We’re a discussion group with a focus on rationality, philosophy, science, technology, skepticism and ethics. We choose members who are friendly, intellectually curious, intelligent, non-religious, and rationally-minded – meaning that we’re more interested in figuring out the truth together than in proving ourselves right, or in arguing for the sake of arguing. Our members are young, almost all in the range of 20 to 35 years old. Our meetings are usually informal group discussions at someone’s a …

This meetup is dedicated to doing close readings of philosophical works from the traditions of Classical Liberalism and Socialism. More specifically works on Communism (Marxism, Maoism, Leninism, etc.), Libertarian-Socialism/Anarchism (Anarcho-Communism, Anarcho-Syndicalism, Anarcho-Collectivism), and the works of liberal thinkers of the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Examples of authors considered are: Smith, Locke, Hume, Mill, Humboldt, Rousseau, Kant, Hegel, Marx, Bakunin, Chomsky, Bookchi …

Following the tradition of Gurdjieff, Ouspensky and Collin, The Academy of European Arts and Culture comprised of group of people dedicated to the awakening of the inner higher self: the soul. Founded by the late Irish Philosopher, Mervyn Brady, the academy taught hundreds of people the basic fundamentals of a deeper understanding of one’s interior world. Based upon the work of philosophers, artists, mystics, theologians and scientists throughout the centuries, each has left a legacy that offe …

It is not easy for the western mind—accustomed to its Spinoza, Schopenhauer, Sartre, Hegel, Nietzsche, and so on— to determine whether yoga is, or is not a philosophy. Yoga is philosophy, because there is no doubt that, with a deep love and great reverence for the Truth, the ancient seers developed one of the most extraordinary philosophies that mankind has ever known, But, at the same time, yoga is not a philosophy, in the sense that there are no topics for debate or discussion and no engagemen …

We meet at the Sony Plaza at 550 Madison (between 55th and 56th) every first Saturday of the month at 2pm. We talk about why our best logic, experience, physics, (yes, even quantum mechanics) psychology and neuroscience all point to the inescapable conclusion that human beings DO NOT have a free will; we have a predetermined, causal will. What makes free will impossible?  Logically, because everything happens for a reason, and every reason has a prior reason.  Experientially, the simple fact tha …

FOR SINGLES OVER 40!! MOVIE FREAKS!! INDIES, FOREIGN, COMMERCIAL, ALL KIND OF MOVIES !! WE WILL HAVE DINNER OR BRUNCH, SOMETIMES WEEKENDS, SOMETIMES AFTER WORK!!! ITS FREE!! PAY YOUR OWN WAY, MEET GREAT PEOPLE, SEE GREAT MOVIES AND WE WILL GO TO GREAT AFFORDABLE RESTAURANTS!! MAKE FRIENDS, NETWORK, MAYBE ROMANCE!! YOU NEVER KNOW.. ...WE WILL DISCUSS ALL KINDS OF SUBJECTS DURING OUR MEALS, FROM POLITICS, TO MOVIES, TO THEATRE, OUR LIVES...ANY SUBJECT IS OPEN!! OPEN THE DOOR AND SEE WHAT'S IN STOR …

The daily lives of most of us are full of things that keep us busy and preoccupied with mundane concerns. We miss the sacred, so every now and then we find ourselves drawing-back and wondering what is it all about. And then. perhaps we may internally begin exploring perennial questions that we don't normally stop to examine. This can happen with regard to any aspect of our lives. This study group is deliberately designed for those among us who are curious, enthusiastic, non-judgemental, and wond …

A group of thinkers who want to get together to explore compelling works of literature, philosophy, history, etc. The books are chosen based on their merits as thought-provokers.

The Philosophy Forum is a discussion group for members of the LGBT community and SOFFAs (significant others, family, friends & allies). Over the course of more than a decade, we have discussed works from the canon of Western philosophy, texts of Asian philosophy, post-structuralist and contemporary philosophy, and non-philosophic texts — including literary texts — from the perspective of philosophy. We meet in Manhattan every second and fourth Saturday of the month from 4-6 p.m.

Are you intelligent, knowledgeable, an intellectual who thrives on stimulating conversation? Then you will likely enjoy this lively meetup, where we will discuss issues relevant to us all, from politics, philosophy, ethics, news, history, spirituality, relationships; the floor is wide-open to topics. We’ll pick a subject at the beginning of each meetup and discuss it over dinner at a reasonably-priced restaurant or café at a location in the west village or Chelsea. All ages are welcome, especial …

I have been getting so much out of a certain genre of literature that I decided to see if anyone else wanted to read and discuss them. All of these books are terrific depictions of the journey out of emptiness and back into the vitality of being alive. They always inspire. Anyone who finds the topic of re-discovering spiritual health and innocence, particularly if the starting point is a jaded love for self-destruction should join this meet-up. We'll meet weekly and peel one of these novels apar …

It's too hard to find people interested in esthetic philosophy. Even other artists and designers seem to shy away from the topic. Are we too busy, too few and far between or is it just intimidating to talk about? This group encourages super informal, totally mellow, open-minded and no-pressure conversations about Art & Design Theory and Aesthetic Philosophy! Anyone with an interest in these topics is welcome. All ages, levels of experience and educational backgrounds are welcome! This group wa …

What do Ghandi, John Lennon, Jesus Christ, and Bob Marley have in common? They all emphasize love as being the foundation of life. Are they talking intimate love or did romance somehow hijack the true nature of love? Everybody sings about it, talks about it, and writes about it - but what does love really mean and how can it help you live a better life and create a better world? This meetup is a philosophical exploration of the practical side of love - what does it mean to cultivate true love fo …

Philosophy and Our Lives is a NYC meetup that dwells in the tension between individual life that is lived for the first time, and civilization as a shared creation over generations. Can philosophy be of any value to our being in this world? We read and discuss the uniqueness of the present moment - the philosophy of our time - through the lens of thinkers such as Nietzsche, Camus, Sartre, Adorno, De Beauvoir, Benjamin, Kant, Kierkegaard, Spinoza, Husserl, Habermas, Levinas, Kafka, Althusser, Bub …

This group's mission is to develop relationships based around discussion on topics of being and faith outside the church walls and provide a non-judgmental space for seekers who crave a community that is open to all faiths and questions... over beer. This will consists of biweekly meet-ups with a short reading and discussion in a tavern atmosphere, starting September 18, rotating from place-to-place in Hoboken. Readings will be short and manageably quick from multiple faiths and philosophical vi …

Prometheus is the ancient Athenian (Greek) god of technology and a divine rebel. The Shrine of Prometheus is a group of Pagans, polytheists, occultists, and others who revere Prometheus, either as an actual deity or as a symbol, or who have a strong interest in science and technology. We also welcome anyone with an interest in how science and technology relate to spirituality. Our aims include: 1) To educate ourselves and other polytheists and occultists about a variety of topics pertaining to s …

Truth is at best partial, at worst error. We are at best explorers, at worst believers. If we desire to fully grow we must keep exploring. . .  Welcome Explorers! (And curious believers too!) This is a group for exploring and testing each other's new ideas, and for the potential of creating even more together! As a starting point we'll discuss the possibility of: A natural morality based on our passion's values; A politics that roots out resentment so we can enjoy a unified diversity; And a cult …

Imagine… Hundreds of New Yorkers coming together in small groups of neighbors and fellow citizens to discuss topics of intensive interest… Hosted at no cost and at convenient locations and times… Aided by simple guiding principles… Inspired by the city’s grand tradition of robust conversation… Our vision is to inspire, organize, publicize, facilitate and celebrate a renaissance of healthy dialogue in New York City. Our Mission: 1. Encourage and support interesting and important conversations a …

The Enlightenment is one of the most important periods in the history of thought. It gave birth not only to deists and freethinkers, but also to democratic ideals and the scientific method. Come join a small group of men and women who meet once every month or so in Manhattan to discuss books and other media that relate broadly to themes of intellectual liberation and social progress. In addition to books, we'll read shorter works like essays, speeches, anthologies split up into two or more sessi …

Based in Fort Greene, I'd like this meetup to offer fellow rational, free-thinking Brooklynites an opportunity to come together to learn, share, or just sit and stare. Our meetups will generally be topic-driven and conversational.  Members should feel free to bring any reading or viewing material to contribute to the discussions and debate and argument is definitely allowed. Of course, people of all backgrounds, genders, ages, sexual orientations, races, and even religions are welcome. There is …

Welcome! This group is for people interested in reading and discussing philosophy, theology, their intersections, and their divergences. This group is open to people with or without a background in philosophy or theology. Our general task is to attempt to understand interesting and challenging texts in the history of philosophy with an emphasis on key texts in the "Continental" canon. Our theological inquiries will primarily be concerned with finding ways in which these philosophical texts provi …

This is a group for anyone who enjoys or is interested in reading Paulo Coelho's books/blog and wants to discuss the many layers of insights and interpretations his writings have to offer. We will meet every month to talk about one of Coelho's writings, whether it be a book, book excerpt, or a blog entry. I started this group to gain fresh perspectives and epiphanies by engaging with other people who believe in the power of dreams, love, and self-discoveries via Coelho's writings. You are welcom …

How does one live a good life? This simple question can be surprisingly difficult to answer. Yet not taking an honest try at answering it (or even worse: ignoring the question entirely) can lead to the risk of misliving one's life. One of the main goals of ancient philosophy in the West was to help guide people in answering this question rigorously and well, and then helping people to live in accordance with their life's philosophy (literally "the love of wisdom"). One of the most successful and …

This group will meet periodically as interesting events (museum exhibits, literary events, music, film, theater, etc) come up. The idea for this group is that participants will meet before the event, at a nearby cafe or diner, to get to know each other and then attend the event together. Occasionally, we may also go out afterward for coffee or a drink to have fun and discuss our ideas. RSVPs may be limited for some events. There will be a nominal charge (nonrefundable) for each event, primarily …

(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 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 purpose of this Meetup group is to build community through philosophy video chat sessions using Google Hangout. This Meetup group is also designed to bring together members in the Philosophy Dinners network of Meetup groups of which there are approximately 1300 members. Click here fo …

This meetup is for people who are enthusiastic about capitalism as a system. Libertarians, market-oriented Democrats, Republicans, and Independents are welcome. This is not a Tea-Party meetup. We do not support "starve the beast" as a political strategy, and feel that should significant tax cuts come, they should be after we have been running a budget surplus for years, sufficient to pay down the national debt to less than 70% of GDP. Tax increases should not be off the table. This meetup is abo …

This group is meant for anyone who enjoys discussing political philosophy, especially the contrast between right-wing and left-wing values, and concepts such as liberty, Americanism, free markets, individualism, happiness, and "clarity over agreement." The meetups will have a somewhat structured agenda but will be fun and interesting. We ask that you have an open mind and be accepting of "idea diversity."