This group is open to anyone interested in discussing philosophy, perception, spirituality or just looking a little more deeply at the world around us, how it works and how we relate to it and each other. Some of the topics we will be discussing are: - What is life?  a gift from the divine, a chemo-electric byproduct, an interesting concept, or something else? - What do we know?  a discussion of knowledge and belief - Emotion and reason, the collaboration or conflict  between the mind and the …

(1 minute video) This group is for people who value and enjoy deeper discussions with amazing people and who are also willing to rise to the occasion by joining us to help make these discussion opportunities an ongoing reality. The events held in this group are all about having fun nights of great people and 'deeper' discussions over dinner in a charming restaurant. This Meetup group was created by Glen Brauer as part of a non-profit global initiative using practical philosophy to bring togeth …

This is a non-denominational book club. Just like any other book club, we are reading down a list of books on the topic of Buddhism and we discuss them at restaurants and cafe's near Takoma Park and Silver Spring. You don't need to be self identifying Buddhist to participate and the organizer will not pressure you to "join the club." We'll be reading books for the popular audience and will rotate through all the major traditions with a mild leaning towards Buddhism as it is developing in the US …

A diverse group of seekers meets weekly to hear a short presentation by a fellow student of Theosophy, followed by open Q&A and discussion. This group has been active in the DC area since 1920, and is affiliated with dozens of similar groups around the world. Theosophical discussions commonly include subjects like reincarnation and karma, universal brotherhood, great teachers and masters of wisdom, the nature of the soul, comparative religion, laws of science and nature, the origins of man and t …

This group is focused on reviewing development of Islamic history and Islamic philosophical thought. The group will be run in English language and the discussions are in English.   We may read sample Arabic text and translate in some limited cases.    The group is open for all people of all backgrounds.   The goal is to share knowledge and common interest in this topic.    I would like to establish a comparative avenue for discussion and analysis of Islamic History and Islamic Philosophy with We …

We intend to engage the population of D.C. in discussions that clarify the axioms underlying the policies shaping our world. We do not adhere to any one political, economic, philosophical, or religious ideology; rather, we value critical Socratic style discourse and have aspirations to influence the culture of D.C. and the world accordingly. You should join this group if you have a passion for ideas that spans many disciplines and wish to enkindle the Socratic daemon in today's world.

Hi Guys! This is our version of the informal philosophy club. The current plan is to go through interesting readings in book-club manner, but if anyone is interested in a specific topic feel free to let us know. - Organizers --------------------------------------------------------- Dialogues we have covered so far: -Gorgias -Phaedo -Parmenides -Meno -Apology -Symposium -Phaedrus -Ion (Read during meetup)

This is a group for anyone interested in life extension, anti-aging, human longevity, gerontology, rejuvenation, etc. Everybody is welcome. I started this group to meet other longevity and life extension enthusiasts. Looking forward to exploring this exciting subject with everybody.

The Center for Inquiry–DC (CFI–DC) offers an opportunity to put your principles into practice by joining other rationalists to work for positive change in society. In addition, the D.C. Center sponsors social events for freethinkers as well as intellectual programming. CFI provides an ethical alternative to religious and paranormal worldviews. In this time of rising religiosity, anti-intellectualism and political turmoil on ethical issues, it is critical that rationalists and freethinkers join t …

The Dupont Circle Reading Railroad is a literature club centered on discussion, friendship, wine and exploration of various mediums (poetry, graphic novels, stories, film, theater).

The Great Books Reading Group is not a literature club. It is a discussion group that uses a multidisciplinary approach to learning and exploring the past and present. We are reading from the St. John's College Reading List. As we read foundational texts in the Western tradition, we examine mysticism, history, theology, the earth and physical sciences, mathematics, philosophy and government, as well as art, literature and music.

CFI–DC Drinking Skeptically is an informal social event designed to promote fellowship and networking among skeptics, critical-thinkers, and like-minded individuals. CFI–DC Drinking Skeptically provides an opportunity for skeptics to talk, share ideas (and yes, drink) in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. We discuss the issues of the day and whatever else is on our minds. But most of all, we have fun while promoting skepticism, science, and rationality. Don't drink? Don't let that stop you from joini …

Cutting edge discussions yet timeless truths! Weary of the "same old same old"? Want to meet very interesting people outside the customary? Well come connect with others who are interested in Socrates Cafe, a philosophical community. Be a social thinker! Our basic guidelines, established centuries ago in Plato's Dialogues, are that all opinions expressed need to be supported by reasons, and that all assumptions need to be examined. Dialogue is not a competition, a sport or debate with winners an …

Enjoy reading brainy books? Classics of world literature? Philosophy? Something entertaining, yet intellectually stimulating? Do you actually CHOOSE to pick up novels by the likes of E.M. Forster, D.H. Lawrence, Emily Bronte, or maybe Toni Morrison? Does exploring philosophical classics (Plato's Symposium, maybe? Sartre? Hume?) actually appeal to you? If reading great literature with a friendly, laid-back, edgy intellectual crowd turns you on, then this is the meetup for you. We won't tak …

This is a group for lovers of all things pertaining to the Ancient Greek and/or Latin languages, literature, philosophy, history, culture, etc. All skill and knowledge levels are welcome. This is a new group and I will form meetings based on the interests of the members. I hope to have meeting broken up into translation meetings and meeting devoted to discussing some area of classics, for which you don't need to know the language. Please let me know what your interests are and what you hope to d …

Hello DC! Our meeting format: Approximately an hour and 15 minutes to discuss the topic agreed upon at the start of each meeting. If more than 20 people attend I may ask for a volunteer to lead a second group, in order to keep things manageable. Toward the end of the session we will go around the table to give everyone an opportunity to make a short closing remark. When time is up, we will take a short break to give people an opportunity to leave; if the conversation is good, people are welcome …

This is a group for anyone interested in discussing ideas, education and principles that have made America the greatest country on Earth! Join us in positive discussion and celebrating what makes America strong and ways to keep this the land of freedom, opportunity and achievement!

Socrates Café Rockville is open to all, the 4th Saturday of each month at 7pm. We have a coffeehouse-style atmosphere, with coffees, teas, and light refreshments available. For more details, see the website of Socrates Café's creator at www.philosopher.org, or the Socrates Café Rockville web page, http://www.uucr.org/adultenrichment/socrates.php Socrates Café are gatherings around the world where people from different backgrounds get together and exchange thoughtful ideas and experiences while …

We are an organization dedicated to learning and practicing Heart Chan meditation.  We do not only sit quietly and relax, because Chan is far beyond this.  We learn what mediation is about—its purpose, practice, and effects—through tradition-based practice. Chan (it’s the same word as “Zen” from Japanese) could be regarded as a philosophy about one's life from birth to death and all its ups and downs in between.  Through this philosophy, we could understand ourselves better.  Not many people un …