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Natural Language Processing

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Check out natural language processing events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.

Discover all the natural language processing events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

Absolutely! Find natural language processing events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.

Natural Language Processing Events Today

Join in-person Natural Language Processing events happening right now

Saturday Night Socialising and Language Exchange
Saturday Night Socialising and Language Exchange
Talk, socialise and meet new people in Pickwick's! What is featured: -Music that is not too loud -A cozy atmosphere -Main focus is socialising and talking -No entrance fee or membership fee (order at least 1 drink for common courtesy) -Food is also available to order -There is no agenda, just come and talk around. Wanna stay only for an hour? Wanna stay until closure at 2 a.m.? All up to you. You can find our whatsapp group via this link: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/JnaWvfYv1czBMlzsVEmSDP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JnaWvfYv1czBMlzsVEmSDP) How to find us? We will be outside at the upper part of the summer terrace at Pickwick's! Spontaneous coming is always welcome, but if you are sure you are coming please RSVP together with your + people so we can give an approximate heads up to the owner regarding reservations. We are looking forward to meeting you all.
LANGUAGE EXCHANGE & SOCIALIZING in vienna
LANGUAGE EXCHANGE & SOCIALIZING in vienna
Hello ! and welcome to our international family in Vienna! [[[Click this Whatsapp Groupchat link to join]](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Jga77Y4PCAJF4byfaVtOeZ) This isn’t just a language exchange — it’s a lively gathering of globally minded souls in their 20s and 30s who love new experiences. We meet every Saturday at 7:30 PM in the heart of the city. Whether you’re a backpacker passing through or a Viennese local curious about the world, you'll find open minds and open hearts here. Come practice new languages, share your culture, and make authentic connections.
Das anarchische Gehirn – Vortrag über Nicht-Alltägliche Bewusstseinszustände
Das anarchische Gehirn – Vortrag über Nicht-Alltägliche Bewusstseinszustände
(This talk will be held in German) Was haben Holotropes Atmen, Zen-Meditation, Isolationstanks und Meisterpflanzen gemeinsam? Die Kognitionswissenschaft hat heute eine präzise Antwort. In diesen Zuständen lockert das Gehirn vorübergehend seine stärksten inneren Filter. Tief verwurzelte Überzeugungen – über uns selbst, über andere, über die Welt – werden verhandelbar. Echte Transformation wird möglich. Aber genau das macht diese Zustände auch heikel. Dieser Vortrag erkundet dasselbe Terrain anhand zweier sehr unterschiedlicher Landkarten: den klassischen „Zehn-Ochsen-Bildern" aus der Zen-Tradition und dem REBUS-Modell aus der modernen Bewusstseinsforschung (Friston & Carhart-Harris). Die eine Karte zeigt, welche Stationen auf dem Weg erkennbar sind und was sie bedeuten – die andere, was im Nervensystem dabei geschieht. Daraus folgen praktische Fragen, die jeden betreffen, der solche Erfahrungen sucht oder begleitet: Wie erkenne ich, ob ein Zustand wirklich transformiert – oder nur tief beeindruckt? Was braucht es, damit Offenheit zu echter Veränderung wird? Und woran erkenne ich, ob diese Veränderung mir nützt? Der Abend verbindet Theorie mit gelebter Praxis – und endet mit konkreten Orientierungen für den eigenen Weg. 06.06.2026, Türen offen: 18:30 // Beginn: 19:00 Eintritt 5€\* (Für Mitglieder frei. Werde ein Mitglied: www.psychedelicsociety.at) Cash only Sagedergasse 18, 1120 Vienna (Eingang zwischen Billa and Bipa; nicht Barrierefrei) //Über Shōugan Shōugan ist Kognitionswissenschaftler, Facilitator für Holotropic Breathwork und er praktiziert seit Jahrzehnten Meditation in der Zen-Tradition. Seit über 30 Jahren beschäftigt er sich praktisch und theoretisch mit nicht-alltäglichen Bewusstseinszuständen, insbesondere an der Schnittstelle von Kunst, Wissenschaft und kontemplativer Praxis. Er koordiniert das Kognitionswissenschafts-Netzwerk der Universität Wien und leitet das Projekt doing culture – Institut für Bewusstseinskultur. //We do not provide any illegal substances, nor allow their distribution or consumption at our events. Our mission is to provide high-quality information and safety guidelines about psychedelic substances.
Open Dialogue – Discovering Together in Vienna
Open Dialogue – Discovering Together in Vienna
We will meet in a calm and friendly place ( Parc, Café, Restaurant) to explore together some of Jiddu Krishnamurti’s key questions about awareness, relationship, and freedom. There will be no teaching, no authority — only open dialogue and attentive listening. Everyone is welcome, whether you are familiar with Jiddu Krishnamurti or simply curious about life and self-understanding. We’ll start with an open conversation around a theme such as “Listening without judgment” or “Can thought bring clarity?” Please bring openness, curiosity, and a readiness to listen — no books or notes needed. The spirit is not to discuss “what should be,” but to observe together “what is.”
Sketch & Paint Session with Life Model
Sketch & Paint Session with Life Model
Interested in sketching or painting? Join us at the Vienna Atelier of Traditional Arts (VATA). Model starts posing at 3 PM. Easels or benches are available. Snacks & tea are being served. Just bring pencil, paper and any other utensils you may need. All levels welcome. A fee of 12 Euros can be paid in cash upon arrival to cover our costs and to pay for the model. We also offer portrait sessions on most Sundays from 3-6 pm. For more information about us, see www.viennaatelier.com or send email to info@viennaatelier.com
Evening Coffee & Conversations
Evening Coffee & Conversations
✨ Evning coffee & conversations ☕🌇 ⭐️A casual evening to meet open-minded people living and building things in Vienna. ⭐️Just a group of interesting people, good coffee and conversations. Conversation topics can be anything:— life in Vienna— travel & moving abroad— culture & life experiences— favorite places, ideas, random thoughts—or whatever naturally comes up. ⭐️Free to join.Come for 20 minutes or stay the whole evening. Please register if you come and unregister if you don’t come. ✨Join our Instagram for more events https://www.instagram.com/vienna_friends?igsh=YjA2czVxNjF0cGJi&utm_source=qr
Turning Conflict into Opportunity Workshop – The Mindful BAse
Turning Conflict into Opportunity Workshop – The Mindful BAse
Registration: [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC4Efk7-qiY-U3EjRsTw6kxFftZIeLLoyRRHLwP-ytmvEaKA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=103439037559792734260](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC4Efk7-qiY-U3EjRsTw6kxFftZIeLLoyRRHLwP-ytmvEaKA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=103439037559792734260) Anger doesn’t only affect how we feel but it also shapes how we relate to others. In this workshop, we move from the inner experience of anger to the relational field, exploring how empathy, active listening, and mindful communication support conflict transformation and nervous system co-regulation. Drawing from neuroscience, mindfulness, psychology, and non-violent communication (NVC), we learn how conflict can become an opportunity for understanding, connection, and shared humanity. Ideal for anyone wanting to navigate anger, stress, and conflict with more awareness, emotional intelligence, and compassion - in daily life, relationships, and communication. Please bring paper and a pen. Cash donation is appreciated. One third of the collected donations will be shared with the café, supporting this community space. The Mindful BAse x Villa Vida Where science meets mindfulness – for awareness, connection, and community. At The Mindful BAse, we believe that mindfulness is not only a personal practice, but also a powerful way to strengthen relationships, communities, and our connection with our environment. Founded in Vienna in 2025, our mission is simple: to bring people together, foster well-being, and cultivate a community rooted in awareness, kindness, compassion and respect. Through our collaboration with Villa Vida, we are excited to present a series of science-based mindfulness workshops designed to encourage meaningful dialogue, nurture learning and reflection for supporting the local queer community. We create spaces where ancient practices meet modern insights, offering sessions that combine yoga, meditation, neuroscience, communication tools in a safe, inclusive and inspiring space. Each workshop invites you to slow down, connect, and learn practical ways to care for yourself and others – grounded in both science and lived experience. 🌈 All identities, bodies, and levels of experience are welcome. https://themindfulbase.com [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mindful-base](https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mindful-base) [https://www.instagram.com/the_mindful_base](https://www.instagram.com/the_mindful_base) Facilitators: Adrián Klepe and Riccardo Trapannone from The Mindful BAse About Us Adrián Klepe Neuroscientist, certified yoga and breathwork instructor (currently teaching at Manas Yoga Studio), and NeuroMindfulness® Coach. Adrián bridges scientific knowledge with mindfulness practices to support awareness, balance and connection. At The Mindful BAse in collaboration with Villa Vida, he co-creates workshops integrating neuroscience, mindfulness, meditation, and movement to foster well-being and mindful communication within diverse community spaces. Riccardo Trapannone Cell- and neurobiology post-doctoral researcher, and certified sustainability expert passionate about communication and collaboration. Riccardo combines scientific insight with mindfulness and non-violent communication to design effective and mindful communication strategies, building bridges between people, communities, disciplines, and the environment. At the Mindful BAse in collaboration with Villa Vida, he co-creates experiential workshops promoting connection, empathy, and sustainable community practices.

Natural Language Processing Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

Sprachen Cafe: German / English / Italian / Spanish / French
Sprachen Cafe: German / English / Italian / Spanish / French
**Note:** Kindly bring cash for any food/drinks purchases under 20 Eur, as the restaurant/cafe accepts card payments only for purchases above 20 Eur. This is a **free** event. Are you ready to practise your language skills? If you want to meet new friends (or the same friends you met at our other events) and practice all the languages you can speak, join us for a fun-filled evening! During this event, you have the chance to choose a Group and talk to people in: 1. **English** 2. **German** 3. **Italian** 4. **Spanish** 5. **French** Our most important rule: Please be respectful to others at all times. Yes, there will be a separate beginners' Group if you aren't fluent in the language yet! It is also a great place to find Tandem Partners for the languages you want to improve in! Get in touch with the Host upon your arrival and he/she will assist you. 🟢📱 here is our WhatsApp link https://chat.whatsapp.com/KtZ1TQB7lnUAJXK5NxwPQU Hope to see you there!!!
Donauinsel Impro-Picknick
Donauinsel Impro-Picknick
Donauinsel Improv Training mit Picknick Lerne spielerisch Improtheater-Techniken und unterschiedliche Formate kennen! Dabei trainierst du deine Kreativität und Spontaneität und arbeitest an deinem Selbstbewusstsein. You will need B1-level German skills to participate. English translation below. Man benötigt Deutschkenntnisse auf B1-Niveau, um teilzunehmen. Hier findest du uns: https://www.google.com/maps?q=48.2233687,16.4163003 Koordinaten vom Treffpunkt --> Ihr könnt gerne Essen und Snacks für das Picknick mitbringen. Am besten etwas was man gut mit der Gruppe teilen kann. **Was dich erwartet** • Lustige Gruppenspiele • Kreative Theater-Übungen • Kurze Improv Szenen, nur 5 bis 8 Minuten • Gemeinsam Geschichten erfinden • Viel Lachen, Sonne und Spaß **Impro: Was bringt’s dir persönlich?** • Spontanität • Selbstvertrauen • Kreativität • Fehler annehmen lernen • Schauspiel trainieren • Teamwork **Safe Space** Ein sicherer Raum ohne Leistungsdruck, in dem gegenseitige Wertschätzung an erster Stelle steht. Ihr seid zu keiner Zeit verpflichtet mitzumachen und könnt jederzeit aus Szenen aussteigen oder auch für einzelne Übungen aussetzen. **Leitung** Ich leite seit drei Jahren Impro-Trainings, organisiere Wettbewerbe und Shows und gehe auch selbst regelmäßig zu Fortbildungen. Ich habe über 80 Trainings geleitet. **Beitrag** Es gibt zur Zeit keinen fixen Trainingsbeitrag, aber wir freuen uns immer über freiwillige Spenden für die Leitung und die Organisation. **Achtung:** Das Event ist nur für Teilnehmer\*innen ab 16 Jahre, da wir nicht immer für absolut jugendfreie Geschichten oder Szenen garantieren können. **WA-Gruppe:** https://chat.whatsapp.com/KjK8PzmA8ZGF2gujtOH9D2 Wir empfehlen den Beitritt zur WA-Gruppe da wir nicht immer auf der selben Wiese sind. Hier wird der genaue Live-Standort geteilt. Bitte beachtet aus Datenschutzgründen, dass beim Beitritt der WA-Gruppe alle Mitglieder eure Telefonnummer sehen können. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Donau Insel Improv Training & Picnic** Learn improv theater techniques and different formats in a playful way! You will train your creativity and spontaneity while working on your self-confidence. **Find us here:** [https://www.google.com/maps?q=48.2233687,16.4163003](https://www.google.com/maps?q=48.2233687,16.4163003) (Meeting point coordinates) **--> Please bring your own food and snacks for the picnic! We can then share and eat together.** **What to expect:** * Funny group games * Creative theater exercises * Short improv scenes (only 5 to 8 minutes) * Creating stories together * Lots of laughter, sun, and fun **Improv: What’s in it for you?** * Spontaneity * Self-confidence * Creativity * Learning to embrace mistakes * Acting practice * Teamwork * **Safe Space** A secure environment without pressure to perform, where mutual appreciation is the top priority. You are never under any obligation to participate and can step out of scenes or skip individual exercises at any time. **Instructor** I have been leading improv training for three years, organizing competitions and shows, and regularly attend further training workshops myself. I have led over 80 training sessions. **Contribution** There is currently no fixed fee for the training, but we always appreciate voluntary donations for the instruction and organization. **Please note:** This event is for participants aged 16 and over, as we cannot always guarantee that stories or scenes will be entirely "family-friendly." **WhatsApp Group:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KjK8PzmA8ZGF2gujtOH9D2](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KjK8PzmA8ZGF2gujtOH9D2) We recommend joining the WhatsApp group since we are not always on the same meadow. The exact live location will be shared there. *Please note for privacy reasons that by joining the WhatsApp group, all members will be able to see your phone number.*
Tango Argentino Focused Práctica for all levels
Tango Argentino Focused Práctica for all levels
**Focused Práctica for all levels –** *Included in the new [Tango Learning Pass](https://www.jessicagerdel.com/tango-learning-pass/), the 4-block of the [Tango Basics Course](https://www.jessicagerdel.com/tangobasics/), and the semester/yearly subscription to the [Tango Immersion Program.](https://www.jessicagerdel.com/tangoimmersion/) Attending just the Práctica? Get advantage of the 5-block (€60) and the 10-block (€100). Single Práctica sessions are €15.* Looking for a space to practice Tango Argentino with intention? The Focused Prácticas are open practice gatherings for dancers of all levels, whether you’re just starting out, deepening your foundations, or refining more advanced skills. **You’re welcome to:** Train individual technique or work in pairs Practice the role(s) of your choice – Most regular attendants practice both Explore what you want for as long as you like Repeat, research, and integrate what you’re currently learning wherever that may be **This is not a class, and not a milonga.** **It’s a space for mindful practice, curiosity, and experimentation.** There's plenty of room for those who want to practice navigation in ronda or something else on a fixed spot without disturbing each other's process. It's not required to attend my classes to join, the Focused Prácticas are open to all backgrounds. **Here you can expect:** A welcoming, respectful atmosphere Space to focus without pressure Supportive presence if questions arise Freedom to choose what you want to work on Socializing and exchanging feedback with others is welcome; consent and respecting each person’s process is the base. When I'm traveling, the Focused Prácticas are hosted by Justina. **When & Where?** Sundays at 20:00, after the Tango Basics class\* EWTO Akademie – Breitenseer Straße 6, 1140 Wien \*Except during our [Tango Immersion Weekends](https://www.jessicagerdel.com/tangoimmersion), in which the Práctica takes place on Saturdays at 20:15 at a different location. Check our calendar for details. **Whether you’re building foundations, maintaining a regular practice habit, or simply looking for a place to dance with intention, you’re warmly invited.** Come as you are. Practice what matters to you. Grow together with intention. See you on the dance floor! Abrazo, Jessica **Check out our full calendar at jessicagerdel.com** **Facebook/Instagram: Abrazatango**
✨✨Speed Friending ✨ age 20-29/30-39
✨✨Speed Friending ✨ age 20-29/30-39
⭐️Would you like to meet new friends?✨Welcome to Speed Friending in Vienna! Age 20-29/30-39. Please read the description attentively: Our next event is coming soon! Price for boys is 10€ and order a drink Price for girls is 5€ and order a drink ✨if you’re not comfortable with the price, you are welcome to skip this event. Please register if you go and unregister if you don’t go How it works: • You’ll have a short conversations with different people. • After each round, you’ll switch to meet someone new. • You’ll note who you liked, and if there’s a match, we’ll connect you after the event. ‍‍ Age groups: The main groups are for ages 20-29 and 30-39 You are welcome)! Register today)✨ Join us on Instagram and don’t miss new events https://www.instagram.com/makegoodfriends?igsh=YjA2czVxNjF0cGJi&utm_source=qr
Shut Up & Write!® - Sundays at Café Pierre
Shut Up & Write!® - Sundays at Café Pierre
Come write with us at Cafe Pierre every Sunday at 18:00-20:00! A message from Shut Up & Write: "Shut Up & Write hosts free, in-person and online writing events for writers all over the world. Our goal is to ensure that every writer—regardless of genre or skill level—has access to the resources, community, and accountability that they need to be successful in their personal writing goals." And what this looks like at our event: We chat and give short introductions to what we are working on at 18:00, then start writing at 18:15. Though we try to start on dot, being late isn't a problem—just find a spot and get to work! We write until 20:00 and then discuss how our writing went. From fiction to non-fiction, academic papers to poetry, applications to work-related writing—anything goes! Nothing is needed except for you to bring whatever is need to get stuff done, i.e. laptop, headphones, pen and paper, and so on. Optional socialising may happen before 18:00 and after 20:00, or you may choose to use this time to get some more done! Please do order something from the café (drink, meal, dessert, etc.) so as to keep us in their good graces!
ADVANCED badminton players wanted!
ADVANCED badminton players wanted!
Improv with Talkin' "Outside Edition"
Improv with Talkin' "Outside Edition"
## To secure your spot RSVP is not enough. To properly sign up and secure your spot, please fill out the Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeN8avKVUfU2QIiOYVSXahwQWk-2_vgJQweiyyLDwkAquXPCA/viewform?usp=publish-editor Spots are limited. If you sign up and later can’t attend, please inform us early so someone else can take your place. Improv depends on group energy — commitment matters. \*\*\* Improv theatre is one of the best ways to step out of your comfort zone — while actually having fun. In this workshop we’ll focus on: * Storytelling techniques * Scene work * Playfulness and connection * Understanding how comedy works No experience needed. Just curiosity and willingness to try. \*\*\* ## Workshop Structure **First half:** Warm-up games and storytelling exercises to build energy, trust and spontaneity. **Second half:** Scene work. We’ll apply what we explored and create improvised moments together. It’s interactive. You’ll be on your feet. You’ll participate. \*\*\* ## Break & Sharing You’re welcome to bring food and drinks to share during the break. Let’s keep it relaxed and social. Improv works best when we connect not just on stage, but off stage. \*\*\* About talkin’ talkin' is an event series focusing on personal development and social adventures, hosted by amateurs and non-professionals. Every participant has the chance to lead their own talkin' event! We believe that the best way to grow as a person is to go out of your comfort zone, and have fun along the way. You don't think that's possible? Come and join us and see for yourself! The English speaking group invites internationals in Vienna, but also Austrians who enjoy speaking English. We are a group of people who organize monthly Social Adventures, everyone is free to join. This event will be held in English, please respect each other and speak English only. German events will be organized in the future as well. \*\*\* To stay updated about all our events join our Telegram :). [https://t.me/czc_vienna](https://t.me/czc_vienna "https://t.me/czc_vienna")

Natural Language Processing Events Near You

Connect with your local Natural Language Processing community

Saturday Mornings @ East Market
Saturday Mornings @ East Market
Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."
AI Agents 101: How to Make ChatGPT Do Actual Work
AI Agents 101: How to Make ChatGPT Do Actual Work
Most people still use AI like a search box: type one question, get one answer, repeat. But the next step is AI agents: systems that can take a goal, break it into steps, use tools, remember context, and produce useful work for a human to review. In this beginner-friendly session, we’ll demystify what AI agents actually are — without hype or jargon. We’ll walk through practical examples of how agents can help with research, planning, writing, coding, operations, and personal productivity. We’ll cover: * What makes an AI “agent” instead of just a chatbot * How agents break tasks into steps * Where agents are genuinely useful today * Where they fail, hallucinate, or need human review * How to design simple AI workflows for your own work * A live demo of an AI agent-style workflow from start to finish No coding experience required. This is for anyone who wants to understand where AI tools are going and how to use them more effectively right now. LOGISTICS AND PARKING: The talk starts at 7:00 PM. The first half hour is reserved for everyone to get set up and mingle. Free pizza and drinks! The cheapest parking option is to find street parking, which will only cost you a few bucks. Otherwise, park in the nearby veteran's museum lot for $8. It's highly recommended you avoid the nearby $15 garage parking.
American Sign Language Beginners Meetup Group
American Sign Language Beginners Meetup Group
We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!
June 2026 AWS Columbus - Topic to be announced
June 2026 AWS Columbus - Topic to be announced
Topic to be announced. **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com
Stop Guessing: A Product Person's Guide to AI Adoption
Stop Guessing: A Product Person's Guide to AI Adoption
## 🤝 Host Information A co-hosted event by ProductTank Columbus & Women in Product Columbus 💡 About the Workshop AI adoption is stalling across organizations — not because of a lack of motivation or tools, but because it's fundamentally a behavior design challenge. This hands-on workshop applies proven Behavior Design models and methods to help you move from a vague organizational wish to boost AI adoption to 3-5 concrete, testable interventions you can act on starting tomorrow. Whether you're a product manager, on a product team, or just someone trying to get AI to actually stick at work, you'll leave with a clear picture of what's worth focusing on, what to ignore, and how to drive real, sustained adoption — no guesswork required. 🛠️ What to Bring Laptop: Fully charged and ready to go. AI Assistant: Have your favorite AI assistant pulled up. (Dom will be using Claude, but feel free to use whichever assistant you prefer!) 🍕 Logistics & Perks Food & Drink: Pizza and drinks provided! Parking: Plenty of free spaces available on-site. ###
Wild Ohio: The Best of Our Natural Heritage. Jim McCormac
Wild Ohio: The Best of Our Natural Heritage. Jim McCormac
June 17, 2026: Worthington Library. Wild Ohio: The Best of Our Natural Heritage. Jim McCormac. Worthington, Ohio. 7 pm.
Drunken Philosophy: Are you really who you think you are? What is the "self"?
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!