World History

**PART I: Purpose exiled** According to Plato, our theories about the world should ‘carve nature at its joints’. *Telos*, the once plausible idea that purpose is a part of the natural order of things, has been steadily banished with the triumph of successive scientific theories in the modern age, culminating in the mechanism of evolution by natural selection and its accompanying metaphor of the blind watchmaker. Here, fitness, defined as the ability to survive and reproduce, is the sole arbiter of design in nature, acquired through so much as the blind lotteries of genetic variation. The momentary surprise that one even scientifically inclined feels at some marvelous specimen of evolution, for example the finesse of a Gray’s leaf insect mimicking not just a leaf but its brown and dying spots to better camouflage against predation ([https://www.biodiversitysingapore.com/in-focus/](https://www.biodiversitysingapore.com/in-focus/)), is to be utterly dispelled by belief in the creative potential of random mutations offering themselves up to selection pressures over geological spans of time. **Emergence: ‘more is different’** Contemplating how mind and intelligence came to be within such a setting presents further aesthetic tension (the mind of everyday experience exclaims, that sounds crazy!). Emergence (1) is a relatively recent concept that purports to explain phenomena like mind while undergirding it with a non-negotiable physicalist ontology. The essence of emergence is that through scaling of individual components, a system acquires so-called novel bases - new foundations upon which regularities can be encoded that were not possible at the lower levels. For example, neurons individually fire action potentials based on the threshold dynamics of local stimuli. Collectively however, groups of neurons fire according to abstract patterns termed ‘basins of attraction’ that represent long-range stable states and may be foundational to concepts like memory (2). Conway’s game of life, anchored by a set of very simple rules, presents a powerful illustration of this dynamic: [https://conwaylife.appspot.com/pattern/gosperglidergun](https://conwaylife.appspot.com/pattern/gosperglidergun) There is a folk account of emergence popular with science writers that goes something like this: while the physics of the system is completely known, predicting what is going to happen is near-impossible just with physics, because there is novel stuff happening at ‘higher’ levels. Importantly, no God or designer directed the organization at the higher levels, but it is not discernible anywhere else. *What does it mean to take seriously a universe in which purpose is nowhere fundamental, yet everywhere invoked?* **PART II: Purpose reconsidered** And yet, there are radical perspectives afoot. Without invoking external designers, some contemporary thinkers argue that natural selection and emergence may not exhaust the explanatory story. Developmental biologist Michael Levin (3) and evolutionary scientist Richard Watson (4) suggest that the mechanisms generating variation themselves may be structured, biased, or even goal-directed, analogous to neural or social learning processes. Levin introduced so-called biobots, which are multicellular living structures assembled from human lung epithelium. Biobots exhibit coordinated movement and problem-solving in novel environments despite having no evolutionary lineage that selected for such behaviors (5). Adaptation appears immediately, as if the system were exploring possibilities rather than stumbling upon them. *Does this point toward a universe where purpose was never fully absent to begin with?* Join us this Saturday as we grapple with where purpose truly lies in nature. **References** 1. O’Connor, Timothy, "Emergent Properties", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Winter 2021 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.) [https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2021/entries/properties-emergent/](https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2021/entries/properties-emergent/) 2. Wuensche, Andrew. (1995). The Emergence of Memory: Categorisation Far from Equilibrium. Santa Fe Institute, Working Papers. 3. Levin, M. (2025, February 6). Ingressing Minds: Causal Patterns Beyond Genetics and Environment in Natural, Synthetic, and Hybrid Embodiments. [https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/5g2xj_v1 ](https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/5g2xj_v1) 4. Richard A. Watson, Michael Levin, Tim Lewens; Evolution by natural induction. Interface Focus 19 December 2025; 15 (6): 20250025. [https://doi.org/10.1098/rsfs.2025.0025 ](https://doi.org/10.1098/rsfs.2025.0025) 5. Gumuskaya, G., Srivastava, P., Cooper, B. G., Lesser, H., Semegran, B., Garnier, S., & Levin, M. (2023). Motile Living Biobots Self-Construct from Adult Human Somatic Progenitor Seed Cells. Advanced Science, 11(4), 2303575. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202303575

7 Feb · Saturday Strava — Artist at Work We turn streets into paper, time into distance, fatigue into traces that remain. Not sightseeing. No comfort pace. Just movement. Just endurance. Etched across the map. 🐴 Line up, riders — 42 KM awaits.

Kampung Ravenswood, Singapore's largest BOTC group brings gaming @ Marina One! Whether you are a light social gamer, a strategy gamer or totally new to gaming, enjoy your weekend with friends and enjoy gaming here! This event is focusing on Blood on the Clocktower, a murder mystery social deduction game with a twist. If you're new to the game, our experienced hosts will be guiding you every step of the way. What is Blood On The Clocktower (BOTC)? Watch here: [https://youtu.be/M-aZP47Nm9g?si=GEoGvRoApcY-6Alw](https://youtu.be/M-aZP47Nm9g?si=GEoGvRoApcY-6Alw) BOTC is a social deduction game played in a large group of 7-15 players. Be mentally prepared to engage in chaotic back-and-forth conversations and work together with your team to win the game. Lying in a social deduction game? Who knew... Game review: [https://youtu.be/ImcG8sC7qT4?si=8-eCYYf6Skt-rLzO](https://youtu.be/ImcG8sC7qT4?si=8-eCYYf6Skt-rLzO) Price: FREE! Come down and enjoy. Venue: Marina One, B2 (East Tower), opposite Luckin Coffee. Please contact Momo ([wa.me/6596701344](wa.me/6596701344)) or Muthu ([wa.me/6597125916](wa.me/6597125916)) for assistance.

Join us in an experiential healing Kintsugi workshop in a calm serene setting acccompanied by soothing meditative music and scents. Kintsugi is Japanese ancient art of mending broken pottery. It essentially teaches us to appreciate and celebrate the broken pottery’s flaws and cracks. During the 2 hour session, you will learn all about the origins and history of Kintsugi, types of Kintsugi, how Kintsugi teaches us sustainability and very importantly how Kintsugi is a healing art. Please bring along any broken ceramics if you hv. If you do not have any, it’s alright as we have plenty of ceramics to choose from in the studio. Free flow of Japanese Green Tea is also provided during the session.

Welcome! Gist below! :-) 1. Bring a book to the meet! 2. Buy a drink (and a bite if you're hungry). 3. Say hi to the folks. 4. Read! 5. We'll do a short round of intros and a short sharing at the end too. :) Come in and find us (we're probably the only reading group)! In the event that the place is full, we'll find a back up nearby. :-) This is a limited seats, small group event, so do try to update your RSVP early if your plans change! Thanks in advance!

Exercise can be divided into three levels: 🏃‍♀️ Beginner | Get started easily 🏋️‍♂️ Intermediate | Increase your challenge and improve your fitness and strength 🔥 Advanced | Push your limits and push your boundaries HIIT is suitable for everyone! Just starting out? No problem! Our instructors will help you find your rhythm. Want to get stronger? We'll help you push your limits! 📅 Every Saturday · 10:30 AM 📍 Aperia Mall Outdoor Sports Area ☀️ Come and get some exercise and make your weekend more energetic! 运动可以分为三个阶段： 🏃‍♀️ 初级｜新手入门，轻松动起来 🏋️‍♂️ 中级｜增加挑战，提升体能与力量 🔥 高级｜挑战极限，突破自我 HIIT 运动适合所有人！ 刚开始？没关系，教练带你找到节奏。 想更强？我们陪你一起燃烧极限！ 📅 每周六 · 10:30AM 📍 Aperia Mall 户外运动区 ☀️ 一起来挥汗打卡，让周末更有活力！

Welcome! Gist below! :-) 1. Bring a book to the meet! 2. Buy a drink (and a bite if you're hungry). 3. Say hi to the folks. 4. Read! 5. We'll do a short round of intros and a short sharing at the end too. :) Come in and find us (we're probably the only reading group)! In the event that the place is full, we'll find a back up nearby. :-) This is a limited seats, small group event, so do try to update your RSVP early if your plans change! Thanks in advance!

**Who we are?** Listening Hearts is a safe and caring space where people can pause, reflect, and share life’s journey together. We believe every heart longs for meaning, connection, and encouragement. Through workshops and conversations, we explore topics that matter — from everyday challenges to deeper questions about life and faith — in a way that is open to both Christians and seekers. **Why Join?** Life can be overwhelming at times. This workshop offers a safe and supportive environment where you can: \- Share your story \(only if you wish\) \- Learn simple tools to cope with stress and challenges \- Receive encouragement and practical support \- Connect with others who care **Who is this for?** \- Anyone seeking encouragement\, healing\, or practical coping tools\. \- Open to people of all backgrounds and beliefs\. **What to Expect?** \- Respectful\, inclusive space \- No pressure to share beyond your comfort level \- Gentle activities\, practical takeaways\, and supportive conversations

🏛️ **WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?** Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎 Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic. The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌 📓 **HOW DOES IT WORK?** Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hg7zL8ClpzM3agJCvw5HDS), along with jump-off points to get the conversation going. When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture. **General Meeting Agenda** Each Practical Philosophy meet-up follows this general timeline: * 19:00-19:15 - People arrive and chat, get to know each other before the ‘official' start. * 19:15-19:25 - Meeting introduction, explanation of Practical Philosophy and the topic for the week, read the guidelines and the overview so attendees know what to expect in terms of timelines. * 19:25-20:45 - Break into small groups - introduce yourselves and general thoughts on the topic, open discussion afterwards. At this point the group can review the ‘jump-off’ questions as needed, but they are just there to help guide the conversation. It’s not obligatory to answer them. * 20:45-21:00 - Bring everyone back together to discuss conclusions of the topic - each group gives a short 1-minute summary. Organizer concludes the meeting and everyone takes a group photo. * 21:00 - The official meeting is over but it’s a great opportunity to get to know people in a non-structured environment, so we often stick around, chat, and get to know each other. **🧧PRICING?** Practical Philosophy Club is FREE to attend! We just ask that if we are meeting in a café, buy a beverage! Some chapters rent a space for us to meet, and they may ask for donations to help contribute to the cost of rent. Donations will always be 100% voluntary though! 💛 WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY 🗣 “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam 🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 (the topic was authority) and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel **🤓 FAQ** * ​What will we talk about? What's the topic? ​The topic for the week is shared every Sunday in the Whatsapp group. We try to add the topic to the comment section on this event page as well but if you don’t see it, the topic and the jump-off points will be in our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hg7zL8ClpzM3agJCvw5HDS). * Do I need to study or read anything to attend? No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what YOU think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it, but it's not required. * Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on? The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school. * Is it mostly men that attend? Surprisingly, no! Although philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms. * Can I come alone? Of course you can, we encourage it :) * Can I be late? Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow of the conversation. * Where do you meet? The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hg7zL8ClpzM3agJCvw5HDS) group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/practical-philosophy-locations/). **PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY - Making Philosophy Available To All.** ✨ Practical Philosophy hosts weekly, in-person meetups in over 20 countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️ \*\*\* Join our [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hg7zL8ClpzM3agJCvw5HDS) 👈 Follow us on [Instagram](www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/) 👈 Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/) 👈

Join us in an experiential healing Kintsugi workshop in a calm serene setting acccompanied by soothing meditative music and scents. Kintsugi is Japanese ancient art of mending broken pottery. It essentially teaches us to appreciate and celebrate the broken pottery’s flaws and cracks. During the 2 hour session, you will learn all about the origins and history of Kintsugi, types of Kintsugi, how Kintsugi teaches us sustainability and very importantly how Kintsugi is a healing art. Please bring along any broken ceramics if you hv. If you do not have any, it’s alright as we have plenty of ceramics to choose from in the studio. Free flow of Japanese Green Tea is also provided during the session.

**For ages 8 and above.** These 3 traditional martial art forms will be taught during the 2 hour class: * Kalaripayattu * Silambattam * Adimurai **About Kalaripayattu** Thought to be one of the most ancient martial arts in recorded history, Kalaripayattu is derived from two words, “Kalari” signifying battlefield or arena and “payattu” which translates to the words ‘practice’ and ‘exercise’. **About Silambattam** Hailing from the region of Tamil Nadu (India) where it emerged around 1000 BCE, Silamabattam is a popular variant of weapon-based martial arts which is performed with the aid of specific weapons, primarily Rattan staffs, short sticks, deer horns and swords. **About Adimurai** Adimurai is a generic term applied for the indigenous martial arts of the Indian/Tamilian archipelago. Adimurai in general refers to the sport of using techniques derived from Indian and Tamil martial-arts. It uses kicks and boxing-mannered punches to defeat an opponent in ways that are analogous to standard present-day boxing. The manipulation of joints as well as certain locking techniques also form the basis of Adimurai. ### **Address** 448 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 218138 ### **Schedule** Sundays 2PM - 4PM ### **Booking Information** * Please contact **98225900** to find out how to book this class. * The instructor will reach out to you once you've booked the class.

Prepare for Greater Heights — Start with Bukit Timah ***Coming Soon* ** 🏞️ Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia 🏔️ Mount Fuji, Japan ⛰️ Mount Jade, Taiwan 🏞️ Mount Rinjani, Indonesia As we gear up for these iconic international hikes, join us for a guided conditioning walk at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve—designed to build endurance, strength, and confidence in a supportive group setting. This walk is suitable for experienced hikers, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals seeking a meaningful outdoor challenge. Expect scenic forest trails, steady ascents, and a rewarding experience that reconnects you with nature while preparing your body and mind for future adventures. 🥾 Event Details 📍 Location: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve 📅 Date: Sunday, 8 February 2026 ⏰ Meeting Time: 2:45 PM (prompt departure) 🚇 Meeting Point: Beauty World MRT – Passenger Service Counter ⏱️ Walk Duration: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM 🗺️ Route Overview 🚶 Bukit Timah Nature Park (Start) ⬆️ Bukit Timah Summit – Loop 1 🌿 Wallace Trail 🏕️ Dairy Farm Hut ⬆️ Bukit Timah Summit – Loop 2 🧍 Bukit Timah Nature Park (End) ⚠️ Important Information Please arrive on time; departure is strictly at 2:45 PM Wear comfortable hiking or sports shoes Bring sufficient water Be prepared for stairs, inclines, and uneven terrain Optional: Light snacks, sun protection, insect repellent 📝 Disclaimer Participation is voluntary and undertaken at your own risk. Participants are responsible for their personal safety throughout the activity. Hiking involves inherent risks, including slips, falls, and physical fatigue. The organizer will not be held liable for any injury, loss, or incident arising from participation. 📝 Reserve Your Spot Spaces are limited. Secure your place early and take the first step toward your next international summit.

Here's an engaging photography meetup description for Aljunied: Join us for a fun and relaxed photography meetup in Aljunied! Whether you're a pro or just starting out, this is a great chance to explore the area and capture some amazing shots. You can expect to photograph the vibrant neighborhood, with its colorful shophouses, bustling streets, and local landmarks. Bring your mobile phone or any camera you have – we're all about the love of photography, not fancy equipment. Join us if you're interested in photography. We'll kick off with a short meet and greet before heading out to click pictures together. After our photo walk, we'll end at a nearby coffee shop to chat and share our experiences. This is a free event, but please RSVP to let us know you're coming. If you have any trouble finding us or have questions, feel free to call or text: Jay: +65 9352 0249 Sandeep: +65 8609 1667. Join our WhatsApp group for live location sharing: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IYNcf63yaXr2PAXyrjeHzi. We share our live location there to help everyone stay connected — especially as people naturally wander off while shooting. Meeting Point: Aljunied MRT - Aljunied MRT — Exit B (Sims Ave / Geylang East Library side) Route: Sims Ave → Aljunied Cres → neighbourhood shops

Dale Gnidovec, Curator of the Orton Hall Museum of Geology at The Ohio State University, will be presenting a program he has wanted to share with us for a long time: Plate Tectonics. His description of his program: Continents on the move - Nothing in Earth history makes sense without moving continents - it tells us why mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and fossils are where they are. This talk examines the evidence for continental drift, why it was disbelieved, and explains how the more-encompassing theory of plate tectonics was developed and eventually proven. Dale is an energetic, incredibly knowledgeable, and very entertaining speaker and this will be another wonderful program by Dale. Hope to see you there! Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

Inspired by the successful events like "Pot Luck in the Park" and "Saturday Mornings @ East Market," this meetup promises a fun and engaging atmosphere where like-minded individuals can connect over a shared love for languages and cultures. Whether you're a language learner, ESL student, or simply passionate about exploring new cultures, this event is perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a diverse and welcoming community. Come join us for an enlightening afternoon of language, culture, food, of course, and connections! (Everyone will individually choose from the buffet and pay for their own meal, by weight.)

The topic for February is "Transitions" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

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

As you may or may not know--I didn't until late last year--Aristotle wrote extensively on "friendship" in the Nicomachean Ethics. After 69 years the concept of friendship still creates questions and uncertainty. I had close friends in high school and for a few years after high school but our interests diverged and people moved all over the country so it was hard to maintain connections. * So if I/you haven't talked with a friend for several years, are you still friends? Are we friends who meet at Drunken Philosophy or Omnipresent Atheists? * Can you be friends with someone with whom you have virulently divergent political views? Sartre and Camus could not. * Aristotle regarded friendship as essential to a good life, not merely an added "bonus." Do you agree? * In the Nicomachean Ethics (Books VIII and IX), he claims that wealth and power are meaningless without friends. Trump has wealth and power but seems to have no real friends, but wealth and power seem meaningful to him in perverted ways. Can you have meaning in your life without friends? * Do men and women view and maintain friendships in different ways? * Aristotle categorizes friendship into three types, based on what forms the bond: * **Utility**: Based on mutual benefit, but this type is fragile and ends when the usefulness ceases. * **Pleasure**: Based on shared enjoyment (e.g., humor, hobbies). Common among youth but fades as interests change. * **Virtue (The "Complete" Friendship)**: Based on mutual respect for each other's character and goodness. You wish good for the other for their sake, not yours. * **Key Principles of "True" (Virtuous) Friendship:** * **Permanence**: Virtuous friendships last a lifetime whereas those based on utility and pleasure are fleeting. * **Reciprocity**: Requires mutual goodwill; secret or unreciprocated affection does not qualify. * **The "Second Self"**: A true friend is "another self"—their virtue helps you understand and improve yourself. * **Time and Intimacy**: Deep ("complete") friendships are few, built on time and shared experiences. * **Self-Love and Friendship:** * Good friendship starts with being a friend to yourself. * They distinguish shallow egoism (chasing honors) from real self-love (pursuing virtue). * A virtuous person’s pleasant self-company allows them to be a stable, good friend to others. * Aristotle argues that one's social circle ultimately reflects one's character—a view with striking relevance today. Well--the Drunken Philosophy social circle certainly reflects good character!