Philosophy Now

Join us every first and third Saturday of the month to learn about Theosophical principles and how we may apply them to our lives. From its inception in 1875, the Theosophical Society encouraged study of the Ageless Wisdom to discover enduring religious Truth and to make Brotherhood a living reality in the world. *“For real Theosophy IS ALTRUISM, and we cannot repeat it too often. It is brotherly love, mutual help, unswerving devotion to Truth.”* HP Blavatsky, Our Cycle and The Next, 1889. *The mission of the Theosophical Society is to serve humanity by cultivating an ever-deepening understanding and realization of the Ageless Wisdom, spiritual Self-transformation and the Unity of all life.* Resolution passed by the General Council of The Theosophical Society in 1924. According to these principles, a theosophic life is not just theoretical, but must also be practical, indeed must be a life of service. Amid the noise and conflict of the modern world, what might be our role, as individuals and as a Theosophical Society? Through a range of books and Theosophical pamphlets, we will look to both exoteric, widespread social principles and to more esoteric, spiritual principles for discussion and guidance.

In his final presentation on Numerology, Allan Meers takes us on a journey through the 10 energy numbers which form the basis of our psycho-spiritual energy system. Allan’s approach integrates Numerology with the numerical systems of the Chakras, the Enneagram, the Tarot and the Great Rays to provide a holistic approach that assists in answering two key questions: Who am I, and Why am I here? The presentation follows on from previous presentations in May and November 2025 and addresses how the energy of numbers can be used to recognize unhealthy ways of being and doing which limit our ability to connect with the true self. The approach explains how energies can be devalued, disowned and relegated to the shadows, or taken to extremes and adopted as a persona to help us thrive and survive in a challenging world. This presentation will provide an understanding of how we can each move towards a state of energetic health. The starting point for this journey lies in recognizing our current reality and awakening to what it means to become healthy, healed and whole as a spiritual being having a human experience. Much of the presentation is from Allan’s latest book - Living your Numbers – which will be available at the presentation. The session is interactive and designed to provide practical information that can be applied to everyday life.

Would you like to enhance your creativity, confidence and increase your awareness? We’d love you to join us to Thoughtstorm® the topic World Creativity and Innovation Day in the warm, friendly environment of the Yarraville Community Centre. How Thoughtstorm came about Thoughtstorm is a technique developed from a seed of speculation: are there more effective (rational, cooperative, compassionate) ways of thinking? Methods whose long-term consequences will not lead to oblivion. This is the genesis of Thoughtstorm. What is it? For anyone with an interest in leadership, deeper conversations or creative problem solving, something much more than a group discussion occurs. What is experienced in Thoughtstorm is a forgotten sensory ability - mind-linking. An evolution in human thinking and learning. The direction moves from a narrow range of possibility into discovering corecepts, when individual minds merge into a much more powerful collective awareness and experience a deeper, more compassionate comprehension of reality. Corecepts trigger intuitive recognition and agreement by the group, a ‘Why, of course!’ reaction. New insights guaranteed! Because this process taps into abilities already present in the human mind and into aggregates of consciousness straining to express themselves, very little practice is required. Would you like to see and understand things in a way that is new for all of us? Would you like to develop your consciousness and your creative intelligence? Would you like to be inspired to create positive change? Then come and join us to Thoughtstorm together. If it’s your first time to Thoughtstorm, please RSVP early to give plenty of time to arrange a brief prep call on Zoom to go over the Thoughtstorm procedures so we can all get started on time together. **Agenda:** 4pm - Arrive, meet and greet, read over Thoughtstorm instructions 4.15pm - Begin the Thoughtstorm 5.15pm - Finish When you RSVP we will be in touch with the details. We look forward to seeing you there! Thoughtstorm® is a registered trademark of Star's Edge, Inc. All rights reserved.

How about we kick off the best day with a jog and coffee together? Trust me, you won't want to miss out! 🏃‍♂️Training menu🏃‍♂️ Every Sunday 8:00~ Fed Square Assembly 【https://maps.app.goo.gl/zmPQ6U533pUDcNSA9?g_st=ic】 If you have luggage, please consider using the lockers at the station. 💥40~60 min Jog+Walk Pace: Easy pace, suitable for beginners. If you got tired, let's walk together. 【schedule】 8:00 Gathering 8:10 Start 9:00 End of training Challengers we are waiting for you 😊

\*\*\*\*\*THIS IS A PAID TICKETED EVENT; you can only attend by buying you ticket through the Eventbrite link here: [get your tickets here](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/authentic-relating-games-night-tickets-633255352807?aff=oddtdtcreator)[!](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/authentic-relating-games-night-tickets-1383610449099?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl)\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Also, please read all details, in this page and eventbrite page Hello everyone, You are warmly invited to this immersive afternoon of Authentic Relating. This event will involve fun and interactive exercises based around exploring the theme, "What is like to be in connection with myself and others?" This is a space for exploring feelings, sensations, boundaries, and self-expression through immersive exercises. This is about empathic collaboration and learning the art of expressing what is present in the moment. These beautiful practices really encourage an experience of increased depth and awareness, in a way that is sometimes not available in our everyday lives. The exercises work by creating a framework to explore communication in a non-scripted, in the moment way, which edges away from habitual patterns of relating and welcomes in more life, more breath, and more empathy. One of the benefits of practices, is that it helps with learning to become more aware of ourselves and others and how do we inter-relate. \*\*\*NOTE: It is recommended that participants have some experience introspection and shadow work, through participating in counselling, sharing circles, meditation, contemplation, yoga, or any modality that is designed to bring people into contact with their unconscious. This is stated as a duty of care, as the practices in authentic relating revolve around meeting ourselves deeply and coming into contact with how we are occurring the world. This process can be beautifully enlivening, and at times confronting, but the space is guided in such a way that it brings as much holding, and gentleness to the process as to make those courageous steps to share deeply, easier. If you are new to Authentic Relating or "AR" (as people in the community refer to it) and you have any questions or curiosities, please feel free to contact me via messenger for a chat. Also, there is a plenty of YouTube results for Authentic Relating practices. \*\*\* \*If you are experiencing financial hardship and wish to attend, please reach out and we can arrange something. \*\*please read Eventbrite details to. \*\*you cannot attend without pre-purchasing a ticket through the Eventbrite link. \*\*The doors for the event close 15 minuets after the start time, meaning, no entry is allowed once we have set the container, and spoken about the agreements, so please make the appropriate arrangements to arrive on time. About me. I've had a long history of interest in understanding my mind through various means of enquiry from Meditation, Yoga, Transpersonal Counselling, Sound Healing and Neurofeedback. In the last 8 years I have been deeply involved in the Authentic Relating movement immersing myself in practices and deriving tremendous insight into myself a growth within my own personal relationships as a result of this work. I have been facilitating groups to journey deeply into this work for the last 4 years and I am continually on a journey of getting to know myself deeper and bring artistry and humility to facilitating. The event will most likely finish on time, with a 10-minuet buffer at the end in case we go over, there will be spare time to hang around and chat after. There will also be a 15-minute break in the middle of the event, with some small snacks provided.

Monk led a meditation session for local residents at the Dhammakaya Multicultural Meditation Centre of Melbourne, Camberwell. The session focused on the theme “Stillness of the Mind”, offering participants practical tools to cultivate inner calm and clarity. The 50-minute guided sitting meditation began with gentle body-scanning relaxation, helping everyone release physical tension and settle comfortably. Participants were then guided to watch the natural rhythm of the breath, allowing the mind to gradually become centred and composed. Many techniques supported participants in experiencing a greater sense of peace and steadiness.

Please join us this Sunday to discuss the philosophy of the body. This session will be hosted by Emma. **We will meet at the Captain Melville at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp.** **Please note that the $5 attendance fee to help with Meetup costs is now mandatory and will be collected when people arrive. This is assist the group with covering costs and to ensure all attendees contribute. Payment can be in cash or bank transfer.** **Any extra moneys will go towards buying food and drinks for the table.** There is no pre-requisite preparation necessary, nor a philosophical background, all that is required is a curious mind. These discussions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and lively metaphysical dojo, in the spirit of learning and friendly debate, so please feel free to challenge assumptions and be prepared to have your own assumptions challenged. This event is also posted in the Socrates Cafe group. Some questions that may be covered during the session: * Does a disciplined body lead to a disciplined mind? * Is vice versa true? Is it possible to be intellectually rigorous but physically undisciplined? * Is the mind just what the body/brain does? * Is the modern obsession of fitness and optimisation a pursuit of discipline? Or is it something else? * Where does discipline end and obsession begin when it comes to our bodies? * Should we try to overcome the limits of our bodies? * At what point do enhancements stop us from being human? * Do you want to enhance your body? If so, how? And why? * Can you be born in the wrong body? * Should we be allowed to sell organs? What about surrogacy? * Is euthanasia the ultimate in having control over our bodies? * Does the body have a purpose? * If you could upload your mind into a machine, would you still exist? * Should we try to extend our lives as much as possible? Would this change how we live and give meaning to life? Hope to see you there!

Please join us this Sunday to discuss the philosophy of the body. This session will be hosted by Emma. **We will meet at the Captain Melville at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp.** **Please note that the $5 attendance fee to help with Meetup costs is now mandatory and will be collected when people arrive. This is assist the group with covering costs and to ensure all attendees contribute. Payment can be in cash or bank transfer.** **Any extra moneys will go towards buying food and drinks for the table.** There is no pre-requisite preparation necessary, nor a philosophical background, all that is required is a curious mind. These discussions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and lively metaphysical dojo, in the spirit of learning and friendly debate, so please feel free to challenge assumptions and be prepared to have your own assumptions challenged. This event is also posted in the Philosophy Circle group. Some questions that may be covered during the session: * Does a disciplined body lead to a disciplined mind? * Is vice versa true? Is it possible to be intellectually rigorous but physically undisciplined? * Is the mind just what the body/brain does? * Is the modern obsession of fitness and optimisation a pursuit of discipline? Or is it something else? * Where does discipline end and obsession begin when it comes to our bodies? * Should we try to overcome the limits of our bodies? * At what point do enhancements stop us from being human? * Do you want to enhance your body? If so, how? And why? * Can you be born in the wrong body? * Should we be allowed to sell organs? What about surrogacy? * Is euthanasia the ultimate in having control over our bodies? * Does the body have a purpose? * If you could upload your mind into a machine, would you still exist? * Should we try to extend our lives as much as possible? Would this change how we live and give meaning to life? Hope to see you there!

**AI and consciousness** We will be delving into consciousness, trying to define or understand it and comparing this to what AI us or is not. **VIDEOS** [Will AI Ever Be Conscious?](https://youtu.be/VAFEmFSMfTg) [Iain McGilchrist - Can AI Become Conscious?](https://youtu.be/2ldZ_TS-vxg?si=XcQDtykHhdVAfqwk) [Consciousness is Not a Computation (Roger Penrose)](https://youtu.be/hXgqik6HXc0) **Discussion Outline** Is AI conscious? Does Consciousness need emotions, morality or physical sensations? Do you have to suffer pain to truely understand the universe? What is Consciousness scientifically? Is consciousness at the bottom and quantum and everything? Intelligence needs understanding. Understanding needs awareness. What is Consciousness in relation to God?

Join us for the Mangala Sutta Lecture Series -a journey into wisdom, blessings, and practical teachings for everyday life. Guided by Shifu Shengchi, this 8-week series explores the timeless teachings of the Mangal Sutta, offering insight into how to cultivate true happiness, harmony and well-being. Starting: April 12,2026 (Every Sunday) Location: 7/663 Malvern Roac Toorak VIC 3142 Weekly Schedule: 10:30 - 11:00 Baduanjin Qigong (Eight Brocades) 11:00-12:00 Nianfo Meditatio 12:00-13:00 Vegetarian Lunch 13:00-14:00 Mangala Sutta Dharma Talk Whether you are new to Buddhist teachings or looking to deepen your practice, allare welcome.

Join us in our cosy new centre in Carlton North. Whether you are new to meditation or an experienced practitioner you are welcome at these relaxed and informal sessions. Simple instructions are provided and you can sit in a chair or on a cushion. Masks optional but not mandated. Bring your own sealed drink bottle. $10 for workers or $5 for concession. Find out about our Centre's activities Browse our bookshop for books, incense and dharma items. 803 Nicholson Street, Carlton North. Website: https://melbourne.rigpa.org.au/

Sunday Evening Meditation 5.30 to 6.30pm Join us in our cosy centre in Carlton North. Whether you are new to meditation or an experienced practitioner you are welcome at these relaxed and informal sessions. Simple instructions are provided and you can sit in a chair or on a cushion. Masks optional but not mandated. Bring your own sealed drink bottle. $10 for workers or $5 for concession. Find out about our activities. Incense and other dharma books and items for sale 803 Nicholson Street, Carlton North. Website: https://melbourne.rigpa.org.au/

Join us for the Twenty-first Page! Theme: awards This month we're reading books that have won a prize or award. It can be any prize or award anywhere around the world. Feel free to bring along any discussion questions you can think of or theme suggestions. Happy reading :) See you there!

When judging morality, should we prioritize **intentions/duty** or **outcomes/results**? It introduces two influential philosophers as representatives of these approaches. * **Immanuel Kant (deontology):** An action is moral when it is done from **duty** and follows rational, universal principles (the **categorical imperative**). Certain acts—like lying—are wrong regardless of the consequences; you can’t do a wrong thing for a right reason. * **John Stuart Mill (utilitarian consequentialism):** The morality of an action is determined by its **effects**, specifically how much **happiness/well-being** it produces. Mill argues that some pleasures are “higher” than others, and that good intentions don’t redeem harmful outcomes. ## Discussion Questions 1. **The lying dilemma:** A murderer comes to your door and asks if your friend is hiding inside. Kant would say you must not lie. 2. **Can good intentions rescue a bad outcome?** 3. **The organ harvest problem:** A surgeon has five patients dying of organ failure and one healthy patient in for a checkup. Killing the one to harvest organs would save five lives, and the math works out for the utilitarian. Why does this feel so deeply wrong? Is that feeling a point in Kant's favor, or just a bias we should overcome? 4. **Do rules need exceptions?** Kant insists moral rules must be universal, with no exceptions. But most of us can imagine extreme scenarios where any rule seems like it should bend. Does the need for exceptions fatally undermine deontology, or is the strength of the system precisely that it refuses to bend? 5. **Who gets to calculate the consequences?** Utilitarianism asks us to maximize good outcomes, but we're notoriously bad at predicting consequences. If we can't reliably know the results of our actions, is it practical to base our entire moral system on outcomes? Does this uncertainty push us back toward rules and principles? 6. **Everyday morality:** Think about a real moral decision you've made recently, even a small one. Did you reason more like a Kantian (what's the right thing to do in principle?) or more like a utilitarian (what will produce the best result?)? Do most people naturally lean one way? 7. **Justice vs. the greater good:** A town can prevent a deadly plague by sacrificing one innocent person. The greater good is clearly served. But is it just? Can an action be morally right and deeply unjust at the same time? 8. **The big synthesis question:** Are these two systems actually opposed, or do they often arrive at the same answers by different paths? Is it possible that we need both: rules to guide us in the moment and consequences to evaluate systems and policies over time?

IMPORTANT!!! THE DATE OF THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CHANGED TO SUNDAY MAY 17, 2026!!! A very unusual choice for his group... Unknown Number: High School Catfish is an American [true crime](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_crime "True crime") documentary film directed by [Skye Borgman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skye_Borgman "Skye Borgman") and released to [streaming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streaming_media "Streaming media") on [Netflix](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netflix "Netflix") on August 29, 2025. The documentary explores the events and investigation into an unknown person [cyberbully](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyberbullying "Cyberbullying") and [harassing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harassment "Harassment") teenagers in [Beal City, Michigan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beal_City,_Michigan "Beal City, Michigan") using an unknown number via insults and sexual claims. It also explores the increasingly great impact of the harassment on the community, the eventual reveal of the culprit, and the trial that followed. IMPORTANT INFO: I strongly suggest not reading anything about it online before seeing it. It's best viewed with no previous knowledge. This documentary contains crude terminology and deals with cyberbullying, which may be a trigger for some folks. PLEASE NOTE - WE ARE STARTING AT 6:30, WHICH IS THIRTY MINUTES EARLIER THAN USUAL. Unfortunately, it is only available on Netflix. If you would like to attend but do not have Netflix, say so and maybe we can figure something out.

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

This meeting will be a discussion about a proposed tour of the Ohio Theatre led by Mary Cecil, Tour Coordinator of the Ohio Theatre and Jane Ehrenfeld, Audio Describer. We will try to connect for a Conference Call option at (518) 263-8851.

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

Join me for a small, mindful photography walk in nature. (**NOTE Time is 9:00 AM EST(Meetup is having technical Issue))** This is a slow, intentional gathering — not focused on fitness or perfect photography — but on simply pausing, observing, and being present. We’ll walk at a gentle pace, with moments of quiet, and a few light prompts to help you notice details you might normally miss. 📷 You don’t need any photography experience — a phone camera is enough. This is also not a business networking event. It’s a calm space to connect with nature and, if it feels natural, with like-minded people. 🌿 What to expect: • A slow-paced, relaxed walk • Moments of silence and observation • Simple reflection prompts 📍 Location: [ Red Trabue Nature Preserve] ⏱ Duration: \~60 minutes This is a small, initial gathering as I begin creating this space through WellGratiVibes — a blend of mindfulness, nature, and quiet connection. If this resonates with you, you’re welcome to join.

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.