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 …

Sick of all the "young professional" groups because professional doesn't necessarily imply intelligent or KEWL? Want to hang out with a bunch of people who can actually carry a conversation about stuff, make you think, or (gasp) think themselves? Not fond of the bar scene because you can't actually talk (where "talking" represents a genuine exchange of information of some nontrivial sort)? That's the idea behind this group. Hopefully, we can generate enough interest to get a bunch of people with …

Engaging Gaithersburg: Is for anyone interested in coming together for discussion, community outreach and generally having fun! Did I mention that we have fun? Check out our calendar for Basketball outings, Events, and just plain ol’ hanging out! Looking forward to fellowshipping with you! Our Mission: To inspire members to listen more, argue less and connect on major issues by providing a safe atmosphere for people on all sides of what’s important in our community, to clarify their views, hear …

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 …

Ever read C. S. Lewis or Tolkien and envied their bond in the Inklings? Wish you could have a beer with N. T. Wright, Brian McLaren, Charles Townes, or Francis Collins? Well...this group can't promise to reach those heights of intellectualism. But we can at least enjoy great conversation, share what we're reading, what we're learning and expand our minds by association, ALL while enjoying a good beer or coffee at one of Baltimore's many great hangouts. I hope we can read each others' work, share …

Hey, youngish Jews in Northern Virginia - let's meet each other. Are all of our peeps in Maryland or DC? I'm determined to create a Jewish community in NoVa. Let's get together, hang out, have cultured and dare I say, intellectual, discussions about life and and the World around us. This group is in no way, whatsoever, religious.

(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 …

Welcome to the Washington DC Medieval Reading Group! What we do: The Medieval Reading Group meets to discuss works of the middle ages.  Our focus is on Medieval English Literature, but we will read various genres, and make occasional pilgrimages to the continent.  The format follows that of "Great Books" Seminars (please read).  You do not have to have any special knowledge to participate, just a willingness to meet the text on its own terms.  All selections will be read in translation.  I will …

The purpose of this group is to discuss books that we find we can't put down after the first reading.  We'll discuss the elements of the story that we most connect with. Drinking warm, soothing tea such as jasmine, oolong, mint, constant comment, green leaves with orange peel, or peppermint will enhance your discussion of what we will read. How comfy is that? This group will appeal to diverse women over who enjoy laughing and crying over a good read. If you feel as if you would like to discuss y …

Do you read the Economist, Foreign Policy Magazine, Foreign Affairs, Newsweek, or any other magazine that analyzes foreign affairs? Can you name the 5 veto states on the UN Security Council? Then this is the organization for you! YPIA is for people who are interested in foreign affairs. If you work in the field, are looking for a job in the field or just have an interest come to our events. YPIA holds regular discussions about current international issues. We focus on events that allow you to ta …

Discussion group for INTJs and folks interested in chatting about the INTJ perspective. The goal of the group would be to increase the self-awareness of INTJs, help share INTJ-friendly coping strategies, and the general story-telling of INTJ experiences. Meetups would be in-person and through Google-hangout (free video/chat/audio capability by Google). INTJs generally have a very salient personality, and may have difficulty relating to other people INTJs have a myriad of traits and quirks, and …

This is a group for people to discuss the books they are reading and may read as little or as much as one may find the time to. Meetings can be held on Sundays in the afternoon. There are so many books out there and hundreds of authors hoping for an audience. Let's give these lonely, literary stars our attention for a few weeks or so of our time! What are all these people writing about and what for? Let's figure it out. Let's read great books or at least a few sentences; let's observe characters …

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).

We explore a wide variety of topics in a conversational style always respecting each other's opinion.  You do not need a background in philosophy, only an interest in seeking truth and wisdom. The value of our discussons come from the combined perspectives of those that attend.  From student to Physicist we all have a unique perspective and can learn from each other; please join, attend and contribute your wisdom to ours? Steven Easley The DC Philosophy Cafe We are now holding bi weekly discussi …

This is a group that will discuss philosophy for an hour and a half, twice a month, then go out to eat together for more relaxed discussion. We will meet at 8:30 on the first and third Friday, then go out to eat at 10pm.

Are you the sort of person who naturally asks a lot of questions? Even in your own head, and even about seemingly "obvious" stuff? Do you find yourself brimming with ideas that you'd like to discuss, but can't find anyone around to discuss them with? Are you also interested in understanding the viewpoints of others? If you answer "yes" to most of those questions, then this is the perfect group for you! Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of age, race, nationality, orientation, religious pra …

The motivation for holding these dialogues is to observe the workings of the self and possible connections to conflict and suffering. We aim to explore together the nature of the self, "What am I?", by looking at the operation of the self in our daily lives. We want to use a leaderless dialogue/inquiry process as a mirror in which we can see our own conditioning and patterns of thought happening in real time. The proposed focus of the dialogue group is not solely on the questions that arise, but …

This is a group to help us get our day started with some walking and talking. Studies show that people who exercise first thing in the morning are more productive during the day and sleep better at night. Also, engaging in good conversation will get the brain going. Studies show that people who engage in social activity early in the day perform at higher cognitive levels throughout the day and are more likely to succeed in their carrer and relationships. Each walk will have a new leader who will …

If you read a lot of contemporary fiction and nonfiction that is well-reviewed by respected critics, then this book club is for you! For simplicity's sake, we will be choosing our titles from the New York Times notable books list from the past 3-4 years. The book club will meet on the first Wednesday of the month, alternating fiction and non-fiction selections chosen by our rotating group of hosts.  If one month's pick doesn't interest you, wait until next month when we choose new titles! The me …

I have to believe in a world outside my own mind. I have to believe that my actions still have meaning, even if I can't remember them. I have to believe that when my eyes are closed, the world's still there. Do I believe the world's still there? Is it still out there? … Yeah. We all need mirrors to remind ourselves who we are. I'm no different. (Memento, 2000) No matter what anyone tells you - words and ideas can change the world. (Dead Poets Society, 1989) See, Mr. Gitts, most people never have …

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 …

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 …

This is a group for anyone interested in education technology and promoting education in the classroom for teachers, entrepreneurs, and policy makers in the Washington DC region. We will be organizing keynotes, panel discussions, and more. We will try to meet monthly to explore various topics at the intersection of education and technology; to learn about the latest technologies that are supporting teachers; and to hear from teachers about the problems in education that must be fixed now. In add …

Have you noticed that once you get busy with your job, pleasure reading falls by the wayside? Everyone wants to read more, it's just hard to find the time. So let's combine books and socializing! We will meet in local federal hill establishments once a month to discuss our book, drink some wine, meet new people and have fun! Join us!

This is a group for people who enjoy intelligent conversation and dining out with new friends.  It is that simple.  To help you decide whether or not this is the right group for you, ask yourself:  Do you enjoy meeting new people? (hint: you don't have to be an extrovert but you do have to get out of the house and actually meet new people) Do you get a lot of bang out of intelligent conversations and intellectual discussions?  Are you getting bored by these inane questions already?  If you answe …

Join fellow liberals in their 30s and 40s for dinner and drinks at restaurants around the Washington, DC area and discuss current events, politics, and whatever other topics arise.

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 …