Rationality and Reasoning

This week we'll discuss the first chapter of [The Science of Can and Can't](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Science-Can-Cant-Physicists-Counterfactuals/dp/0241310946/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1YFBGHPLNB4NO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YoSj1NdZXBPKK81RKKOjBA.ga2ZS1YEzf0cR13hyK4BpEHaXtvmjSfEhGZemtNXrLU&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+science+of+can+and+can%27t&qid=1779107463&sprefix=the+science+of+can+and+can%27t%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-1), by Chiara Marletto, co-developer of Constructor Theory alongside David Deutsch. A big theme of the book is counterfactuals - statements about what *could* happen, not just what *does* happen. Chiara argues that science has historically struggled to incorporate these rigorously, even though they’re central to explanations, computation, biology, knowledge, and agency. If this is your first time attending we meet in the William Morris pub in Hammersmith - look for people with copies of the book. Please read the chapter before attending.

**This talk starts at 7 PM, please join us from 6:30 PM.** **The science behind paranormal phenomena** Opinion polls show the majority of the general public accepts that paranormal phenomena do occur. Such widespread experience of and belief in the paranormal can only mean one of two things. Either the paranormal is real, in which case this should be accepted by the wider scientific community which currently rejects such claims; or else belief in and experience of ostensibly paranormal phenomena can be fully explained in terms of psychological factors. **Psychological and physical explanations** This presentation will provide an introduction to the sub-discipline of anomalistic psychology, which may be defined as the study of extraordinary phenomena of behaviour and experience, in an attempt to provide non-paranormal explanations in terms of known psychological and physical factors. This approach will be illustrated with examples relating to a range of ostensibly paranormal phenomena. **Our Speaker** **Chris French** is Emeritus Professor in the Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, where, up until 2024, he was also Head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit. He retired from Goldsmiths in 2020. He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society and of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, and a patron of Humanists UK. He has published over 200 articles and chapters covering a wide range of topics within psychology. His main area of research is the psychology of paranormal beliefs and anomalous experiences. He writes for the *Guardian* and the *Skeptic* magazine. His most recent book is *[The Science of Weird Shit: Why Our Minds Conjure the Paranormal](https://amzn.eu/d/0dFVfCYG)*[ (2024, MIT Press)](https://amzn.eu/d/0dFVfCYG). **Post event social** As after all our in-person talks at the Old Diorama Arts Centre, we will move on to a local pub for a post event social. So from 8:30 PM we will be going to the [Queen's Head and Artichoke](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nXy9yvWcywRM1Hir6), 30-32 Albany St, London NW1 4EA. **Payment** We ask for a **£5 donation to attend** this talk, which can be paid on the door. (Or pay what you can afford.) If you would prefer to make the £5 donation online or can't attend and would still like to support the event [p](https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML71XMH66FX5E/checkout/ALWCDLQ3S7AVPLFZ62PZGXLU)[lease click here](https://square.link/u/yIrpwGDk). Alternatively you can do a transfer using our account details: Central London Humanist Group, Sort code: 30-94-25, Account number: 19143068, Reference: Talk Beacon **Please note this event will be recorded and we will take photos for publication on CLH media channels. If you do not wish to be featured in video or photographs please contact the CLH team in advance or make us aware at the event.** **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 here do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large.

**Message Graig in advance for location, usually a pub or beer garden in new cross** Come along and join some fellow writers. We'll write together and chat together. Take two hours to get creative! All you need is yourself and a pen and paper (or laptop) :) You can either work on your own project, or pick one of the provided prompts to fire your imagination.

For this special session, we’re trying something a little different. Instead of the usual introductory talk, the evening will begin with a short live debate on one of the most pressing and controversial moral questions of our time: **the morality of assisted dying**. Camden Bassett (Veins of London Meetup) and Roger Jones (host of Philosophy Café London) will each take a position and present a brief opening argument, responding to one another in real time. The aim is not to “win” the debate, but to clarify the issues, sharpen the arguments, and open up the discussion for everyone in the room. After that, the emphasis is on discussion and participation. The aim is to create a space where ideas can be explored together, with time for questions, reflection, and open conversation. No prior knowledge is needed — just curiosity and a willingness to think together. **Where:** Downstairs room, Square Pig, Holborn (private room) **NB:** The event begins at 7pm, doors open at 6:50pm. Event ends at 9pm **Format:** 10-minute intro talk → vote on questions → small-group discussions → share insights with the whole room **Discounts:** If cost is a barrier, we want to make the session as accessible as possible. If you are a student, unemployed, or on a low income, please feel free to send me a direct message to get a reduced-price place. **Refunds:** If you are unable to attend and would like a refund, please send me a direct message at least 48 hours before the event. Unfortunately, I’m not able to offer refunds for cancellations made after this point, as it becomes difficult to reallocate places at short notice.

\*\* Please RSVP - this helps the venue plan ahead and ensure enough space is reserved for us \*\* Hey everyone! Are you a young professional in your 20s/30s looking to meet other LGBTQ+ young professionals? Then we hope to see you at the upcoming Tuesday drinks! Most people come to these drinks by themselves, and half of the people are first-timers, so these evenings are great to meet new people in London. We have tables reserved on the top floor (loft) of The Yard bar in Soho. Go into the Yard, turn left, and head upstairs. Just ask the bar for the tables reserved for the "Meetup". We usually have the tables opposite to the bar. Many have noticed that it can be difficult to meet up with the LGBTQ+ community once you leave university or come to a big new city such as London. For this reason we've decided to start organising drinks for young professionals, intended for those who love to have a drink with like-minded people after a busy day of work. Do spread the word, and bring friends, colleagues and family! Frequently Asked Questions: It's my first time and I'm coming alone, should I be nervous? No, you found the right event! Almost everyone joins these drinks alone and there are always a bunch of first timers. Just grab a drink and say hi to those around the reserved tables and you'll be absolutely fine :) I cannot make it at 7.00pm, can I come later? Yes, definitely! There will always be one of the organisers present from 7.00pm onwards, but most people just join whenever they can. There is no official 'start' so to say, and it usually stays busy till around 10pm-11pm. For first timers it can be easier to mingle if you come before 8pm, when it's not that busy yet. How often are the drinks and where are they held? We have drinks every two weeks from 7.00pm at The Yard Bar in Soho. Sometimes we organise other events such as big nights out, pub crawls and picnics. Just keep an eye on the Meetup page. Is there a dress code? Nope, not at all. Just wear whatever you want. Is there a cost? Only for whatever drinks you buy at the bar. That said, if you enjoy the Meetup, we would really welcome any cash donations to help cover our costs for running the events. However, you will never be directly asked for any money from any of our team. Are the Tuesday drinks for networking? No, the drinks are super casual, and not intended to find your new dream job. We have people from all different professional backgrounds, so it's always cool to hear what others are up to. I don't drink alcohol, can I come? Of course! Since it's on a Tuesday many take it easy, so you won't be an outlier. If you have any questions don't hesitate to pop any of our organisers a message. Looking forward to meeting you all! Xx The young LGBTQ+ professionals team Xx

**New members of all ages always welcome!** One day in 399BC in the Athenian Agora, shortly before his trial for impiety, Socrates meet Euthyphro, another citizen involved in a religious suit and their subsequent conversation, whether fact or fiction or a mixture of the two is vividly portrayed by Plato in his short dialogue. Socrates, being prosecuted for his supposed failure to acknowledge the gods, is shown to have more concern for religious matters than his somewhat naïve friend; at the same time, however, Socrates’ probing about the logical inconsistencies in Euthyphro’s views about piety and the gods reveal him as a radical critic of Athenian social and moral values.

🐾 Unleash the Joy: Join Our Doggy Luv and Wellness Club! 🐾 Are you a dog enthusiast yearning for the companionship of these incredible creatures? Do you find solace and joy in the presence of furry friends, even if you don't have one of your own? We invite you to experience an hour of pure canine bliss at our Doggy Luv and Wellness Club! 🌟 What to Expect: A Furry Fiesta! Embark on an adventure into the world of boundless love and joy with our playful pack of dogs, ranging from 1 year and older. **You don't need a dog of your own for this unique experience, as we bring our own family dogs to shower you with unconditional love and therapeutic benefits.** 🐶 Why Attend? For Dog Lovers Without a Dog: If you're a devoted dog lover without a furry friend of your own, this is your golden opportunity to bask in the warmth of canine affection. Missing the Pitter-Patter of doggy Paws: Whether you've heard the pitter-patter of doggy paws in the past or simply miss the experience, our event allows you to reconnect with the healing energy of spending time with dogs. Serotonin Boost Guaranteed: Immerse yourself in an hour of pure joy, as our dogs provide a genuine serotonin boost. Let their love and playfulness elevate your spirits. 🌈 Your Canine Hour Awaits: Activities Galore! Choose your own adventure with our furry companions: Relaxation Station: Unwind after a long day as our dogs instinctively provide the calm and comfort you need. Feel the soothing presence of a canine friend by your side, ready to warm your lap. Playtime Extravaganza: Embrace your inner child and play with our playful dogs. From fetch enthusiasts to those who love a good romp, our pack has it all. 🍬 Sweeten the Experience: Light refreshments will be provided to enhance your time with our canine companions. 🎟️ Limited Spots Available: Reserve Your Canine Hour Now! Entry is priced at £15 per person for an hour of doggy delight. To ensure an intimate experience, we limit each session to only 12 people, preventing overwhelm for our furry friends. 📆 When: Every Wednesday, 7pm to 8pm📍 Where: Herne Hill, SE24 **🐾 Join the Pack: My Dogs, Our Love, One Unforgettable Hour! 🐾** Book your spot now and let the magic of dogs weave its spell on your heart.

**🏛️ WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?** Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎 Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic. The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌 📓 **HOW DOES IT WORK?** Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS), along with jump-off points to get the conversation going. When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture. **General Meeting Agenda** Each Practical Philosophy meet-up follows this general timeline: * 13:45-14:00 - Arrive, grab your seat, shuffle around if you want to sit at a different table to meet new faces, and do table introductions. This is also when I check people in on the Meetup app. * 14:00-14:05 - Once everyone has been checked in, I give an explanation of Practical Philosophy read the guidelines, introduce the week’s philosophy topic, and share the jump-off points. * 14:05-14:55 - Break into small groups - introduce yourselves and general thoughts on the topic, open discussion afterwards. At this point the group can review the ‘jump-off’ questions as needed, but they are just there to help guide the conversation. It’s not obligatory to answer them. * 14:55 onwards - We do a group conclusion of the things we discussed, and then we typically take a photo and go on our way :) If you don't want to be in the group photo, there's no pressure, it's just a way to close out the meeting. We occasionally have an unofficial social so the different groups can mingle afterwards too! **🧧PRICING?** Practical Philosophy Club is FREE to attend, and we operate on donations. If you'd like to donate to support our running costs, that helps keep our group self-sustaining. Donations are 100% voluntary, but your contribution is appreciated! QR codes to donate will be present. Tea’s and coffees and are paid by the individual should they wish to have them. **💛 WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY** 🗣 “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam 🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 (the topic was authority) and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel **🤓 FAQ** * What will we talk about? What's the topic? The topic for the week is shared every week in the Whatsapp group before the session. We try to add the topic to the comment section on this event page as well but if you don’t see it, the topic and the jump-off points will be in our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS). * Do I need to study or read anything to attend? No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what YOU think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it, but it's not required. * Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on? The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school. * Is it mostly men that attend? Surprisingly, no! Although philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms. * Can I come alone? Of course you can, we encourage it :) * Can I be late? Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow. * Where do you meet? The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS) group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/practical-philosophy-locations/). 🤝**POLICY** To respect our members privacy, we ask that no one privately message a member without first getting explicit consent. (This looks like speaking in person and being asked to message privately.) Contacting or texting other participants without prior consent is not permitted and may result in removal from the group. Practical Philosophy reserves the right to enforce this policy at its discretion to maintain a safe and respectful environment. **PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY - Making Philosophy Available To All.** ✨ Practical Philosophy hosts weekly, in-person meetups in 25+ countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️ \*\*\* Join our [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS) 👈 Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/?hl=en) 👈 Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club) 👈

Hi everyone WELCOME TO LATIN KRAZY THURSDAYS MEETUP EVENT Now DOWNSTAIRS @ SWAY BAR , HOLBORN OUR MEETUP MEMBERS HAVE A BOOTH TABLE RESERVED EACH THURSDAY FROM 7PM WHERE YOU CAN MEETUP BEFORE AND AFTER CLASSES TO CHAT AND MAKE FRIENDS ! ( please bring photo ID for club entry ) FREE ENTRY TIL 9PM WE HAVE SALSA AND BACHATA CLASSES FOR JUST £7.00 1 CLASS OR £10.00 X 2 CLASSES A DISCOUNTED PRICE FOR MEMBERS THURSDAY NIGHT DANCE CLASSES TIMETABLE 6.00pm -7.30pm Private Salsa Dance Classes Available, Call 07801305059 to book ! 7.30pm – 8.30pm SALSA ROOM x 3 levels = Beginners / Improver and Intermediate BACHATA ROOM = x 2 levels = Beginners or Intermediate 8.30pm – 9.30pm SALSA ROOM = x 3 levels = Beginners 2 / Improver 2 and Intermediate Cali Style BACHATA ROOM x 2 levels = Beginners or intermediate Teachers SALSA = Sami , Karin ,Nadeem Bachata = Brandy and Aleks Come and buy your ticket on the night, no need for a partner, no need to have danced before. £10.00 1 hour /£12.00 2 hours ) £8.00 /10.00 students and NHS workers. ( must show I.D) INCLUDES CLUB NIGHT ! PLUS Club night to follow, hosted by Miss Latin K and TOP UK DJ Kevin Gato with Dj Mauro Cangri playing all the best in Salsa , Bachata, Merengue, Reggaeton and More Plus Bachata from Dominican Republic in our very own Bachata Room with Dj De La Cruz It's a party night every week.. Latin Krazy the hottest night in the UK. Dress Code Smart casual , no baseball caps, LOOK OUT FOR THE SHOWS, COMPETITIONS AND MORE UK'S NO 1 SALSA / LATIN NIGHT. Salsa dancing in London UK.

This year’s films all revolve around the theme of “**choice**” – plenty of opportunity for philosophical exploration! **This month:** After years of inexplicable confinement, a man is abruptly released and given a finite window to discover why his life was stolen. What follows is a tightening web of decisions, each one shaped by ignorance, memory, and manipulation. As he pursues the truth, the boundaries between freedom and control begin to blur: are his choices genuinely his own, or merely the final steps in a path laid out long before he could see it? The story presses on a troubling possibility: that knowing more does not necessarily make us freer, and that some choices, once revealed, cannot be unchosen. **Can you guess the film? Or come and find out on the day!** **Health warning:** violence & distressing content Pre-explore via **Rational Grid**: [https://rationalgrid.ai/g/philosophical-themes-in-oldboy-park-chan-wook-200-13a244/graph ](https://rationalgrid.ai/g/philosophical-themes-in-oldboy-park-chan-wook-200-13a244/graph) PFA Film Club hosts free screenings of thought-provoking films, followed by a discussion about the raised philosophical issues, for general public. In 2026 meetings are held every third WEDNESDAY of the month at the Cafe of St. Hilda's East Community Centre, 18 Club Row, London E2 7EY. The nearest station is **Shoreditch High Street** on the Overground. **This screening will start at 6pm** and we need to vacate the building by 9:00pm. We offer complimentary light refreshments during the event. For the most up-to-date schedule of the upcoming film club events, visit our [website](http://pfalondon.org/#rec767601373).

Howdey scramblers. Who fancies coming on this canal walk in London in the reverse direction from last year. We'll meet at Waterloo station by the underground entrance - time to be advised. We will then catch the overland train to Brentford. Once we alight from the train we'll then walk down towards The River Brent to start our walk taking in the Hanwell flight of locks on our route. Hopefully there'll be plenty to see including lots of canal boats. We'll stop at the lovely Fox pub for lunch which was a hit for a drink on our walk last May After a bite and bevvy we'll then head along The Grand Union Canal to our destination at Hayes and Harlington to catch the Elizabeth Line back into London. For those travelling on the C2C line including myself we'll catch the train to West Ham and then the Jubilee Line to Waterloo Station. I will put the train times in nearer the event. Please wear adequate walking footwear for walking a long distance on tarmac. Please also make sure you bring fluids to keep you hydrated , I can recommend using flavoured Zero hydration tablets in your water ( 1 tablet per litre ) and of course bring energy nibbles as well. My phone number is 07543885129 in case you need to contact me for whatever reason. Please phone me, do not text as I might not see it. Please note: This is an active members only walk

**Metropolitan Walkers is part of the Ramblers, Britain's walking charity. All welcome for 3 'taster' walks, after which please join the Ramblers - info on the [Met Walkers website](https://www.metropolitan-walkers.org.uk/how-to-join/)** We follow the River Lea North West until entering Victoria Park. Following a brief section of the Regent's Canal, we walk through London Fields to end at Dalston. Optional pub stop at the end. Please note that, while the walk will end at Dalston Junction, Dalston Kingsland is also nearby. **Leisurely \| 4\.8 miles / 7\.7 km** **Start: Meet outside Bromley-By-Bow underground station. @ 07:00 pm** Postcode: E3 3JJ **End: Finish at Dalston Junction station, although Dalston Kingsland is also nearby** Postcode: E8 3DE

A **smaller, quieter, and less rushed** edition of THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS IN PUBS. At TEiP DEEP, we have the chance to spend a whole hour and a half on **one thought experiment**, exploring different perspectives, coming up with new questions, listening and learning from one another. **How it works:** \- We split into small groups for each chapter of the thought experiment \(3\-4\)\. \- We shuffle every 25 mins to meet new people and change things up\. \- And at the end we'll have a brief group reflection\, sharing ideas and insights \- this will be lightly facilitated to ensure that everyone has a chance to speak if they want to \(no pressure\)\. Some simple ground rules to keep our conversation the best it can be: * respect for one another’s perspectives, beliefs, time (etc.) * confidentiality of personal stories * own your perspective * you don’t have to talk if you don’t want to. Our aim is the same as our bigger Thought Experiments in Pubs meetups: **a chance to meet and talk at about meaningful, thought provoking things**. Although we’ll be going a bit ‘deeper’, we’ll keep the intention to have an enjoyable evening, with good humour and fun. Places are limited to 15-20 people and tickets are £5. Please update your RSVP if you can no longer attend so that someone else can have your place. **Who should come:** Everyone! We believe that the more perspectives, the richer the conversation. This group is not about being experts in Philosophy, it is about *doing* philosophy. That is, bringing our various life experiences and lenses on the world to group discussions about the human experience, the nature of reality... etc. etc.... **Where we'll meet:** The Fitzroy Tavern in Fitzrovia. The nearest Tube stations are Goodge Street and Tottenham Court Road. Looking forward to meeting & talking with you :-) #inclusivity #openmindedness #deepdive #TEiPdeep #philosophy #greatconversations **[SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/)** \- reflections\, invitations and newsletter **[WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D13LHw5BV3rEtUtO3ORklC)** \- stay in the loop **[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/thoughtexperimentsinpubs/)** \- see what we look like **[FACEBOOK](www.facebook.com/thoughtexperimentsinpub)** \- ditto **[WEBSITE](www.alltogether.one)** \- everything else

Join us this Wednesday from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM for **"The Breakdown: Why is Christianity True? Hard Evidences for Faith."** Skeptics are completely welcome! We will be diving into tough topics such as why Christianity stands out among thousands of religions, science in the bible, bible predictions, archeology, the paradox of free will, divine hiddenness and the problem of evil and suffering. For Christians: Can you handle these questions? * How do i know the Bible hasn't been changed? * How do I know Jesus Christ was real? And then how do I know what's written in that book is real versus just some guys thousands of years ago made a book? * Are these people saying that they saw him walk out? Are they saying that they just saw it empty? What is the claims being made about his resurrection from these witnesses? * Who decided that there should be 39 books in the Old Testament? * Should there be more books in the Bible? **Agenda** * **7:00 PM:** The Evidence (Examining the evidences) * **7:35 PM:** Open Q&A **What to Bring** Bring your hardest questions! Any thing we can't answer initially will become a fun research topic! There are no limits for the open Q&A session.

Attend a free seminar on how to have successful and lasting relationships. At this seminar you will learn: How to spot and handle negative and toxic relationships. How to get through the "rough patches" in a relationship. How to choose the right people to work with. The three things that make or break any relationship. How to make a good relationship great. All are welcome. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. Hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

**Welcome to Drunken Philosophy** a casual, curious social discussion **Optional topic for this meetup: What's up with all the AI hate?** A recent survey found that 74% of Americans have a negative view of AI, and I want to know why. Come out and debate whether AI is good or bad. My hot take: a labor-saving tool that could potentially help cure cancer gets called dangerous because it might raise unemployment or cause a speculative investment bubble, that tells you a lot more about capitalism and the economic system we live under than it does about the tool itself. As a computer programmer, I think AI is a wonderful tool that has increased my productivity by at least an order of magnitude. I'd go so far as to say Claude Code is the best tool I have ever used. Debate me and name a better one. Is AI potentially dangerous? Yes, but so are a lot of tools. Chainsaws. Steam engines (early ones would occasionally explode and kill everyone in the room). Do you think cavemen sat around debating whether fire could be used as a weapon or for self-harm, and decided not to discover it? I have two friends who hate AI for opposite reasons: one thinks it's a fad and not useful, and the other thinks it's going to take over everything and cause human extinction. Come out tonight, have a friendly debate, and make some friends. No lectures. Friendly crowd. Drop in for one drink and stay if it's fun.

This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** TBD **YouTube Link** TBD

This is an in-person meeting. Did you know that unwanted emotions like loneliness, sadness, hopelessness, anger, fear, anxiety, or feelings of irritation don’t just fall on you for no reason. They are not random occurrences that simply happen to people's minds. They are definitely not chemical imbalance in your brain due to some nebulous chemical reactions by chance. Your negative emotions are the symptoms of the painful experiences that you have which are not healed, and which are still affecting you. The effects of these painful experiences are exacerbated by the pressures or difficulties of the other problems in your life. For instance, let's say you are already carrying a huge load on your back, then you cannot take on much more, but, let's say something else happens to you, such as the difficulties from the Pandemic, then the resultant combined weight on you can take you over the edge, kind of like the straw that break the camel's back. When this happens, people's attention usually goes to the straw that was added, but actually the majority of the weight had come from the huge load that were already there, holding a person down and causing a person issues. So how do you remove the huge load that was already there? How do you lighten them up? Is it possible to get rid of them? That is what this meeting will be all about. Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

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.