Philosophy

A relaxed walking group for anyone who enjoys dogs, philosophy, and good conversation by the water. We meet in Port Credit and walk along the lake, taking time to discuss big questions about life, meaning, freedom, responsibility, and the strange experience of being human. Conversations are loosely inspired by existential thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus, but no academic background is required. Dogs are welcome, but you don’t need a dog to join. Some people come to walk their dogs, some come for the philosophy, and some just want fresh air and thoughtful conversation by the lake. Bring water, dog treats & poop bags It’s PWYC just to cover the meet up membership cost and to ensure attendance is accurate

Come share your views on philosophy, politics, popular opinion or whatever debatable topic that deserves more discussion. The Atheist Community of Toronto's Cognitive Congress hopes to provide a fertile discussion environment where attendees can debate topics chosen by attendees. A brief overview of the format: * Cards will be provided to attendees to fill out if they have a topic or idea they wish to discuss. * Cards will be selected at random for group discussion, until the topic has been exhausted. * We value civil discussion so please keep interruptions to a minimum and volume to a reasonable level. * As we are meeting in a restaurant, it would be appreciated if attendees order food and/or drinks (and don't forget to pay!)

**Advanced Speakers on the Hill (ASotH)** is proud to be a ***premier club*** operating in the best Toastmasters tradition of providing a supportive and positive program that empowers its members to achieve greater self-confidence and personal growth. **To become a better communicator and leader,** you need warm and supportive people to help you along your way. This is where ASotH excels because we’re a club packed with committed and experienced Toastmasters. **One way in which we help each other to grow is by means of thorough speech evaluations.** In most Toastmasters clubs, each speech receives a 2-3 minute evaluation – end of story. Here your speech will be evaluated for fifteen minutes, which includes input and discussion from among *all* the members present. Imagine how much you can benefit, even when you are not the speech maker. You will hear a detailed evaluation and listen to what other members think. You will then have the opportunity to add your thoughts to the evaluation circle. And, since the speaker’s prime evaluator is also evaluated, you will learn how to improve your own evaluations. All this occurs in a typically supportive and fun atmosphere. **ASotH Club meetings are held on the 2nd, 4th and 5th Saturdays of each month.** Visitors are most welcome, so drop by and experience the **ASotH advantage** first-hand! ***Our meetings are now in-person at Bayview Hill Community Center. Details can be found [here](https://advancedspeakersonthehill.toastmastersclubs.org/directions.html).*** **Membership Eligibility:** You must have completed Level 2 in Pathways, or the first ten speeches in the Toastmasters Competent Communication Legacy manual in order to join our advanced club. Hope to see you soon!

Hello everyone, **\*\*Kindly Read Carefully\*\*** Please join me and my other groups for a fun Saturday social leisure nature walk that will include trails, parks, café-pitstop and cool neighbourhoods in the Yonge and Eglinton area. The evening will continue after with close by Restaurant for dinner then St. Paddy's Party with Live Music and Dancing. **Time and Location: Where to meet us?** We will meet at out front of the **Burger Priest (2 Eglinton Avenue)** \*Arrive early if you like (however we will meet out front at 3:30 p.m. (we will wait for everyone to arrive until roughly 4:00 p.m.) This will give us an opportunity to introduce ourselves as everyone arrives; then make our way on our small adventure through quieter and more natural parts of the city we don't usually get to see. More details below: Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer/Host) **Event Details:** **Saturday Park, Trail and Neighbourhood Walk! (with Dinner and St. Paddy's after Party!)** -A great day planned as we explore parts of these iconic neighbourhoods, parks and trails -During the walk we will stop and rest at different spots, bathroom breaks, take some lovely scenic photos, group photos and share some laughs together -Play a couple ice breaker games near the beginning of the walk as well to help us get to know one another \*This event is a great way to naturally make connections, get some fresh air and (re) connect with some wonderful people **Bonus after our Leisure Nature Walk: (Optional)** \*Stick around after the walk for a fun Saturday Night gathering at a great venue with reserved seating, Food, Beverages and (Dancing (Live Band/DJ (after dinner)) **Event Fee:** 10 dollars (cash only) when you arrive (HST is included) or e transfer in advance to Steveflemming11@gmail.com \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Time and Location: Where to meet us?** We will meet at out front of the **Burger Priest (2 Eglinton Avenue)** \*Arrive early if you like (however we will meet out front at 3:30 p.m. (we will wait for everyone to arrive until roughly 4:00 p.m.) **Drivers & Free Parking:** Plenty of parking on Yonge, Eglinton and residential area too :) Free parking on Duplex, one street west of Yonge :) Across the street from the Yonge/Eglinton subway station \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ***Thanks for reading everyone, remember to RSVP and see you real soon!*** :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

Hi everyone: The Markham/Richmond Hill Group invites you to join us for another drop-in board gaming social! We play a large variety of games ranging from lighter party games to heavier strategy. This event is open to both new and seasoned players. The location (a meeting room above a restaurant - just south of Yonge and Finch) will be visible in the comments section below, to RSVPs. We also host other board gaming events and socials (such as Escape Rooms, Tennis, Hiking, etc) not posted on Meetup. If interested, message me and I can provide you the link to our discord server. Let me know if you have any questions. See you then!!

Each week there is some recommended readings to be done before we meet. **Please see the attached schedule for this week's readings.** The Bible Timeline® study program takes you on a guided journey through salvation history. Presenter Jeff Cavins will show you how fourteen of the Bible’s narrative books tell the biblical story from beginning to end and will give you the keys to understanding the amazing story woven throughout Scripture. The Bible Timeline will teach you how to read and understand the entire Bible and introduce you to the wonderful narrative of Scripture in a way that will transform your life. The online material can be bought online through the link below (optional). However, each session we can share copies for you to have discussion questions in class and reading guideline for the next session. https://ascensionpress.com/products/the-bible-timeline-the-story-of-salvation-online-video-access

Bring any piece of music in any form. We'll deconstruct it's musical elements and share with each other what the music evokes and what insights arise. Then, consider how this musical work fits into the broader world of music and sound. After a break well do a musical exercise together and end with a short slent meditation. Advance registration with pay pal $20. Please call Gary to confirm your registration. 647 292 5415 Generosity policy: limited spots available for no or low charge fir those who need it.

All meetups of the "What is Right?" group are intended, as the name implies, to be exploratory sessions in which participants might freely exchange views, contest and debate positions and, it is hoped, might demonstrate for one another what a principled conservative position ought to be. Among the various traits that a conservative thinker should have is a desire to preserve what our civilization got right, and to make innovations only with an abundance of caution and humility. In order to get to the Bishop and the Belcher Pub, note that despite its Bloor Street address, it is actually located one block south of Bloor at the intersection of Church St. and Hayden St.

We are a monthly meetup where we get together and discuss Stoic Philosophy and it's practical application to life. All are welcome, including those new to Stoicism and everyday practitioners. Out meetups are casual and we typically discuss a new Stoic quote each month. The meetup is held at one of our member's home in Toronto for a few hours each month. A little about Stoicsm, simply put, Stoicism was designed to help people live their best possible lives. It’s a philosophy of life that maximizes positive emotions, reduces negative emotions and helps individuals to hone their virtues of character. At any moment, in any situation, and at any stage of life, Stoicism provides a framework for living well. It reminds people of what is truly important, providing practical strategies to get more of what is valuable. Stoicism was deliberately created to be understandable, actionable and useful. Practicing Stoicism doesn’t require learning an entirely new philosophical lexicon or meditating for hours a day. Instead, it offers an immediate, useful and practical way to find tranquility and improve one’s strengths of character.

**\*NOTE\* Our main meetup group for in-person events is Toronto Intuitives.** Join your community of fellow Intuitives and MBTI nerds for a casual evening of engaging conversation. We get together every second Sunday – with a mix of regulars and new friends. There is no fee to attend, though we ask that you support the venue by ordering something to eat or drink. **Feel free to contact event host B. via Facebook/Meetup messenger, or text/call 416-712-8635 for directions**. About the venue: The Pint Public House Nearest Subway: Union Station Map / Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/G5GfXDSQXeifJ5ot5 We make an effort to find pubs that are quiet and introvert friendly, with a section to ourselves. We make no effort to muffle our extroverts, but should they get out of hand, our resident INTJ will use their death stare, to pull them back in line.

Come to our church on Sunday! We’re a welcoming bunch. Our website is nlife.ca

* **Discover the creative power of Soul to enrich your life.** * **Learn how to tap into your innate creative talents--God's gift to you.** (ONTARIO PROVINCIAL ECK Light & Sound Service - Hybrid event) [Eckankar Ontario Spiritual Events](https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario-spiritual-events.html) [Eckankar Free Books](https://www.eckankar.org/freebook/wisdom/) "Creative people who cherish the gift of life often slip into the secret chambers of the creative mind. Their solutions are well-rounded, more sensible than those of people who rely solely upon reason as their mainstay. Gratitude unseals fountains of creativity, because a grateful person is relaxed. This allows him to take stock of these circumstances with an objective mind. A creative person often gets three-dimensional answers to his problems." —Harold Klemp, *The Language of Soul*, p. 66 You are warmly invited to the Provincial ECK Light and Sound Service which you can attend **online** or **in person**. Date and time: **Sunday, March 15, 2026** **10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m** Please note: All the ECK Light and Sound Services in 2026 will be hybrid (In-person and on Zoom) with the in-person portion held at: **York University Glendon Campus, Centre of Excellence, York Hall A, Room YH A002, 2275 Bayview Ave, North York, ON M4N 3M6.** Please stay for light refreshments afterward. To attend online by Zoom and see the upcoming events: [https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario](https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario/zoom/) It will take you directly to the Ontario ECKANKAR page where you will find the Zoom link and call-in numbers. The Zoom link allows for up to 300 attendees and will be active at 10:15 a.m. **ECK Light and Sound Services** are a wonderful way for anyone to experience: * **the Sound and Light of God** * **the [HU](https://www.eckankar.org/experience/hu-the-sound-of-soul/) (a love song to God)** * **the inner guide known as the Mahanta** Come and hear about others' adventures of walking the spiritual path, on the road home to God, as well as original creative arts. You will have the opportunity to experience a simple spiritual exercise that can open your heart to live to your fullest potential. You are welcome to invite seekers, family and friends to attend. *If the region or country you live in forbids you from attending this spiritual event, please follow the laws of your home country.* These are free events; however, your donations are most gratefully received! You can leave your donation in the donation bowl on the table OR send your e-transfer donations, using online banking to: [provincialdonations8093@gmail.com](mailto:eckontdonations@gmail.com). Please stay for light refreshments afterwards. To learn more about spirituality, here are a few resources: · [Spiritual Adventure](https://www.eckankar.org/eck-soul-adventure-magazine) Magazine · *[ECK Soul Adventure](https://www.eckankar.org/ebooklets) eBooklets* · [HU ](https://www.eckankar.org/experience/hu-the-sound-of-soul/#huapp)App · [Eckankar Soul Adventure Podcast](https://www.eckankar.org/podcasts/) · [Discover Eckankar and Advanced Spiritual Living](https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001wdetsToXHUuR0qMb4Q6Jbn9NsVsjeGGv9-pv3zeN5OJIPvDhF1JBeIKusW1USqWw1Zp1ZaTnQ2RhVdFiFR40cVWLJP69hwDJ6gkdu5rdjrHK5ObZ_tis6cbANWZbNVk8wg0JtH1bJjx9dHaeOUj0-Q==&c=waEPfx7zdz0PenP4PzCIxF7D6_bctEUp7HtZ4PABLxdcfU32QqrKhA==&ch=9rbFp1H_WsWh30zsiD-UiviJOyeYlHNExu3S_FmLkW30Rt5s5OD87Q==) Video *Graphics courtesy of* [Eckankar](https://www.eckankar.org/)*, The Path of Spiritual Freedom* Sponsored by Eckankar Canada in Ontario

**Note:** this is a hybrid (in person AND online) event and will be followed at **12 noon** by a recorded talk and interactive discussion: **“Fulfill Your Potential as Soul” a talk by Sri Doug Kunin, a God-Realized Spiritual Teacher”** ***Please join us.*** **ONTARIO PROVINCIAL ECK Light & Sound Service - Hybrid event**) · **Find new attitudes and practices for navigating unexpected changes** · A**waken your creative ability to solve problems and grow spiritually.** “Often people are afraid to follow their inner guidance. It sounds like such a foolish thing to do, especially if they have to face other people and explain why they are doing what they are doing. Yet showers of love rain down upon us simply because we are Soul, a divine spark of God. Its Voice, which showers the love, is the pure Light and Sound.” —Harold Klemp, ECK Wisdom on Inner Guidance, p. 5-6 You are warmly invited to attend the Provincial ECK Light and Sound Service **online** or **in person**. Date and time: **Sunday, March 15, 2026** **10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m** Please note: All the ECK Light and Sound Services in 2026 will be hybrid (In-person and on Zoom) **In-person** **York University Glendon Campus, Centre of Excellence, York Hall A, Room YH A002, 2275 Bayview Ave, North York, ON M4N 3M6.** Please stay for light refreshments afterward. **online by Zoom** [https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario](https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario/zoom/) It will take you directly to the Ontario ECKANKAR page where you will find the Zoom link and call-in numbers. The Zoom link allows for up to 300 attendees and will be active at 10:15 a.m. **An ECK Light and Sound Services** is a wonderful way to experience: · **the Sound and Light of God** · **the [HU](https://www.eckankar.org/experience/hu-the-sound-of-soul/) (a love song to God)** · **the inner guide known as the Mahanta** Come and hear about others' adventures of walking the spiritual path, on the road home to God, as well as original creative arts. You will have the opportunity to experience a simple spiritual exercise that can open your heart to live to your fullest potential. You are welcome to invite seekers, family and friends to attend. If the region or country you live in forbids you from attending this spiritual event, please follow the laws of your home country. These are free events; however, your donations are most gratefully received! You can leave your donation in the donation bowl on the table OR send your e-transfer donations, using online banking to: [[provincialdonations8093@gmail.com](mailto:provincialdonations8093@gmail.com)]([mailto:eckontdonations@gmail.com](http://mailto:eckontdonations@gmail.com/)). To learn more about **Eckankar, *the Path of Spiritual Freedom***, here are a few resources: · [Spiritual Adventure](https://www.eckankar.org/eck-soul-adventure-magazine) Magazine · [ECK Soul Adventure](https://www.eckankar.org/ebooklets) eBooklets · [HU ](#huapp)App · [Eckankar Soul Adventure Podcast](https://www.eckankar.org/podcasts/) · [Discover Eckankar and Advanced Spiritual Living](https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001wdetsToXHUuR0qMb4Q6Jbn9NsVsjeGGv9-pv3zeN5OJIPvDhF1JBeIKusW1USqWw1Zp1ZaTnQ2RhVdFiFR40cVWLJP69hwDJ6gkdu5rdjrHK5ObZ_tis6cbANWZbNVk8wg0JtH1bJjx9dHaeOUj0-Q==&c=waEPfx7zdz0PenP4PzCIxF7D6_bctEUp7HtZ4PABLxdcfU32QqrKhA==&ch=9rbFp1H_WsWh30zsiD-UiviJOyeYlHNExu3S_FmLkW30Rt5s5OD87Q==) Video Graphics courtesy of [Eckankar](https://www.eckankar.org/), The Path of Spiritual Freedom

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.

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.

Please join us for our Annual Open House at the Studio on March 21st from 1lam to 4pm. Enjoy light drinks, small bites, and a relaxed stroll through the studio. As we step into our 5th year at this location, we'd love for you to stop by & celebrate with us. This is a drop-in event from llam-4pm

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Secrets of Runes,”** on the origins, development, and interpretation of the runic script, with Lilla Kopár, runologist and a professor of medieval literature and culture at Catholic University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-rune-secrets](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-rune-secrets) .] The fame of runes outshines that of any other ancient script. They can be found not just on Viking Age rune stones, but on Bilbo’s door and as the Bluetooth logo on your cell phone. Runic script is commonly associated with magic, used by modern practitioners of neopaganism, and in recent decades has captured the imagination of filmmakers and video game designers. Yet most of us know little about the historical origins of runes and have no clue how to read or use them. Come to Crooked Run Fermentation in Sterling, Va., to get schooled on runic script with the help of Lilla Kopár, a veteran scholar of runes who has earned a following among Profs and Pints fans by giving fantastic talks on medieval monsters and Norse mythology. As someone who has carried out extensive field research on runes, published several articles on runic objects, and even appeared on the History Channel commenting on runes in America, she’s exceptionally qualified to introduce you to runology and the fascinating things that runes tell us. Dr Kopár will discuss the development of runic script from its humble origins on the borders of the Roman Empire in the first or second century CE, through its popularity in the Viking world, to its use and misuse in modern times. She’ll discuss how runes are a set of related alphabets that underwent changes over time and she’ll describe what inspired changes in this writing system and where and how runes were used in the medieval period. Her richly illustrated talk will highlight some of the most intriguing objects with runic inscriptions, from humble bone fragments to impressive rune stones, and offer insight into the scholarly methods of deciphering and interpreting runic inscriptions. We’ll also look at the function of the runic script from simple practical notes and memorial inscriptions to cipher-runes and magic. The most fun might be the in-class assignment, which will involve reading a few runic inscriptions and writing your name and other words in runes. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Part of Codex runicus, a rune manuscript written on animal skin and dating to about 1300 (University of Copenhagen / Wikimedia Commons).

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

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/)