WHAT IS PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY

Our goal with Practical Philosophy is simply to offer an open space to encourage deep discussions. We pick a new topic each week and we yap about it. This gives us an opportunity to share our thoughts, hear new perspectives, and helps our ability to communicate with each other. In society it’s rare that people get to talk to others with differing opinions, and we suffer for it. Practical Philosophy is an opportunity to hear a diverse range of opinions while clarifying our own.

Philosophy literally translates to love of wisdom, and that’s why we are here, to bring our lived perspective to these discussions, share our wisdom and learn from others in an open, judgment free environment.

Because our goal is to bring people together for a good discussion, it doesn’t make sense if we meet in a group of 20-30 people. For this reason, we split into groups after the meeting introduction. This allows us to keep into groups of 6-9 people, so we’re able to maintain a conversational tone. Our goal is to create a space that encourages those deep conversations that you’d have with your friends in a backyard during the summer.

WHAT WE ARE NOT

We are not a philosophy group in the traditional sense of exploring the works of Plato or Descartes (we tried that and no one wanted to attend that style of meet-up again). Rather, we look to explore the particular personal philosophies of the members, to learn what ideas got us here in our lives, and see how we can get closer to our own truth and wisdom. 

If you do come from a specific school of thought and want to share that perspective on the topic, feel free. If you have a certain perspective on the topic that may be a little out there, throw it on the table. Our goal here is to be open to hearing all ideas and viewing them non-dogmatically. This allows us to see what resonates for us and what doesn’t. 

GENERAL MEETING AGENDA

Each Practical Philosophy meet-up follows the same general timeline. We’ll offer the itinerary based on a meet-up that starts at 19:00, but some may start at 18:00 or 18:30.  

• 19:00-19:15 – Attendees arrive, we get to know each other and chat.
• 19:15-19:25 – Organizer gives the meeting introduction, covers the guidelines, weekly topic and splits everyone into groups. If it’s a small group, we stay together, but when it gets too big we split up. We try to keep group sizes between 6-7 people to maintain a conversational tone.
• 19:25-20:45 – Break into small groups – each person introduces themselves and their general thoughts on the topic, and we have an open discussion afterwards. You can review the ‘jump-off’ questions shared in the Whatsapp groups as needed, but it is not required to go through them.
• 19:25-20:45 – Break into small groups – each person introduces themselves and their general thoughts on the topic, and we have an open discussion afterwards. You can review the ‘jump-off’ questions shared in the Whatsapp groups as needed, but it is not required to go through them.
• 21:00 – After the official meeting ends, we generally hang-out and get to know each other in a non-structured forum. Some groups go for dinner after, some hang out at the venue. Whatever works best for the group. 

DISCUSSION GUIDELINES

The guidelines we have at Practical Philosophy are designed to allow us to have open-minded discussions and encourage new findings. Please keep these guidelines in mind and exercise them when the Philosophy Club begins. 

1. No side-talk in the group, let’s have one conversation at a time. 
2. Do NOT monopolize the conversation. We want to hear your point of view, but we also want to give others space to share.
3. If someone isn’t sharing, feel free to ask their opinion. Not everyone wants to share, but offer the opportunity in case they do. 
4. If someone says something you don’t agree with, or triggers you, don’t attack them personally. Take a breath, make sure you’re calm, and then offer your perspectives on their points.
5. We have a topic each week, but we don’t need to stay on topic. If the discussion starts going off track, but in a way that the group is on board with, feel free. 
6. At the same time remember it’s Practical Philosophy, so if it starts getting too woo-woo, try to bring it back. 
7. Feel free to get as vulnerable as you’re comfortable with, but keep in mind that we don’t want to be trauma dumping either. Share your personal stories, but be aware of if it’s too much.
8. When speaking, remember that you’re just offering your perspective and not the final authority on the subject. Share with confidence, but also have the humility to listen to others. We are not guru’s delivering sermons, but thinkers, exploring a topic.  

Want to attend a meet-up? Find a club near you and join the WhatsApp group here: