Philosophy of Science

**Details** Happy New Year to everyone =). We would like to kickstart this year with a series of talks by AI Scientists from ST Engineering on Physical AI. Starting with an architecture that connects the three pillars of Physical AI (Agentic, Spatial & Robotics), we will explore why successful Agentic AI systems require moving beyond standalone tools to integrate business processes, infrastructure, and ROI-driven strategy for lasting organisational impact. We will also explore the frontiers of Spatial Intelligence and Robotics Intelligence, dissecting the algorithms that allow diverse, heterogeneous robots to coordinate and compete in complex, high-stakes environments. We are moving our events to Luma! **Please subscribe to the DSSG calendar on Luma.** You can find it [here](https://luma.com/datascienceSG?k=c). **​Agenda** 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM Registration & Networking ​7:00 PM – 7:15 PM Introduction to Physical AI @ ST Engineering by Kai Xin ​7:15 PM – 7:35 PM Agentic AI - Why AI Tools Alone Don’t Create Successful AI Systems by Michal ​7:35 PM – 7:55 PM Spatial AI - When World Model Meets Humanoid by Ruofei ​7:55 PM – 8:15 PM Robotics AI - Robust Physical AI by William ​8:15 PM – 8:30 PM Q&A and Closing **Synopsis** Agentic AI - Why AI Tools Alone Don’t Create Successful AI Systems Today, powerful AI tools are everywhere, yet most organisations still struggle to translate them into real business impact. Why is that? In this talk, Michal shares perspectives from consulting business units, evaluating AI startups, and designing end-to-end AI systems. He explains why many widely adopted tools, despite being technically impressive, fail to meaningfully transform organisations—and what needs to change for AI to deliver lasting value. The discussion moves beyond tools into the broader system: business processes, ROI and outcome measurement, software engineering discipline, self-hosting and infrastructure considerations, and model selection strategy. Attendees will leave with practical tips on what it actually takes to move from AI adoption to AI impact. Spatial AI - When World Model Meets Humanoid Dive into the frontier of Spatial Intelligence where generative agent-based simulations meet the reasoning power of LLMs and VLMs. We will discuss the architecture of scalable data factories designed to fuel robust robotics training and bridge the gap between virtual reasoning and physical execution. Join us to explore how these converged technologies are accelerating the development of advanced humanoid applications and embodied AI. Robotics AI - Robust Physical AI Uncover why Physical AI’s upcoming challenge is less about making smarter plans and more about executing reliably in the real world. Learn how coordination breaks down at scale and how NEAR Lab focuses on turning research into deployable autonomy. **Speakers** [Kai Xin Thia](https://www.linkedin.com/in/thiakx/) is VP at ST Engineering Group Technology Office (GTO), heading the AI.DA Strategic Technology Centre (STC). AI.DA STC focuses on the research translation of AI, including Physical (Robotics Intelligence, Spatial Intelligence & Systemic Intelligence with Agents), Quantum, Urban Computing & AI Solutions. Kai Xin works at the intersection of data and product innovation, with over a decade of experience driving innovation across finance (London Stock Exchange, DBS), media (Tech in Asia), eCommerce (Lazada-Alibaba), and healthcare (Khoo Teck Puat Hospital). Kai Xin holds an MSc in Computer Science from Georgia Tech. [Michal Polanowski](https://www.linkedin.com/in/polanowskimichal/) is the Head of Generative AI at AI.DA STC. He builds production-ready AI systems and advises leadership and internal business units on strategic AI adoption. He focuses on transforming cutting-edge research into AI-first workflows that solve real operational problems and deliver tangible, verifiable ROI. With nearly two decades of experience across big data, data mining, data science, deep learning, and now Generative AI, Michal has seen both the hype and the reality of enterprise AI. His approach is deeply pragmatic, grounded in hands-on experience, focused on what works, and uncompromising about measurable outcomes. Michal holds a PhD in Consumer Economics / Market Research from The University of Georgia. [Ruofei Ouyang](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ouyang-ruofei/) is the Head of Applied AI at AI.DA STC, specialising in spatial intelligence & simulation AI. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from NUS. His academic expertise lies in decentralised data fusion and distributed computing. He has established a strong research track record, with publications in top-tier venues in artificial intelligence and robotics, including UAI, AAAI, AAMAS, and Autonomous Robots. His professional profile combines deep theoretical knowledge in probabilistic modelling with practical experience in large-scale data science applications. [William Teo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/willteo/) is the Robotics AI Research Lead at AI.DA STC NEAR Lab, where he directs research in multi-robot systems and embodied AI applications. He is concurrently pursuing a PhD in Robotics at NUS MARMoT Lab, specialising in multi-agent robot learning. His diverse academic background includes a Master of Science in Computer Science from Georgia Tech and a Master of Engineering in Supply Chain Management from MIT. Currently, he focuses on bridging academia and industry to make robots Smarter Better Faster.

Craving a midweek reset? Slide into Burgers, Board Games & Chill - our weekly Tuesday night hangout where the buns are toasted, the vibes are relaxed, and the conversation’s always juicy. ​We’ve added **11** new board games — come by, play a few rounds, and help with new ideas! ​Check the latest burger review from Daniel Food Diary > **[https://danielfooddiary.com/2025/05/15/opensourced](https://danielfooddiary.com/2025/05/15/opensourced)** ​ Come solo or bring a friend. It’s low-pressure, good food, and great company — perfect if you’re new in town, working nearby, or just need a breather from the grind. **Venue:** Open Sourced **Website:** [www.opensourced.so](http://www.opensourced.so) **Date:** Tuesday **Time:** 6.30pm-9pm **Location:** 10A Perak Road, Singapore 208131 **Bonus:** Free tatter tots upgrade with every burger

AI is transforming how developers work, and this session will show you how to stay ahead. We’ll explore the transition from coding fundamentals to AI engineering, dive into generative AI and edge computing trends, and discuss how businesses measure the ROI of AI projects. **Guest Speaker: Ho Zi Hao** An AI and machine learning engineer who will share practical insights on both the technical skills and the business impact needed to thrive in AI engineering. [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hozihao) Whether you’re a student, a career switcher, or already in tech, this event will give you knowledge and inspiration to grow in the evolving AI landscape.

Argentine Tango Trial Class The best place to start your Tango dance journey. The largest Beginner community in Singapore. Suitable for pure beginners. No partner required. Besides getting a trial of Argentine Tango dance, you get to mingle with the community after the class. We believe the community is an important factor to new dancers. Fee : $12

🚨 ***FIRST TIMERS*** 🚨 * This is a 90-min Intermediate-level fitness bootcamp suggested for those who do HIIT/bootcamps/F45/etc at least 2x/week * Depending on weather/WOD, we rotate between 5 different spots, thus check comments/photos here on Tue 6pm for exact location & grouping * Rain-or-shine event: won't be cancelled. Held under shelter if it rains * RSVP closes on Tuesday 530pm. If you’re unable to attend, kindly cancel your RSVP by then, so our leaders have a more accurate count to plan the workouts more effectively * Recommended: Water, Mat, Gloves, Light weight/bottles for added resistance Cya then! 🔊 ***DISCLAIMER*** 🔊 Please take a minute to read the following information regarding your participation in FitFam workouts. By signing up for this session, you confirm that you have read and understood the terms and risks detailed in our Disclaimer and Release of Liability Agreement: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MV9siOKELtbsSmCwwvp1rzJ-_GiAHGEW/view

### *A Practical Introduction to Awareness* In our fast-paced lives, we often function on autopilot—reacting to situations, emotions, and pressures without truly understanding what’s happening within us. This session offers a gentle and practical introduction to **awareness**—the ability to observe yourself, your thoughts, and your responses with clarity and calm. **The Art of Conscious Living** is not about religion, belief systems, or complex philosophy. It is about learning how to stay present, balanced, and responsible while navigating everyday life—studies, work, relationships, and personal challenges. Through simple reflection, guided awareness practices, and real-life examples, this session will help you: * Understand what awareness really means (beyond theory) * Observe thoughts and emotions without being overwhelmed * Respond to life situations with greater clarity instead of reactivity * Bring calm, focus, and balance into daily living This session is **experience-based and beginner-friendly**, suitable for anyone curious about meditation, mindfulness, or conscious living—no prior experience required. 📍 **Location:** Singapore 🧘 **Includes:** Guided awareness practice & reflection 🌱 **Open to:** All levels Come as you are—curious, busy, or simply seeking a quieter, more conscious way of living.

🏛️ **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/Hg7zL8ClpzM3agJCvw5HDS), 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: * 19:00-19:15 - People arrive and chat, get to know each other before the ‘official' start. * 19:15-19:25 - Meeting introduction, explanation of Practical Philosophy and the topic for the week, read the guidelines and the overview so attendees know what to expect in terms of timelines. * 19:25-20:45 - 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. * 20:45-21:00 - Bring everyone back together to discuss conclusions of the topic - each group gives a short 1-minute summary. Organizer concludes the meeting and everyone takes a group photo. * 21:00 - The official meeting is over but it’s a great opportunity to get to know people in a non-structured environment, so we often stick around, chat, and get to know each other. **🧧PRICING?** Practical Philosophy Club is FREE to attend! We just ask that if we are meeting in a café, buy a beverage! Some chapters rent a space for us to meet, and they may ask for donations to help contribute to the cost of rent. Donations will always be 100% voluntary though! 💛 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 Sunday in the Whatsapp group. 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/Hg7zL8ClpzM3agJCvw5HDS). * 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 of the conversation. * Where do you meet? The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hg7zL8ClpzM3agJCvw5HDS) 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/). **PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY - Making Philosophy Available To All.** ✨ Practical Philosophy hosts weekly, in-person meetups in over 20 countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️ \*\*\* Join our [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hg7zL8ClpzM3agJCvw5HDS) 👈 Follow us on [Instagram](www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/) 👈 Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/) 👈

You are cordially invited to an exclusive book club discussion featuring the man, the myth, the legend himself—three-time Eisner winner 🏆 Sonny Liew! We are kicking off 2026 with a 10th Anniversary Edition of our proudly homegrown alternate history political satire comic, The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye. Journey together with the titular comic artist, Charlie Chan, as he chronicles the rise and fall of Lee Kuan Yew’s arch-rival, Lim Chin Siong. Charlie’s own life takes a nosedive as he reckons with the crushing demands of adulthood as a career artist, in a city where art is relegated to the sidelines for the sake of unrelenting progress. Therein, you shall learn of little-known footnotes of Singapore’s founding myth and political history, with mention of the Albatross Files. There is no better way to educate yourself before our excursion to the Albatross Files exhibit! It is the dream of Sonny and his loyal supporters that The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye becomes a mandatory core text for our students.

Welcome to the first session of **The Intentional Being Circle**, a space for reflection, curiosity, and thoughtful conversation. This session is about **showing up fully and exploring what it means to live intentionally** — in work, relationships, finances, and daily life. We will gather in a small group to reflect, share, and learn from each other’s experiences. There is no fixing, coaching, or expectation — just honest presence and dialogue. **Who this is for:** * Those who feel they’ve outgrown surface-level conversations * Those curious about how their choices shape their life * Those willing to reflect and share in a thoughtful, supportive space **Format:** * Brief check-in * Introduction to the circle’s intention * Guided discussion on the topic * Open reflection and conversation * Closing reflections Bring curiosity, honesty, and your presence — nothing else is required. **Topic for Discussion: to be shared on day of event. (we don't rehearse for a conversation, do we?)**

​\*\*[Moment of Now] Workshop by Thribe x Cloop\*\* ​ ​Step into the **[Moment of Now]**, a transformative workshop led by **Gerra and Lin from Thribe** that invites you to slow down and rediscover the beauty in the discarded. In this hands-on session, we move beyond traditional crafting to explore the intersection of circularity and self-expression. You will be guided through the process of turning textile waste into a unique Cloop Identity Tag. ​[By](https://tag.by/) assembling fragments of fabric, you'll learn to see identity as a beautiful patchwork of experiences. Join us for a session of mindful creation, where every weave is an act of presence. Location: 22 New Industrial Rd #06-22- Direction here: [bit.ly/CloopPrimax](https://bit.ly/CloopPrimax)

"How do I get out of a reading slump? This is the book to do that." ―*Rhianna Dhillon, BBC Radio 4* Our first book for discussion in 2026 is... ***FLESH*** by David Szalay. * WINNER OF THE 2025 BOOKER PRIZE * Finalist for the Kirkus Prize * Longlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Excellence “Spare and detached on the page, lush in resonance beyond it” (NPR), *Flesh* traces the imperceptible but indelible contours of unresolved trauma and its aftermath amid the precarity and violence of an ever-globalizing Europe with incisive insight, unyielding pathos, and startling humanity. . . . Teenaged István lives with his mother in a quiet apartment complex in Hungary. Shy and new in town, he is a stranger to the social rituals practiced by his classmates and is soon isolated, drawn instead into a series of events that leave him forever a stranger to peers, his mother, and himself. In the years that follow, István is born along by the goodwill, or self-interest, of strangers, charting a rocky yet upward trajectory that lands him further from his childhood, and the defining events that abruptly ended it, than he could possibly have imagined. A collection of intimate moments over the course of decades, Flesh chronicles a man at odds with himself—estranged from and by the circumstances and demands of a life not entirely under his control and the roles that he is asked to play. Shadowed by the specter of past tragedy and the apathy of modernity, the tension between István and all that alienates him hurtles forward until sudden tragedy again throws life as he knows it in jeopardy. . . . “A masterpiece, told with virtuosic economy… Pure brilliance from the first to the (devastating) last sentence." ―*India Knight* "Brilliance on every page." ―*Samantha Harvey* “So brilliant and wise on chance, love, sex, money." ―*David Nicholls* “Compelling and elegant, merciless and poignant." ―*Tessa Hadley* . . . The discussion will take place at the beautiful rooftop bar, **Las Palmas**, on Sunday, January 18th at 3:00 PM. Please support the venue by ordering at least one drink. The link below is the book discussion questions. [https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1NKVL1HZbPKNKc5BQE-HUcbiCtPqIkCu3N4csKreh5DU/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1NKVL1HZbPKNKc5BQE-HUcbiCtPqIkCu3N4csKreh5DU/edit?usp=sharing) Please take a look at them before joining the event. Following the discussion, our next book will be chosen by a group poll—so come prepared to champion your pick. Each month, we explore a different genre, enriching our reading experience and broadening our perspectives. For the February discussion, please bring at least one **non-fiction** book recommendation. If your suggestion triumphs in our friendly voting war, your book takes center stage! And even if it doesn’t, you’ll still gain the joy of stepping beyond your usual reading horizons. FAQ) 1)"Do I have to finish reading the book to join the event?" **YES.** We’re here to discuss the book! To ensure a rich and meaningful conversation for everyone, all participants are expected to read the book in full before attending. 2)"Can I just listen and not join the discussion?" **NO.** We gather in person to *share* ideas. Your voice matters! Whether you agree, disagree, or interpret things differently, every perspective helps deepen our understanding of the book. There’s no right or wrong answer, and every opinion is equally cherished. Feel free to send me a message if you have any other questions. See you in the New Year, bookflies🦋!

7. The Human Science /197 end p. 224.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Life of Frankenstein,”** on the birth, evolution and impact of a tale of man-made monstrosity, with Bernard Welt, an emeritus professor of arts and humanities at George Washington University who frequently lectures on Frankenstein in literature, cinema, and culture. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-life-of-frankenstein](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-life-of-frankenstein) .] Guillermo del Toro’s lush and lovingly produced film adaptation of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel *Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus* is just the latest of many iterations of the story to capture the public’s imagination. People have watched Victor Frankenstein give life to his monster in numerous films, on television, and on stage, and even perform “Putting on the Ritz” with him thanks to the comic genius of Mel Brooks. Mary Shelley did not just tell a tale. She spawned the modern genre of speculative fiction and gave rise to a myth that would crop up in debates over nature versus nurture and other matters. Even today it stokes anxieties over the potential impacts of robotics, artificial intelligence, and genetic engineering, by evoking the image of a monster turning on its progenitor. Come gain a new appreciation of Mary Shelley’s creation with the help of Dr. Bernard Welt, who has studied the relationship between nightmares and the horror genre and is the author of *Mythomania: Fantasies, Fables, and Sheer Lies in Contemporary American Popular Art.* Dr. Welt will start by telling a literary origin story almost as famous as Frankenstein itself, of how an 18-year-old Shelley started writing *Frankenstein* in 1816 while staying in a villa on Lake Geneva with two of her era’s leading poets, Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley, her lover. Housebound by foul weather, the three read Gothic tales of ghosts and monsters and challenged each other to produce something even more terrifying. Mary dreamed up a story of a man who defied death by creating a living being out of scraps of deceased men harvested from graveyards and anatomy labs. The resulting novel, *Frankenstein*, published anonymously in 1818, would by that century’s end become a touchstone in philosophical discourse on the nature of humanity and in political discussions of imperialism and populism. By the 21st century, Mary Shelley (as she became) had earned a more significant place in the literary canon than Byron and her husband Shelley. We will examine how this grisly tale became a landmark of modern thought and look at the part played by numerous film adaptations from the first years of cinema to the present day. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: From a Theodor von Holst engraving in an 1831 edition of *Frankenstein* published by Colburn and Bentley of London.

**\*\*Please note we are starting 15 minutes early because of a conflict with the room at 2:45 pm.\*\*** Embarking on an exploration of African philosophy before the modern era immediately raises surprising questions of scope, method, and interpretation. We might think we know what we mean by the term “Africa,” but if we are referring to the continent, then we have to ask questions such as: should we start our investigation with Saint Augustine? He was, after all, ethnically an African Berber. Yet it seems obvious that he fits more comfortably into the European philosophical tradition. What about the thought of ancient Egypt, wherefrom we can trace an influence on the Greeks, especially regarding mathematics? Moreover, both Christianity and Islam extended their reach into Africa. When we encounter their influence, should we treat them as alien interventions, or as ways of thinking that integrated into African cultures? Methodological problems emerge because much of the wisdom traditions of Africa were never recorded in writing but were passed down orally across generations. Can any of the ideas of those traditions be recovered? If so, is there any way of understanding them on their own terms, or do they inevitably become polluted by the modern, and often colonial, interpretations through which they are viewed? Indeed, examining African philosophy raises definitional questions: should we consider philosophy to be something done by the elite scholars and sages of a society, or should it refer to the wider worldview of the culture itself, as its people grapple with questions of being, knowledge, and the best ways to live together? Furthermore, if we don’t think of Africa as a mere landmass, but in terms of culture, then we must ask: is there a singular African culture? While scholars sometimes sought for a monolithically “African” philosophy in the past, it seems clear that there are a diversity of cultural and philosophical traditions that must be accounted for. For our purposes, we will leave aside Augustine (whom we previously addressed in detail as part of the Greco-Roman canon) and examine three areas of African philosophy for which contemporary scholars have found enough material to extensively analyze. First, due to the existence of a written record, the thought of ancient Egypt and its sages are available to us to some degree. We will read some secondary scholarship that can give us at least a fragmentary look into a world far removed from ours that seems very different, yet at the same time familiar. Next, the Ethiopian thinker Zera Yacob and his protege Walda Heywat wrote their “Hatatas,” or inquiries, in the 1500s, and demonstrated that serious philosophical thinking was occurring in Africa under an education system that was quite different from the European one. At the same time their thought was influenced by Christianity and its disputes with indigenous traditions, Islam, and Judaism. Yacob recorded the interesting story of his life and in the process asked deep questions about his relationship to his deity and the world, as well as the best way to live. His student Heywat then followed in his footsteps, providing his own philosophical take on perennial questions. Finally, we will read additional secondary literature on a variety of African philosophical topics, including sage philosophy, oral philosophy, what it means to be a person, and the concept of Ubuntu. This month we will read *[The Hatata Inquiries](https://www.amazon.com/Hatata-Inquiries-Seventeenth-Century-Philosophy-Responsibilities/dp/3112214110)*, by Zera Yacob and Walda Heywat, which is available in paperback on Amazon. Please read pages 1-8 and 71-160. The front matter (maps and figures, chronology, histories of the manuscripts) is also of interest. Additionally, please read the following chapters in *[Africana Philosophy from Ancient Egypt to the Nineteenth Centur](https://www.amazon.com/Africana-Philosophy-Ancient-Nineteenth-Century-ebook/dp/B0F1LLX3WB)y*: 2, 4, 5, 6, 12, 15, 16, 17, and 20. Each chapter is short, and they total about 90 pages of reading. Chapters 8, 9, 10, and 18 are also informative, but optional. This text is available in print and for Kindle on Amazon. Since we are dealing with pre-modern African philosophy in this session, we will delay exploring philosophy among the African diaspora or modern African thinkers until later meetings. **Secondary Resources** *Wikipedia:* [Zera Yacob](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zera_Yacob_%28philosopher%29) [Walda Heywat](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walda_Heywat) [African Philosophy](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_philosophy) *Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy:* [Africana Philosophy (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/africana/) [African Sage Philosophy (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/african-sage/) [Akan Philosophy of the Person (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/akan-person/)

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Satanic Panics,”** a look at waves of fear of demonic activity as an American tradition, with Luxx Mishou, cultural historian and former instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy and area community colleges. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-satanic-panics](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-satanic-panics) .] The 1980s found the United States gripped by fear of Satanic cults targeting children. They were believed to be corrupting young ones in daycare centers and tempting teens through subliminal messages on heavy metal albums or through the quiet inclusion of demonic rituals in role-playing games. Satanic serial killers supposedly stalked the suburbs. Doctors helped patients uncover what were claimed to be repressed memories of ritualistic satanic abuse. Parents, police, and politicians were urged to protect impressionable youths from both moral and physical danger. With Satanic cults deemed to be a real and material threat, it was a frightening time for everyone, including those who suddenly came under suspicion for doing evil deeds. Then, suddenly, it all faded from public consciousness, just as surely as did eighties fads such mullet haircuts, leg warmers, and Cabbage Patch Kids. Why did it all start? Why did it stop? And has this happened before or since? Hear such questions tackled by Luxx Mishou, a cultural historian and media specialist who has long researched the devious and villainous in cultural artifacts. She’ll discuss moral panics as a longstanding cultural tradition, with each new one stemming from fear of cultural shifts and shaped by the time and place where it occurred. Among the panics we’ll look into are the Red Scare of the 1950s and the public response to the gruesome 1969 murders committed by the Manson Family. Delving into the 1980s panic, Mishou will describe how it began with the 1980 publication of psychiatrist Lawrence Pazder’s memoir *Michelle Remembers*, detailing the suppressed memories of ritualistic abuse reportedly suffered by a patient. As that book quickly became a best seller, its ideas saturated American culture. A California daycare center became the focus of a three-year investigation, followed by three years of trials, based on allegations that its owner had engaged in secret ritualistic abuse of the children in its care. Mishou will lead you through the media that convinced the public that devil worshipers were among them, and she’ll talk about how reactions to imagined threats can have very real social costs. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

Members of the public are invited to view the wonders of the universe through the telescopes of NOVAC volunteers at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. You do not need to be a member of the club or own any astronomical equipment to attend. Telescopes will be provided by the Smithsonian and pre-approved members of the NOVAC. No other personal telescopes are permitted at the event. The event will take place on the bus parking lot of the museum. **Please park your vehicle at the south end of the main visitors lot and follow signs and red lights to the observing site. As a reminder, parking during the event is free.** Have a cosmic question? One of NOVAC's astronomers or museum staff will be happy to help you. As the sky gets dark, be prepared to enjoy the wonders of the night sky! Don't forget to dress warmly. Please check the weather forecast. For lighting, cover a flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated. Note: This outdoor event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled because of significant cloud cover or precipitation.

(2024) by Christof Koch, 288 pages [Psychology] • Hardcover • Kindle • Audiobook • Library: https://fcplcat.fairfaxcounty.gov/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=613100 Check the How To Find Us section for Zoom Link **(Remember, the Zoom Link is different each month, do not bookmark)** ### Review "A wonderful book."―Sam Harris, Making Sense with Sam Harris “a fun introduction to a number of debates… Mr. Koch’s book provokes questions… and counterarguments, but that’s what gives it life.” ―The Wall Street Journal “Easily the most current, thorough, and helpful exploration of consciousness available. Koch’s light, simple, yet authoritative writing style will appeal to general audiences as well as scientists and researchers. An essential, highly recommended purchase.”―Library Journal “magisterial… charming, sometimes beautiful, and almost always illuminating” ―Science Magazine “an impressive and sometimes exuberant work, showcasing decades of [Koch’s] research”―New Scientist “Koch’s adept use of analogies and entertaining anecdotes — complete with his own near-death experience and psychedelic drug trips — make the book a compelling and surprisingly light read.” ―Science News “undeniably compelling… a smoothly written must-read for anyone interested in a detailed introduction to the relationship between the brain, consciousness, and transformative experiences” ―Ars Technica “Expertly weaving in personal experience with science that few, if any, can speak more authoritatively about, Koch leads us on an amazing journey of consciousness—from birth to death. Deeply personal and infinitely digestible, Then I Am Myself the World is a remarkable must read for anyone interested in knowing their mind.”―Judson Brewer MD, PhD, New York Times–bestselling author of Unwinding Anxiety “Koch’s latest book brilliantly navigates the intricate landscape of our mind and our brain, offering insightful perspectives on the nature of conscious experiences, both ordinary as well as extraordinary ones.”―Hartmut Neven, founder and lead of Google’s quantum AI lab “Then I Am Myself the World is the new record of note for the scientific understanding of consciousness. This is an elegant tableau, a travelogue of subjective experience grounded in the latest neuroscience and philosophy traversing religion, science, and a life dedicated to the biggest questions. Filled with crystalline prose, lucid explanation, and revelatory honesty, this book will continue to be read centuries from now.”―Patrick House, author of Nineteen Ways of Looking at Consciousness “What would happen if a hardcore neuroscientist, with encyclopedic knowledge and four decades of experience in his field, were personally confronted with transformative mystical experiences carrying inevitable metaphysical implications? What would happen if the neuroscientist in question were open-minded, humble, but remained rigorously grounded in reason, evidence, and his hard-earned understanding of how consciousness relates to brain structures and function? What would he, the most preeminent professional of his generation, make of his extraordinary experiences? And what if, in addition, the neuroscientist was a modern renaissance man versed in physics, philosophy, the arts, the classics, and could pluck irresistibly evocative metaphors from the Western literary and artistic canon as if leisurely picking apples in early fall? This is what you will find in this treasured book, a whirlwind ride of insight after insight—so many they can’t possibly be all documented in footnotes—that will surprise and delight you from the get-go. ‘Primacy goes to consciousness, not to the objective world,’ he boldly states already on page two, in a prelude of things to come. ‘Everything else follows from there, including the realist assumption of the existence of objects, out ‘there,’ independent of my experiencing them.’ The book embodies the ever-evolving wisdom of a man whose intellectual prowess is only matched by his intellectual honesty. And this man, in the seventh decade of his scintillatingly productive life, has a lifetime of learning to share with you.”―Bernardo Kastrup, executive director, Essentia Foundation “Koch’s first book was entitled The Quest for Consciousness. And such has been Koch’s life, an adventurer’s pursuit of a distant goal, undeterred by the prevailing winds. The reader will learn where this quest has led and, like the author, will be enriched by it. Koch, one of the most accomplished scientists of our time, a mind singularly open to learning and changing, here opens his soul, revealing his vast, scintillating appreciation of nature in all its forms. It is a touching, profound book. Which is as it should be, since consciousness touches everything and is everything we touch.”―Giulio Tononi, University of Wisconsin-Madison ### About the Author Christof Koch is a neuroscientist at the Allen Institute and at the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation, the former president of the Allen Institute for Brain Science, and a former professor at the California Institute of Technology. Author of four previous titles, Koch writes regularly for a range of media, including Scientific American. He lives in the Pacific Northwest.

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