionally identical synthetic substitute. At each step, your behavior, memories, and personality remain unchanged. When the last neuron is swapped, is the consciousness experiencing the world still you? And — more pressingly — was there ever a continuous "you" to begin with?
### Questions to Wrestle With
* If consciousness is purely physical, does the *gradual* nature of the replacement matter, or is it equivalent to being destroyed and rebuilt?
* Could there be a "self" without continuity of experience — even moment to moment, while you sleep?
On a more practical level, consider the simpler case first: **hemispherectomy** patients — people who have had an entire cerebral hemisphere surgically removed — often retain a strong sense of personal identity and continuity. This suggests "you" are not rigidly tied to specific physical material. But does that vindicate the synthetic neuron case, or merely show that identity is more *flexible* than we thought — not that it can survive *complete* substrate replacement?
I used Claude so I could get this out today and let everyone have some time to consider it. Hope to see you at the Oracle. Sorry about the location change two weeks ago. That's what I get for trusting local weather predictions!
Sunday funday: let's play dodgeball at Scioto Audubon park
Dodgeball is back again!
If you’ve been wanting to come out, this is an easy one to join. We’ll be playing for about 1.5 to 2 hours, you do not need to bring any equipment, and no experience is needed.
We use a specific set of rules and equipment to make the games run better and keep them fun for everybody, not just people who already know how to play.
If it rains, the event will be canceled.
























