The Toronto Philosophy Meetup

Global Philosophy: Is building a better world possible? Discuss real world solutions and their practical applications

1. Alignment: This group is best suited for anyone who wishes to see a better world, believes it is possible, and feels purposeful about this
2. Discussion: solution-oriented discussions, all areas of study and knowledge are welcome
3. Synergizing solutions: aim is to collaborate and find agreement in what is the problem and solution
4. Solution to execution: conceptualizing practical applications of our united solutions

This meeting runs same time weekly, for us to continue building solutions and frameworks, fun thought experiments, and build a sense of community of like minded individuals

Some subjects we may initially look at: human nature, non governmental impact possibilities, new types of social institutions, new education, self knowledge, a unified worldview, etc

You do not need to be a seasoned philosopher to be part of this team of thinkers and doers, jump right in. As long as you are interested in truth and building a better world, you should be completely good

A Free Thinker Institute Collaborative Brainstorming Event
What would the world look like if we could make it dramatically better—not just for ourselves, but for humanity and future generations?
At this interactive Free Thinker Institute event, we'll put our collective imagination and critical thinking skills to work, brainstorming bold, exciting, ambitious long-term goals for the world.
But there's a catch: "Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it!"

It's easy to imagine a better world. It's harder to think through the unintended consequences of getting exactly what we want.

Together, we'll explore questions like:

• What extraordinary achievements should humanity aspire to over the next 50, 100, or even 1,000 years?
• What would a truly flourishing civilization look like?
• How might we eliminate suffering, expand opportunity, strengthen communities, or unlock human potential?
• What seemingly impossible goals might become achievable through science, technology, cooperation, and creative thinking?
• If we actually achieved our goals, what unintended consequences might follow?
• How can we make sure our vision of a better world really is better for everyone?

This isn't a debate about what's politically feasible today. It's an invitation to think beyond conventional limitations, challenge assumptions, build on each other's ideas, and imagine futures worth striving for.

We'll practice the art of dreaming big while thinking critically—because the most worthwhile goals deserve both extraordinary ambition and extraordinary care.

Come curious. Come imaginative. Come ready to challenge your own thinking. Together, let's envision a future worth creating!

This event kicks off an exciting series in which we'll first envision the future we want to create, then identify the obstacles and problems standing in our way, and finally collaborate on innovative solutions to overcome those challenges and turn our boldest aspirations into reality!

Here’s our legal notice:

Recording and Media Release Notice

For valuable consideration received, by joining this event I hereby grant Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to record, use, reproduce, edit, modify, publish, distribute, display, transmit, and otherwise exploit any and all Zoom recordings, photographs, audio recordings, screenshots, and other media captured during the event, in whole or in part, for trade, advertising, educational, promotional, commercial, or any other lawful purpose, in any media now known or hereafter developed. I further grant Free Thinker Institute the right to alter, edit, combine, crop, or otherwise modify such recordings without restriction.

I hereby release and discharge Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses arising out of or related to such recordings and uses.

Except as expressly authorized in writing by Free Thinker Institute, attendees may not record, copy, reproduce, distribute, rebroadcast, livestream, transmit, publish, display, excerpt, edit, create derivative works from, or commercially exploit any portion of the event or its recordings. Unauthorized recording, publication, posting, sharing, or redistribution of any portion of the event, including on YouTube, social media platforms, websites, podcasts, or other media channels, is strictly prohibited and may constitute copyright infringement and a violation of these event terms. Free Thinker Institute reserves all rights and remedies available under applicable law, including the right to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, statutory damages, attorneys' fees where permitted, and any other available legal or equitable remedies.

By attending the event, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to these terms.

Hegel’s Phenomenology of Spirit (1807) is one of the most ambitious and influential works in Western philosophy. In this dense and often enigmatic text, Hegel traces the unfolding of human consciousness through a dialectical journey—from immediate sense experience to self-awareness, and ultimately to the realization of absolute knowledge. Along the way, he explores the dynamics of desire, labor, morality, religion, and the famous “master-slave dialectic,” all as stages in the development of Spirit (Geist), the collective unfolding of human consciousness and freedom. Rather than presenting static truths, Hegel dramatizes thought itself as a historical and transformative process, where contradictions are not errors but necessary moments in the evolution of understanding. Phenomenology of Spirit is not merely a book about knowledge—it is an odyssey of the mind coming to know itself, in and through its relationships with others and the world.

Though notoriously difficult, the work remains a cornerstone of German Idealism and a vital reference point for thinkers from Marx and Nietzsche to Heidegger, Derrida, the American pragmatists, and contemporary political philosophy. (Cambridge)

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This is a continuation of Garth's (initially Evan's) reading group on Hegel’s Phenomenology of Spirit.

Please look at the text in advance and bring your comments and questions to the discussion.

PDF of Pinkard translation (Cambridge):
https://files.libcom.org/files/Georg%20Wilhelm%20Friedrich%20Hegel%20-%20The%20Phenomenology%20of%20Spirit%20%28Terry%20Pinkard%20Translation%29.pdf