Philosophy & Ethics

de workshop gaat over graphic engine in c : de focus is visualisatie: met een schuin oogje naar data analyse en ook esthetische visualisatie, art dus ik geef demo van mijn eigen resultaat en zoek/realisatie tocht

Kom gezellig een avondje samen Warhammer of D&D miniaturen schilderen! We gaan schilderen in de Nieuwe Bibliotheek Almere in Almere-Stad. Ik stuur voor deze avond een bericht met uitleg en route. Wij (de lokale Warhammer club Warmere) zorgen voor alle benodigde materialen zodat je je creativiteit de vrije loop kunt laten. Of je nu een ervaren schilder bent of een beginner, deze meetup is de perfecte gelegenheid om nieuwe technieken te leren, tips uit te wisselen en in contact te komen met de lokale hobby- en gaming communities: Warmere als je Warhammer 40k of Age of Sigmar speelt, of GameMere voor D&D of bordspellen! Neem je eigen materialen mee of gebruik mijn verf en materialen. Als je een miniatuurtje nodig hebt, kun je er die dag een kopen of je kan er gratis eentje kiezen uit de gedoneerde miniatuurtjes, met dank aan clubgenoten van Warmere en www.restorehammer.eu ! Leeftijd: 12+ Let op: Deze samenkomst vindt plaats in een bibliotheek tijdens openingstijden. Houd rekening met andere bezoekers en materialen. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Join us for an evening of painting Warhammer or D&D miniatures alongside fellow enthusiasts! Hosted at de Nieuwe Bibliotheek Almere in Almere-Stad. Before this evening I will send a message with explanation and route. We (the local Warhammer club Warmere) will provide all necessary materials for you to unleash your creativity. Whether you are a seasoned painter or a beginner, this meetup is the perfect opportunity to learn new techniques, share tips, and connect with the local hobby and gaming communities: Warmere if you like Warhammer 40k or Age of Sigmar, or GameMere if you like D&D or boardgames! Bring your own materials, or use my paint and materials. If you need a miniature you can buy one, or choose one for free from the donated miniatures, thanks to members of Warmere and www.restorehammer.eu ! Age: 12+ Take notice: This get-together takes place in a library during business hours. Mind the other patrons and materials.

We debate questions chosen by participants. Please think of a question to suggest in advance. Or not, then just show up!

**Meer snelheid, betere output én verantwoord gebruik van AI in je dagelijkse werk.** Je hebt de **AI Essentials** onder de knie. Je experimenteert met prompts, ziet de potentie en gebruikt AI inmiddels regelmatig. Maar je voelt ook: dit kan scherper, sneller en bewuster. In deze **AI Next Level-workshop** zetten we de volgende stap. Geen herhaling van de basis, maar verdieping. Meer grip op prompting én meer inzicht in wat verantwoord AI-gebruik in de praktijk écht betekent. **Wat houdt deze workshop in?** Deze interactieve dag bestaat uit twee nauw verbonden onderdelen: **1\. Prompting like a Pro** Je gebruikt al een basisstructuur voor prompts — nu is het tijd om door te schakelen. In dit deel leer je: * Geavanceerdere promptstructuren die sneller tot betere output leiden * Hoe je minder hoeft te “stoeien” en gerichter kunt werken * Hoe je AI effectief inzet als denkpartner bij complexere vraagstukken * Hoe je context, rol en doel zó meegeeft dat je output direct bruikbaar wordt Het resultaat: **meer snelheid, meer kwaliteit en meer vertrouwen in wat je terugkrijgt.** **2\. Using AI Responsibly** Minstens zo belangrijk — en vaak onderschat. AI is krachtig, maar niet neutraal en niet zonder risico’s. Hoe ga je daar professioneel mee om? Je leert onder andere: * Welke informatie je wel en juist niet in prompts moet verwerken * Hoe om te gaan met privacy, vertrouwelijkheid en bedrijfsinformatie * Hoe AI-modellen zijn getraind en wat dat betekent voor de antwoorden * Hoe je bias, aannames en “mooie maar onjuiste” output herkent Dit deel helpt je om **bewuster, veiliger en professioneler** met AI te werken — voor jezelf én je organisatie. **Hoe werken we?** Net als bij de Essentials-workshop geloven we niet in zenden, maar in **samen ontdekken**. * Praktisch en interactief: werken met je eigen cases * Creatief en laagdrempelig: leren door te doen * Leren van elkaar: verschillende rollen, contexten en perspectieven * Geen technische training, geen tool-overzicht * Wel: denken, beoordelen, toepassen en verbeteren De ervaring leert **dat de groep een groot deel van de waarde bepaalt** — en dat hoor je terug in de feedback. **Wat neem je mee na afloop?** Na deze workshop: * Werk je sneller en gerichter met AI * Weet je welke prompts écht werken voor jouw werk * Kun je AI-output beter beoordelen en bevragen * Ga je bewuster om met data, privacy en betrouwbaarheid * Weet je concreet wat je maandag anders doet En: **Drie weken later organiseren we een vrijblijvende terugkom-call,** waarin deelnemers ervaringen delen en leren van elkaars praktijk. **Voor wie is deze workshop bedoeld?** Deze workshop is bedoeld voor: * Professionals en managers zonder technische achtergrond * Deelnemers van de AI Essentials-workshop (of vergelijkbare basiskennis) * Mensen die AI al gebruiken, maar daar meer rendement en zekerheid uit willen halen * Iedereen die AI professioneel, bewust en verantwoord wil inzetten **Pilot & praktische informatie** Deze workshop is opgezet als **Next Level-pilot**. Dat betekent: kleinschalig, persoonlijk en met ruimte voor feedback om de training verder te verfijnen. 📅 Datum: vrijdag 13 maart ⏰ Tijd: 09:30 – 14:30 (Inloop 9:00) ⏱ Duur: 5 uur (incl. lunch) 📍 Locatie: Computerweg 37, Amersfoort 💶 Prijs: €99,- ex btw 👥 Groepsgrootte: 8-12 deelnemers 📍 Vorm: interactief, fysiek ☕🍴 Voorzieningen: koffie, thee en lunch inbegrepen 👥 Begeleiding: Edgar Stormbroek & Ziryan Salayi **Aanmelden op:** https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/tickets-ai-next-level-prompting-as-a-pro-and-using-ai-responsibly-1982428964398?aff=oddtdtcreator

*Since the guided meditations for this event are in Dutch, this description is too.* Wil je je drukke week afsluiten en ontspannen aan het weekend beginnen? Dan ben je geheel vrijblijvend welkom bij de vrijdagavond meditatie van [Jewel Heart](https://www.jewelheart.nl/). Deze meditatieavond heeft een licht en open karakter. De meditaties bestaan uit drie delen. We beginnen met het gewaarworden van je lichamelijke sensaties. In een korter deel twee doen we een loopmeditatie en in deel drie is er een eenvoudige, geleide visualisatie meditatie. Het geheel wordt afgesloten met een gesprek onder het genot van een kop thee, voor wie daar zin in heeft. 📍[Jewel Heart, Hatertseveldweg 284, Nijmegen](https://maps.app.goo.gl/D4FzqLbkaqs2JNDG8). Loop de oprit op en dan is de ingang aan je rechterzijde 🕒Zaal open vanaf 19.30 uur, meditatie van 20.00 tot 21.00 Je bent van harte welkom! Aan deze activiteit kun je per keer meedoen. Er zijn geen verplichtingen. Op vrijwillige basis kun je op de avond zelf een donatie doen. Kijk ook naar onze -[Open activiteiten](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/open-activiteiten/) -[Cursussen](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/cursussen-overzicht/)

**You're Invited: Bite by Bite Project First Workshop!** **Transform your plate, transform the planet.** Join us for an inspiring and interactive evening dedicated to healthy, sustainable food, and hands-on cooking. This is the first of three workshops for the Bite by Bite Project, aimed at fostering dialogue and action around sustainable food in the Utrecht city and campus communities. **What to Expect:** * Inspiring Talks: Hear from experts on the connection between food choices and well-being, the impact of coffee and cocoa, and social impact through food with Julieth Uriza (Nutritionist/Planetary Diet), and The Pit (Students let food stall). * Hands-On Cooking: Share your favourite traditional recipe! We'll provide healthy, local ingredients to co-create and improvise delicious, nutritious meals together. (Ready food will be available for participants who are fasting). * Networking: Connect with like-minded individuals over dinner and become part of a community making positive changes. * Contribute: Your co-created recipes will be featured in the project's booklet! **Event Details:** * Date & Time: Friday, 13 March, 2026, 17:00 – 22:00 * Location: Rosa Buurtcentrum, Malakkastraat 6, 3531 HM Utrecht * Audience: Utrecht residents, Utrecht Science Park, and International Campus (UCU) communities. * Cost: Free! Just bring your recipe and enthusiasm. **Ready to make an impact?** **[Please make sure to fill in the registration form to secure your spot!](https://forms.gle/xX2tAmy4S8KjMToN7)** The Bite by Bite project is a partnership between Utrecht University Medical Centre, Utrecht University College, The Pit, and Being Well Catalysts, funded by the Planetary Health Seed Grants.

Join us for a special Friday night improv drop-in with Iwan Dam, focusing on the playful overlap between improv theatre and musical theatre. This workshop is open to everyone and is a great way to explore musical improv in a relaxed, low-pressure setting. You do not need any acting or singing experience, and you definitely do not need to be a trained singer. Musical improv is about playfulness, connection, and storytelling first. The singing comes from supporting each other and committing to the moment, not from sounding perfect. This workshop is especially suitable if you are curious about the Musical Improv Theatre course Iwan is teaching for Improv Utrecht this January, but want to try it out first in an easy, welcoming way. What to expect A fun and supportive improv workshop in English Simple musical and non-musical exercises that ease you in gently A focus on confidence, play, and ensemble rather than performance Lots of laughter and shared discoveries As always, the group is a mix of first-timers and regulars. Expect around 12 to 22 people, with several joining for the very first time. Practical information Doors open between 19:50 and 20:00. Please enter together with the group. The entrance is on the side of the building, via Troelstralaan. Workshop time is from 20:00 to 22:00. Full details can be found at [https://bit.ly/iudropin](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Fiudropin%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR47s8ybxWZatpAjlsWrEYXEnHWVaWkjI1424e68ci6oex2vGYAb-0cOSn2plA_aem_yEDTwvRv1fmwY1MrKu0DSw&h=AT2XbwCsqfJ894aJximxfVrXyTziESuzJo4D61Z-shHQtj-AzQMrx0DxoRs2W8m37BhJHAvsaRN-ppsriR00n-wEj5gIv3Uy-qUS3EZtpJICGT5zWtkcAroifQ_I-020i3bNbtWQw5kSVU2873Q&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT0_DoGsfm-IX09YmtFSWfCBg4b48013CEcgAIA_Uxa7jz7H087pH6D-YJ7L-Y7jvZf1NH0tuPyC1DNdIWX2APhHo90K8qeIPebU9NEmmFsa3ZoSSqFNnU-qzrq5edwDkuM2JXV9rpHiXHDGzYwq6lz--IT42QwAgbI) After the workshop, many people head together to the Irish pub O’Leary’s to chat and wind down. How to sign up Please mark yourself as attending via [https://bit.ly/iudropin](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Fiudropin%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5YztAe8pS-LHf6WZJeXqZzcWDs2-pFmK6RFzCRBqtxtJpGDMSUizeJ1D_EVA_aem_6dcC7683uQxCJ9yQG1sYmA&h=AT2XbwCsqfJ894aJximxfVrXyTziESuzJo4D61Z-shHQtj-AzQMrx0DxoRs2W8m37BhJHAvsaRN-ppsriR00n-wEj5gIv3Uy-qUS3EZtpJICGT5zWtkcAroifQ_I-020i3bNbtWQw5kSVU2873Q&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT0_DoGsfm-IX09YmtFSWfCBg4b48013CEcgAIA_Uxa7jz7H087pH6D-YJ7L-Y7jvZf1NH0tuPyC1DNdIWX2APhHo90K8qeIPebU9NEmmFsa3ZoSSqFNnU-qzrq5edwDkuM2JXV9rpHiXHDGzYwq6lz--IT42QwAgbI). If you can no longer attend, remember to remove your signup so someone else can take your place. Please also send your contact details to Marieke at info@theatersportworkshops.nl so we can reach you if needed. Price Suggested donation €10 to €20, payable in cash or via Tikkie. If you are not able to pay much, you are still very welcome. Pay what you can or what you felt the workshop was worth. Contributions help cover the room and the professional teachers. Interested in going further? This drop-in is a perfect introduction to the Musical Improv Theatre course taught by Iwan Dam at Improv Utrecht this January. You can find more information and tickets via [https://www.improvutrecht.nl](https://www.improvutrecht.nl/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR53uSDQDI4JJxYHA-KWutS6K09oUCpwbPff-o_uPCOuORsKBMS_WUkuyd761A_aem_dEhlmtW3zVkRltRU1muoNw) and [https://improv-utrecht.weticket.com](https://improv-utrecht.weticket.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7RPPZzaPgMIuVkB4Jq__Y8iBNBq0t-ZIHhj5ynGrFZxZcmF7L2U17a13wnkA_aem_fYdBW_w_k_Xu5wnBXK_BxQ) Follow Improv Utrecht Meetup [https://www.meetup.com/utrecht-improv-theater](https://www.meetup.com/utrecht-improv-theater?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7RPPZzaPgMIuVkB4Jq__Y8iBNBq0t-ZIHhj5ynGrFZxZcmF7L2U17a13wnkA_aem_fYdBW_w_k_Xu5wnBXK_BxQ) Instagram @improvutrecht Facebook ImprovUtrecht

**Sunday, March 15th – 13:00** **Meeting point:** Bus stop *Donderberg*, Leersum For the third edition of **Real Estate**, our series dedicated to exploring some of the most fascinating villas, estates and historic residences in the Netherlands, we head to the green heart of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug to discover **Kasteel Broekhuizen**. Hidden among forests and rolling landscapes near Leersum, Broekhuizen is a country estate with **medieval roots and a turbulent history**. Over the centuries, it has known periods of prosperity, destruction and reconstruction — and today it stands as a quiet witness to how history, landscape and architecture continuously reshape each other. During our walk, we’ll explore the **estate and its surrounding park**, uncovering stories about: * the rise and fall of the estate * its phases of destruction and rebuilding * hidden corners and forgotten traces in the landscape * and the role of the **Van Nellesteyn family** in shaping its history This is not just a visit to a beautiful country house, but a journey through **layers of time**, where nature and history are deeply intertwined. ### Practical information * **Walk length:** approx. 3.4 km * The route goes through parkland and forest paths, so comfortable shoes are recommended. ### After the walk We’ll finish at **Bistro LOF**, the café/restaurant located within the castle estate itself, where we can enjoy a drink together — and for those who wish, also stay for something to eat — in a setting that perfectly complements the atmosphere of the place. A hidden estate. A story of loss and renewal. A walk through history in the landscape.

“Where big ideas meet open minds — join us!” “Speak your mind, challenge perspectives, make friends.” “From ancient philosophy to AI — your thoughts matter!” “Curious minds unite for a freestyle philosophy jam!" “A safe space to think out loud and explore deeply.” “Old wisdom meets new ideas — let’s jam!” “Question everything. Discuss anything. Connect with everyone.” “Bringing thinkers together to inspire and grow.” “Your ideas, your voice — let’s jam freely!” “Dive deep, laugh loud, and think bigger together.” Welcome to **Generation Thinkers — Philosophy Jam: Speak Your Mind!** This is more than just an event — it’s a movement. A place where old wisdom meets future visions, where deep questions lead to unexpected friendships, and where every voice truly matters. Bring your curiosity, your stories, and your boldest thoughts. Let’s explore everything from timeless philosophical debates to modern challenges in AI, love, freedom, and beyond — all in a relaxed, freestyle atmosphere. 👥 **Who’s it for?** Anyone craving meaningful conversations and genuine human connection. No preparation, no pressure — just your open mind and willingness to share. 🌟 **Why join?** * Make real connections beyond small talk * Get inspired and inspire others * Grow your perspectives and confidence * Be part of a friendly, international community 🔥 **Join us to think, laugh, challenge, and grow — together. Reserve your spot and let’s make this an unforgettable night!** **Event Joining Rules:** • Aim to arrive on time (ideally 5–10 minutes early). • If you’re running late, please notify me as the host. • Newcomers will be given some flexibility in their first sessions.

🌸 **Free online gathering** **Next circle: March 15** After this, we will continue meeting on the **first Sunday of each month**. A space to begin the month by returning to yourself. This women’s circle is an invitation to give yourself one hour to pause, slow down, and reconnect with your body, your inner voice, and other women. A simple and caring commitment: beginning the month with meditation and journaling in community. You can think of it as a small personal ritual, creating the habit of listening to yourself, writing, and setting intentions for the month ahead. We meet online on Sunday afternoons to gently transition into a new week and a new month, creating a moment of presence, reflection, and intention. During this 1-hour session we will explore: ✨ a guided meditation to arrive in the body ✨ a journaling practice to connect with what is alive in you ✨ a space for sharing, where you are welcome to speak or simply listen No previous experience is needed. You are welcome just as you are. Please have a notebook and a pen nearby, and join from a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted during the session. You are welcome to join once, or come back each month. The choice is yours. The first circles are offered for free in order to create community and open this space to more women. Participants who register for the event will receive the **Google Meet link** before the circle begins. It will be lovely to welcome you into this space 🌿

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🌿 Join us for a beautiful 7km hike through Amelisweerd-Rhijnauwen on Saturday 14th of March! ✨ Starting from Utrecht Lunetten station, we’ll explore forest paths, cross charming bridges, and follow the scenic Kromme Rijn river. Along the way, we'll pass the stunning Landhuis Nieuw-Amelisweerd, historic Oud-Amelisweerd, and the famous pancake spot Theehuis Rhijnauwen, before making our way back via a picturesque towpath. Utrecht Hiking Community is not about fast hiking, but about social hiking. Everyone can join: beginners, more advanced hikers, students, professionals, locals, expats, etc. Every month we organise one hike in a different location each month, so you may explore places where you haven't been before. And if you have been somewhere before already, it's still a good opportunity to be active and to get to know some fellow hiking enthusiasts.🚶‍♂️ 🔔 Tips: Wear comfy walking shoes, bring water, and check the weather. In case of bad weather, the hike may be postponed, so please look for any latest updates on the day before the hike. Please try to arrive to Utrecht Lunetten train station in time. We want to depart around 10.30AM, so try to be there before that time. Are unforeseen circumstances causing you to arrive later? Then please contact us via WhatsApp on +31621177691. We won't make the whole group wait for you, but we can share our location with you so you can come after us. There are no toilets at Utrecht Lunetten train station. Therefore please visit a restroom before arrival. For those coming by car, there's a small free parking lot directly next to Utrecht Lunetten train station, address: Furkaplateau 2. Dogs are allowed on this route, but need to be kept on a leash during parts of the route. The route is not suitable for people with strollers. For those who like to, there is the option to go for drinks/lunch in the shopping center of Lunetten afterwards. Organising our monthly hikes comes with some costs (travel costs, yearly MeetUp subscription). Therefore we would be very glad for any donations to support us via this link: [https://www.ing.nl/payreq/m/?trxid=zXP3ACEFu2KEgnjtqUPIb7BeSr44EGBL](https://www.ing.nl/payreq/m/?trxid=zXP3ACEFu2KEgnjtqUPIb7BeSr44EGBL) For an impression of this and previous hike, find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/utrecht.hiking.community See you on Saturday 14th of March!

**Zin om even helemaal offline te gaan voor een avond?** Doe mee met onze offline hangout. Of je nu alleen komt of samen, je maakt gegarandeerd nieuwe connecties! **Wat kan je verwachten:** 🎨 Speel (bord)spelletjes, knutsel of relax met een goed boek 📚 Een nostalgische avond in een gezellig café 🎈 Ontmoet nieuwe mensen op de ouderwetse manier 📰 Schrijf met onze vintage typemachines Gratis entree! **Waar?** LE:EN (Heuveloord 140, Utrecht) **Wanneer?** Zondag, 15 maart (vanaf 18:00) *PS: vóór onze Offline Hangout is er live muziek, dus voel je vrij om al wat eerder te komen!*

This will be our second (and possibly last) meeting on *Nature's God: The Heretical Origins of the American Republic*, by Matthew Stewart. For this meeting, please try to read chapters 4 and 6. (You can skim chapter 5, which is particularly confusing). **Where did the ideas come from that became the cornerstone of American democracy?** America’s founders intended to liberate us not just from one king but from the ghostly tyranny of supernatural religion. Drawing deeply on the study of European philosophy, Matthew Stewart brilliantly tracks the ancient, pagan, and continental ideas from which America’s revolutionaries drew their inspiration. In the writings of Spinoza, Lucretius, and other great philosophers, Stewart recovers the true meanings of “Nature’s God,” “the pursuit of happiness,” and the radical political theory with which the American experiment in self-government began. [LINK](https://a.co/d/bkTWJNb) This book is not always an easy read. You may want to make use of AI tools such as ChatGPT. You can ask it questions like: "What does Matthew Stewart say about happiness in his book Nature's God?" OR: What does Matthew Stewart say about Spinoza? This may be our last meeting on this book. If you want to have a third meeting later, on the last two chapters, let me know. I hope to see you there! Fred

Join an exclusive hands-on portrait photography workshop at **Sarosh Photography & Studios** where creativity meets professional guidance. This immersive studio session will give photographers the opportunity to learn lighting techniques, posing direction, composition, and creative storytelling while working with **International model Cordelia**. Participants will gain real-world experience capturing elegant portraits in a controlled studio environment, while also learning practical tips on working with professional models, styling, and creating portfolio-worthy images. This workshop is designed to help photographers refine their artistic vision, improve technical skills, and elevate their portrait photography through guided demonstrations and live shooting sessions.

Sven Sinclair will discuss the recent arms race in partisan gerrymandering that has been in the news a lot, but it is just a symptom of more fundamental flaws in our electoral system. This talk, based on his recent essay "[A SWEET Cure for Gerrymandering](https://svenosaurus.substack.com/p/a-sweet-cure-for-gerrymandering?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true)," will discuss those flaws, obstacles to fixing them, and a new proposal for a workable solution. Sven Sinclair is a member of NOVES for over two decades, is an economist and actuary who has been interested in electoral math and design of electoral systems since the last century. Children and young children welcome! When: Sunday, March 15, 2026 Coffee available at 10:45 AM, Speaker begins at 11:00 AM Where: Green Hedges School 415 Windover Ave NW, Vienna, VA

Come join us for in-depth discussions on topics relating to moral and political philosophy. This is a group for members who are comfortable discussing topics that are often anxiety producing and controversial. *"Aristotle was a realist who believed that reality and knowledge are found in the physical world, accessible through sensory experience and logic. This led to contrasting views on ethics, politics, and the nature of reality itself. Plato emphasized abstract, ideal concepts, while Aristotle prioritized empirical observation and the study of the natural world."* \- Google Gemini Following Aristotle's lead, this group will lean heavily on empirical data to make arguments. The Socratic method is still the preferred way to engage in conversation, and Platonic Idealism is still relevant to the conversation as points of reference.

Giambattista Vico (1668-1744) stands as one of the great dissenters from the Cartesian worldview that dominated eighteenth-century Europe, and as one of the first sociologists and philosophers of history and class struggle. While Descartes and his followers sought to extend the geometric method to all domains of knowledge, Vico insisted that human affairs require a fundamentally different approach. He grounded this approach not in mathematical certainty but in rhetoric, imagination, and historical understanding. Vico spent most of his life in Naples, working as a professor of rhetoric. From this position, he watched Cartesian science sweep the academies, displacing the ancient humanistic traditions he cherished. His early works defended the value of rhetoric and imagination against those who saw clarity and distinctness as the sole criteria of knowledge. Vico was developing the idea that cultivated imagination is its own, independently valid way of knowing. But his mature philosophy went further, expanding his concept of imaginative or poetic knowing into a comprehensive science of history that has been seen as fundamentally at odds with the Enlightenment project. At the heart of Vico's thought lies the *verum-factum* principle: we can truly know only what we ourselves have made. Since God made the natural world, only God can fully comprehend it. But the civil world—the world of laws, customs, languages, and institutions—is a human creation, and therefore deeply knowable by human minds. This insight reverses the effect of the mathematical philosophy, which had seemed to make physics knowable and human affairs unaccountable. In his great work, the *New Science*, Vico develops his insight into a comprehensive philosophy of history. He argues that all nations pass through an ideal eternal history—a cycle of three ages (gods, heroes, and humans) driven not by rational deliberation but by providence working through human passions and necessities. The earliest humans, Vico claims, did not think in concepts but in what he calls "imaginative universals"—mythic figures like Jove and Juno that organized experience through poetry and ritual rather than analysis. Understanding this "poetic wisdom" requires overcoming what Vico calls the "conceit of scholars": our tendency to assume that ancient peoples thought as we do or did not think at all. **Readings** *[The New Science](https://www.amazon.com/Science-Penguin-Classics-Giambattista-Vico/dp/0140435697?tag=ustxtaddt-20&asin=0140435697&revisionId=&format=4&depth=1)*, Third Edition (1744) * Book 1, parts 2-4 * Book 2, Introduction, parts 1-4, Part 5 paragraphs 582-661 * Book 4 * Book 5 * Conclusion **Further Readings** *[The New Science](https://www.amazon.com/Science-Penguin-Classics-Giambattista-Vico/dp/0140435697?tag=ustxtaddt-20&asin=0140435697&revisionId=&format=4&depth=1)*, Third Edition (1744) * Idea of the work (for an idiosyncratic precis of Vico's project in the form of an image * Book 3 (for an application of Vico's critical method to the Homeric corpus) [Vico, Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy](https://iep.utm.edu/vico/) [Vico, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/vico/)

Come and join us for a leisurely brunch social at **Barrel & Bushel** in Tyson's Corner (7901 Tysons One Place, at the mall). [https://www.barrelandbushel.com](https://www.barrelandbushel.com) I hope to see you there! Fred

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“A Practical Guide to Social Change,”** a research-based look at how communities bring about reform and progress, with Marissa Robinson, founder of Real Health Impact LLC and an adjunct professor at George Washington University who teaches courses focused on public health leadership and social change. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-social-change](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-social-change) .] Systems built on inequality rarely transform without deliberate pressure from the people most committed to justice, because progress takes coordination, conviction and willingness to change what has always been accepted. Real change starts when people choose to move together. Learn what research and experience say about how to make real social progress with Dr. Marissa Robinson, a public health practitioner who previously worked in federal agencies coordinating global and national public health initiatives focused on infectious diseases, HIV, and health equity. Among the key questions she’ll tackle: How do communities overcome barriers to create real change? When should evidence guide decisions and when does context matter more? She’ll discuss established frameworks for moving from intention to measurable progress and talk about the importance of building coalitions that actually work and of making decisions grounded in real data. You’ll learn about the importance of testing ideas on a small scale before going big, as well as how to use rapid feedback loops and continuous improvement cycles to refine approaches and scale what truly works. Dr. Robinson will share stories of ordinary people and communities who refused to accept the status quo and pushed through real barriers to achieve breakthrough results. She’ll talk about practical strategies, usable frameworks, and evidence-based examples that people can apply immediately in their own communities and organizations to support change that lasts. If you have dreamed about bringing about progress in your world, this talk will give you the clarity, direction, and confidence it takes to turn such dreams into reality. ( Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.