Philosophy

It is not unusual to hear scholars say that modern political philosophy is but a footnote to Plato’s Republic. In this foundational work, (Plato’s) Socrates and his interlocutors embark on a daring thought experiment: to define "**Justice**" by building an ideal city, Kallipolis, from the ground up. But a just city requires **just people**, and just people are such “by design”. Plato asks two questions. What does culture pour into us from the outside — and who are we becoming because of it? And what must the soul look like on the inside — so that those who lead us protect the city rather than devour it? Using selected passages from Books II, III, and IV, we will move from ancient Athens to the present day to discuss two specific challenges: **The Problem of the Poets and the Role of Culture**: In ancient Greece poets set the standards for culture. Their stories didn't just teach values, they gave citizens heroes to become. Who are our modern poets? Are they news outlets, algorithms, influencers, and screenwriters, who decide, at scale, which lives look admirable, heroic, and which virtues are worth the effort? What kind of citizens and leaders are they actually forming — and would we accept Plato's conclusion that the city cannot afford to leave this to chance? **The Paradox of the "Noble Dog"**: The Guardian (Plato’s chosen rulers class) must be "high-spirited" ([thymos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thumos)) to defend the city, yet "gentle" to protect its people. This is not a question of technical competence, but of character. How does a society train leaders who are powerful enough to act, but disciplined enough not to devour the state? Plato wrote the Republic two and a half thousand years ago. The questions it raises have not been answered since, and may matter more now than ever. Join us in the attempt to think through Plato’s theory! Come and think them through with us. Prior reading is useful but not required. **Preparation:** Reading The Republic is a huge enterprise, but you can prepare for this event with these links: Easy Path (articles) * 0–5 minutes: [The Britannica entry](https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Republic) for a quick synopsis. * 5–20 minutes: Chapter‑by‑chapter [walkthrough](https://www.litcharts.com/lit/the-republic/summary) of the dialogue’s main episodes and themes Deeper Dive (videos, 45-50 minutes each) * [Books I-II](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVQKbQVc2_w&list=PL8D95DEA9B7DFE825&index=4) * [Books III-IV](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oxMP8_pWLw&list=PL8D95DEA9B7DFE825&index=5) * [Book V](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXthvnZ8ghw&list=PL8D95DEA9B7DFE825&index=6) You can find a free PDF version of the English text [here](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1497). **For Philosophical Minds Zurich theme events in general:** At our theme events, we begin with a brief topic introduction, followed by engaging discussions in small groups. It’s all about conversation, not just listening. Also, please note, we keep the atmosphere relaxed and informal—**there’s** **no pressure to speak in front of anyone**. **Important:** When you register for the event, please commit to it and don't be a NO SHOW. Presumably, when the ancient philosophers decided to go to an event, they kept to it.
 We look forward to seeing you. **Payment:** You can pay at the venue (Twint/Revolut/Cash). Thus, if you want to register at Meetup just click attend - no more needed ;). We look forward to seeing you.

Two very different, complementary topics for our June evening. One on the small, everyday habits that make teams actually collaborate. The other on how a platform and a cultural movement transformed IT in the public sector. Here's what's planned for the evening: 17:30 - 18:00 - Arrival and first drinks 18:00 - 18:45 - Micro Habits for better Teamwork by Dr. Denniz Dönmez 18:45 - 19:30 - From DevOps to Digital Sovereignty: How a Movement Became a Platform by Syrian Hadad 19:30 - 20:30 - Networking, Open Space & More drinks\* **Micro Habits for better Teamwork** Great teamwork is like solving a puzzle, and not like playing poker, it's not about playing against each other, but rather achieving real collaboration. Micro Habits are psychological hacks that create big results in teams. Micro Habits for Better Teamwork span seven behavioral domains, such as taking responsibility, creating psychological safety, and testing our assumptions. Each provides concrete, small, actionable behaviors that lead to major improvements in collaboration. This talk presents practical, everyday tools based on real-world experience that can be applied immediately to make teamwork easier and more effective, without lengthy coaching programs or complex team-development processes. With Micro Habits, teams unlock their full potential step by step. **Dr. Denniz Dönmez** Scientific agilist and co-creator of Micro Habits for better Teamwork. 15 years experience leading teams and consulting market leaders with a background and PhD in agile methods. **From DevOps to Digital Sovereignty: How a Movement Became a Platform** IT in the public sector is anything but simple: long-established landscapes, strict regulatory requirements, complex processes, and often more than 500 business applications that must be operated reliably. For a long time, this meant ordering individual servers, databases, DNS entries, firewall rules, and storage, then assembling everything manually. Every application was unique. Pets instead of cattle. This talk tells the story of how the DevOps idea took hold in exactly this environment — first as a cultural movement, and later as a concrete operating and architectural model. Step by step, individual infrastructure evolved into a platform, manual work into automation, and isolated solutions into standardization. The result: the Aargau Cloud Platform and a dedicated platform engineering team. In an environment shaped by legacy systems, federal structures, and long lifecycle expectations, platform thinking becomes the foundation for digital sovereignty: maintaining control, reducing dependencies, and still staying innovative — without simply handing everything over to others. **Syrian Hadad** Syrian Hadad is a CTO and long-standing technology and platform leader in the public sector. Among other achievements, he built the Aargau Cloud Platform and helped establish DevOps, cloud, and architecture topics strategically within the organization. Together with the IT organization of the Canton of Aargau, he won the 2023 Digital Economy Award (Digital Excellence) for the consistent transformation toward platforms, cloud-native technologies, and modern governance. Many thanks to our **sponsors**: * Catering Sponsor: **DevOpsDays Zürich** https://www.devopsdays.ch/ * Location Sponsor: **Digicomp** https://www.digicomp.ch/ \* contact us min. 3 days prior to the event if you prefer a vegan option.

Workshop-Details Wo: Kunsthaus Zürich Wann: 03.06.2026 Zeit: 08:30 - 11:30 Uhr In diesem Workshop tauchen wir in die historische Seele Zürichs ein. Wir beginnen im Kunsthaus, wo wir das minimalistische Licht und die beeindruckenden Innenräume des Neubaus einfangen. Anschließend widmen wir uns dem pulsierenden Rhythmus am Stadelhofen, um mit den ikonischen Stahl-Linien Calatravas zu spielen, bevor wir die lebendige Energie am Bellevue durchqueren. Unsere Route führt entlang der Limmat zum Helmhaus (einem meiner persönlichen Lieblingsorte!) und endet am Münsterplatz — dem perfekten Ort, um Licht, Schatten und zeitlose Momente im Herzen der Altstadt zu meistern. Was du lernen wirst – Fotografieren bei wenig Licht – Echte und ungestellte Augenblicke des Nachtlebens festhalten – Die Schönheit der Schwarzweiss-Strassenfotografie entdecken (natürlich kannst du auch in Farbe fotografieren!) Wir beginnen den Tag mit einem Drink in einem nahegelegenen Café — natürlich auf meine Einladung! Dies ist die perfekte Gelegenheit, sich kennenzulernen, Erwartungen auszutauschen und individuelle Wünsche für den Workshop zu besprechen. Deine Teilnahme kostet 150 CHF. Bitte melde dich direkt über meine Website an und sichere dir deinen Platz: www.katjabouwman.com/workshops Erst nach Zahlungseingang ist dein Platz gesichert! Workshop Details Where: Kunsthaus Zurich When: 03.06.2926 Time: 08:30 - 11:30 AM In this workshop, we’ll dive into the historic soul of Zurich — starting inside the Kunsthaus, where we’ll capture the minimalist light and grand interiors of the new extension. We’ll then head out to the bustling rhythm of Stadelhofen to play with Calatrava’s iconic steel lines, before moving through the vibrant energy of Bellevue. Our route follows the Limmat to the Helmhaus (one of my personal favorite spots!) and concludes at Münsterplatz, a perfect location for mastering light, shadow, and timeless moments in the heart of the old town. What you’ll Learn – Shooting in low light – Capturing candid nightlife moments with confidence – Exploring the beauty of black and white street photography (of course, you can shoot in color too!) We’ll kick off the day with a quick drink at a nearby café — my treat! This is a great chance to get to know each other, share expectations and discuss any specific wishes you might have for the workshop. Your participation costs 150 CHF. Please register directly through my website to secure your spot: www.katjabouwman.com/workshops More info on www.katjabouwman.com/workshops or visit my Instagram account katja_zuerich

⚠️ [>>Ticket needed (click here)<< ](https://link.social-circle.ch/y5z5) or **[tickets.social-circle.ch](https://tickets.social-circle.ch/)** 🎉 **Pub Quiz Night** 🎉 Join us for a night full of **mind-bending questions**, **unexpected twists**, and **more laughs than right answers** (probably). Whether you're a trivia wizard or just really good at pretending you know stuff, this night’s for you! Join our whatsapp group for updates on this event: [https://link.social-circle.ch/p2q8](https://link.social-circle.ch/p2q8) 📍 **Location:** BOHO 💰 **Price:** 15.- (includes tasty snacks + a prize for the winning team 🍾) 👥 **How Teams Work:** 🔹 Got a crew? Awesome, bring your squad and show us what you've got! 🔹 Looking to mingle with singles? We’ve got you! → Think 2 girls + 2 guys = the perfect cocktail of brainpower and awkward icebreakers 🔹 Not single? No problem! We’ll still team you up with some brilliant minds and maybe a few terrible guessers for balance 🏆 **What’s in it for you?** Glory, bragging rights, and the sweet, sweet taste of Prosecco-fueled victory. 💬 **Come for the trivia, stay for the chaos.** Spots are limited, so grab your seat before your smarter friend does! 🎟️ ​P.S. Pictures might be taken during the event, if you do not want it please let the organizer know. Tickets are non-refundable. **Want more events like this? Join our WhatsApp community:** [https://link.social-circle.ch/DxeS](https://link.social-circle.ch/DxeS)

**If you cannot see your strategy, how do you know it is clear?** Even in creative teams, strategy is discussed, refined, and documented, yet often stays abstract. Ideas live in conversations, slides, and documents, but teams walk away with different understandings. What sounds aligned in theory often falls apart in practice. We process images much faster than text, yet most organizations still rely on bullet points to communicate strategy. The challenge is no longer developing better strategies. It is making them visible so people can actually align around them. In this interactive keynote, **Michelle Geerlings**, Country Director of Switzerland at Flatland, introduces visual thinking as a practical way to cut through complexity and build shared understanding. With a background in Strategic Design from TU Delft and experience across Sweden, Japan, and Kenya, she works at the intersection of design, facilitation, and strategy. Through co-creation and visual facilitation, she helps teams turn abstract ideas into clear, shared visuals. Join us on **June 3** as she shares practical examples of how sketches and simple frameworks help teams align faster and turn ideas into action. **💡 What will you learn?** * Why visual thinking is a skill anyone can learn, and how it changes the way you think * How co-creation builds ownership and engagement across teams * What really matters in visual thinking: structure, hierarchy, metaphor, and systems thinking over aesthetics * Why working visually leads to faster alignment than traditional documents *More about Flatland* [www.flatland.nl](http://www.flatland.nl) *Connect with Michelle* [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellegeerlings/) —— **📍 Where?** [Kulturhaus Helferei](https://maps.app.goo.gl/AJuPTcLTmihXxHyn9), near the Grossmünster in Niederdorf. \> Kirchgasse 13\, 8001 Zürich (Tram-Station Helmhaus) **📅 When?** Wednesday, June 3, 7:00 PM / 19:00 Uhr **⏰ What’s the schedule?** 6:45 PM → Doors open 7:00 PM → Keynote + Q&A 7:45 PM → Networking 🔗 **Discord** Get event reminders and connect with other members on Discord: ➡️ [discord.gg/PAyRBDhKkk](https://discord.gg/PAyRBDhKkk) —— **Who’s Visual Fields?** Visual Fields is a network of designers and creatives built for people to connect, support, and share with fellow experts. We have upcoming events in Zürich, Basel, and Luzern. [Check out upcoming events](https://www.visualfields.ch/) —— **Event policies** We have zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment. Be mindful not to make assumptions about gender, sexual orientation, or identity. Always ask for consent - for physical contact and work critique - and treat everyone and the space with respect. [All policies](https://www.joyed.com/experiences/ep) **Fine print (the friendly kind)** By joining, you agree that photos or videos taken at the event may be used by Visual Fields for promotional and communication purposes. See you there! 😇

As it is sometimes difficult in Switzerland to practice high german, in 2010 we decided to organize a conversation group that is free to everyone who wants to practice german and socialize. WhatsApp group for easier contact: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KmMkpiQxs291vTPv2RBNm4

3 courts

Shooting only in Auto or Program mode is a thing of the past. We will learn when it makes sense to use Manual (M), Shutter Priority (TV), or Aperture Priority (AV) modes to create artistic compositions under a wide variety of conditions. This workshop is designed for beginners as well as photographers who want to dive deeper into their camera settings, lenses, and the many features their gear has to offer. **Part 1: Getting Started (2h)** * **Full Control:** Mastering Manual (M) mode. * **The Essentials:** Understanding Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO, and how they shape your image. * **Semi-Auto Modes:** When and why to use AV or TV modes. * **Focus:** An insight into various autofocus options. **Part 2: Lenses & Perspective (2h)** Unlike prime lenses, telephoto lenses offer more flexibility without having to move—but they also come with specific challenges. We will explore the pros and cons of different lenses and learn which glass is best suited for which purpose. **Part 3: Practical Application (2h)** Putting theory into practice outdoors, followed by a final Q&A session. **Course Hours:** The course runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. **Registration:** Please register by **May 24, 2026**, via email at admin@michaelcalabro.com. The course requires a minimum number of participants to take place. Confirmation will be sent as soon as the minimum number is reached. **Participants:** Min. 4 / Max. 8 www.michaelcalabro.com

EXPERIENCE PHILOSOPHICAL SYNCRETISM, INNER ALCHEMY, AND GAME SPIRIT. Try a live (private) session of **Mäng (offline in Zürich or online worldwide)**, a powerful self-exploration game that helps uncover hidden mental scripts and rewire the way you think, feel and act. It is a tool for a really **profound change** that follows the four stages of inner alchemy. A modernized version of an ancient contemplative practice, reimagined as a transformational tool based on psychological insight, symbolic logic, and inner strategy, it is not therapy or coaching in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s an immersive deep-dive into the unconscious mind through metaphor and archetype with a game spirit. 💡 **How it works:** Mäng is built on four stages of real, lasting change: 1. **Discovery** – Identify limiting beliefs and internal programs 2. **Uninstallation** – Let go of outdated patterns 3. **Design** – Create new mental strategies 4. **Integration** – Embed them into your deeper awareness You’ll be guided through this process by the **Master of Mäng**, who offers structure, questions, and insight, while you remain the one making all decisions and discoveries. 🌿 **Who is this for?** For everyone (regardless of beliefs, age, gender, etc.), but more than anyone - for those who didn't find answers or sufficient depth in pop coaching and psychology. 🕒 **Important:** This is a deep game. A full session lasts **4 hours**. Time slots are defined individually. Contact me directly to get an appointment. Price for newbies: 250 CHF

Freitags, 10:00–10:40 Uhr, 5. Juni - 3. Juli, Kadampa Meditationszentrum Schweiz, Mirabellenstrasse 1, 8048 Zürich-Altstetten, 7.50CHF, https://www.kadampa.ch/freitag-morgen-meditation/ Gönn dir eine 40-minütige Atemmeditation mit einfühlsamen Erklärungen, die dir hilft, zur Ruhe zu kommen und neue Energie zu tanken. Spüre, wie dein Geist klarer wird, sich innere Anspannung löst und du dich leichter fühlst. Diese Meditation ist die perfekte Gelegenheit, dich bewusst mit dir selbst zu verbinden und den Übergang ins Wochenende achtsam zu gestalten. Die geführten Meditationen sind Drop-In-Kurse – eine Anmeldung ist nicht erforderlich. Komm einfach vorbei, geniesse die wohltuende Atmosphäre und starte deinen Freitagmorgen voller Gelassenheit.

Shooting only in Auto or Program mode is a thing of the past. We will learn when it makes sense to use Manual (M), Shutter Priority (TV), or Aperture Priority (AV) modes to create artistic compositions under a wide variety of conditions. This workshop is designed for beginners as well as photographers who want to dive deeper into their camera settings, lenses, and the many features their gear has to offer. **Part 1: Getting Started (2h)** * **Full Control:** Mastering Manual (M) mode. * **The Essentials:** Understanding Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO, and how they shape your image. * **Semi-Auto Modes:** When and why to use AV or TV modes. * **Focus:** An insight into various autofocus options. **Part 2: Lenses & Perspective (2h)** Unlike prime lenses, telephoto lenses offer more flexibility without having to move—but they also come with specific challenges. We will explore the pros and cons of different lenses and learn which glass is best suited for which purpose. **Part 3: Practical Application (2h)** Putting theory into practice outdoors, followed by a final Q&A session. **Course Hours:** The course runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. **Registration:** Please register by **May 24, 2026**, via email at [admin@michaelcalabro.com.](http://admin@michaelcalabro.com./) The course requires a minimum number of participants to take place. Confirmation will be sent as soon as the minimum number is reached. **Participants:** Min. 4 / Max. 8 [www.michaelcalabro.com](http://www.michaelcalabro.com/)

Coders Monthly is a regular gathering of programmers in Zurich interested in honing their craft. It takes place in Zuerich at Cafe Bar Pluesch (https://cafe-pluesch.ch) on the first Thursday of every month. For the members list, some pics and more, see the Coders Only (https://codersonly.org/events/coders-monthly) site. Hope to see you there! PS: Please join our Discord https://discord.gg/jWUZsKQvrz for any last minute announcements.

**Let’s meet to discuss AI and its impact on humanity.** Where are we really heading? What will it feel like to live in the world of 2040? And how can we leverage AI without losing our sense of self? We will discuss how our consciousness, intuition, emotional intelligence, inner truth, and spiritual awareness may become our greatest competitive edge in the future. **Event location to be confirmed 48h before the event for registered attendees**

Have you ever experienced how our inner world can feel as mysterious and unreachable as that magical place, **[Basilica Cistern in Istanbul](https://bodylearning.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76466e6553022bb3bf437eb0e&id=9a4c98d3a6&e=a2ac40a555)**? Our emotions are a bit like this place: complex, deep, and mysterious. Discover how to move easier in this kind of place by joining the workshop on the **Sunday 7th of June,** from 14h30 to 16h30. At my practice. During this two hours, we will explore the complexity of emotions by focusing **how to befriend fear.** Please, contact me to book your slot, places are limited. **Max 5 participants. Cost: fr. 100.-**

I have been studying the question of "self" online with Prof. Ellie Anderson and so I thought a prompt on the "self" might be interesting. Full confession: I had Claude create this prompt and I like it, so here goes: Imagine a thought experiment that merges two classic puzzles: > You undergo a procedure, performed neuron by neuron, in which every biological component of your brain is replaced with a functionally identical synthetic substitute. At each step, your behavior, memories, and personality remain unchanged. When the last neuron is swapped, is the consciousness experiencing the world still you? And — more pressingly — was there ever a continuous "you" to begin with? ### Questions to Wrestle With * If consciousness is purely physical, does the *gradual* nature of the replacement matter, or is it equivalent to being destroyed and rebuilt? * Could there be a "self" without continuity of experience — even moment to moment, while you sleep? On a more practical level, consider the simpler case first: **hemispherectomy** patients — people who have had an entire cerebral hemisphere surgically removed — often retain a strong sense of personal identity and continuity. This suggests "you" are not rigidly tied to specific physical material. But does that vindicate the synthetic neuron case, or merely show that identity is more *flexible* than we thought — not that it can survive *complete* substrate replacement? I used Claude so I could get this out today and let everyone have some time to consider it. Hope to see you at the Oracle. Sorry about the location change two weeks ago. That's what I get for trusting local weather predictions!

**Welcome to the Women’s Columbus Bogleheads® Sub-Group** This sub-group is for **women who want to learn and discuss finances in a safe, supportive space**. For those interested in moving towards financial independence and retirement by learning investment basics, choosing your 401(k) investments, minimizing taxes, and more. We’re a local chapter of **Bogleheads®**, following a long-term, practical investment philosophy: [Investment Philosophy](https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy): https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy [Bogleheads Forum](https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php): https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php No question is too small, and no experience is too simple. Share, ask, and learn — at your own pace, without judgment, in a group of like-minded women. Let’s build confidence and knowledge **together**!

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B What does it mean to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world? In this gathering, we'll continue our series on the Sermon on the Mount from a mystical perspective. Together we’ll explore Matthew 5:13–16, looking not only to the passage as moral instruction, but also to the deeper transformation of consciousness that Jesus invites. Together we'll reflect on how spiritual awakening changes the way we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

*Note: this is a demonstration event only, you **will not** shoot you own images. However, if you bring your camera we can test it for compatibility with the studio lights.* Bondage elements can add an extra layer of emotion and artistry to your images. Sample images on the internet are however dominated by BDSM style shots that are often sexualized and emphasize the model being in distress. In this demonstration Rachel and I show ways to use bondage elements in an artistic way. We explore the types of accessories that work best in artistic images and the best way to photograph them. Our model is Rachel Adams, an internationally known fetish model with many years of experience in this genre.

Let’s meet and share discussion of the James Baldwin short story collection, Going to Meet The Man.

Join the weight loss in Columbus group at the Scioto Audubon Park for an in person meeting. We'll meet to chat casually, talk about goals and enjoy one of Columbus's wonderful parks. We'll meet at one of the outdoor shelters, which is covered in case of rain, is close to some walking trails, and there's also a climbing gym that people can try out (my favorite past time) if people are interested. Let's meet and see where we can take things!

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!