New Home of

Denver

Philosophy Meetup

A thoughtful community exploring life’s questions.

Monthly discussions, free to attend, open to curious minds.

If your thoughts have ever felt too big for small talk—or too personal for a lecture hall—you’re in the right place. This is a respectful, reflective community for people who care not just about what we think, but how we think—together. We gather monthly—online or in person—to explore ideas that don’t always have easy answers. From the nature of consciousness to the shape of a good life, we make space for honest reflection, deep listening, and shared discovery. Here, civility matters. Listening is as valued as speaking. Thoughtful disagreement is welcomed—not as a performance, but as a practice. We come together not to impress, but to explore. Because while personal growth is powerful, communal thinking is transformational. We don’t just talk—we connect. We question. We grow.

Upcoming Topics

July - Consciousness on Autopilot: Are We Really Awake
Description: We live in a world that makes it easy to tune out: endless scrolling, binge-watching, snap reactions. Yet our ability to be conscious — truly aware — is what makes us human. Some say it’s just our complex brain at work (an emergent property), while others believe consciousness is something deeper, beyond biology.
This week, we’ll explore:
- What is consciousness: brain-only, or something more?
- How does modern life pull us into autopilot?
- Are we responsible for actions done half-aware?
- How can we train ourselves (and help others) to wake up more often?
Bring your thoughts, stories, and questions — and let’s see how awake we really are.
Key Questions
1️⃣ How do you define consciousness?
2️⃣ When do you feel most awake — and when are you on autopilot?
3️⃣ Should we be responsible for what we do when we’re half-aware?
4️⃣ What’s one way to practice being more conscious in daily life?

August - Is hope a choice, a feeling, or a responsibility? Is Hope a Choice, a Feeling, or a Responsibility?

In uncertain times, we often hear the phrase “don’t lose hope.” But what is hope, really?

Is it something we choose, like a mindset we consciously cultivate? Is it something we feel, like a spontaneous emotional response to possibility? Or is it something more—a moral responsibility we carry for ourselves, our communities, or even future generations?

This conversation will explore:

🌀 What is the nature of hope? Is it passive or active?
🧠 Can we decide to be hopeful—or does it just happen to us?
🫂 Do we owe hope to each other, especially in times of crisis or despair?
🌱 Can false hope be harmful? Or is hope always valuable, even when misplaced?

We’ll also ask:

What’s the difference between hope and optimism?
Can you be hopeful and realistic at the same time?
How does hope relate to agency, purpose, or faith?

Come ready to reflect, challenge, and share.
Bring your questions, your doubts, and your experiences.
Because in this space, being honest is just as welcome as being hopeful.

Sept - Suggest a topic!

Join the conversation

Sign up to receive a monthly reminder with the upcoming discussion topic, plus occasional reflections or thoughtful updates. No spam, no pressure—just gentle nudges to stay curious, connected, and engaged. You're okay here—and so are we.

Q&A

When do we meet?

We meet on the first Monday of every month from 6:30–8:00 PM MT. All events are online (Zoom), and sometimes we offer local in-person options too. 👉 After signing up, you’ll get the Zoom link by email before the next meeting.

Can members suggest topics?

Absolutely. Share your ideas through email, (contact me below) or share during a meetup. I often work with members to craft questions for great conversations.

Do I need to prepare or know anything about the topic?

Absolutely not. If you know a lot or very little about a topic, you can still contribute and learn

Why did we leave meetup?

Meetup raised its fees without adding value. We wanted a place built around people, not platforms.

is it free?

Yes. We’ll let you know if we ever host a paid event, but the goal is access and openness.

Do I need to have a background in philosophy?

Nope. You can if you'd like, but it' snot a requirement. This is not a class, it's a conversation and you are welcome whether you've put thought to the topic or not.

from 2019 - 2025, the Denver philosophy group inspired

a following of over 1k thinkers and 125 five star reviews.

(We’ll never spam you. We don’t even like spam. The food or the emails.)

How we came to be

This began as a gift. Not to the world—just to my mother.

In 2019, I started a small philosophy Meetup in Denver so she could talk with others who shared her love for life’s big questions. She was 89 at the time, still studying physics, still chasing beauty, truth, and meaning with the same hunger she brought to reading her 2,000+ book collection. She believed philosophy wasn’t just theory—it was how we made sense of being alive.

She used to say,

“Philosophy begins with wonder... and ends with art.”

I thought I was creating something for her. But now I know—she was creating something through me. That group, those conversations—they planted something --- A space for people who are curious, not combative.

Reflective, not rigid.

At peace with not having all the answers.

What began as a gift to her became her final gift to all of us.

Past Topics

What Does It Mean to Know Yourself? Exploring identity beyond labels, roles, and social expectations.
Consciousness: Brain Trick or Deeper Truth? Is consciousness just neurons firing—or something more?
Do Humans Need Music? Why rhythm, melody, and harmony might be more essential than we think.
The Nature of Language: How do we shape language and how does language shape us?
Does Technology Expand or Erode Meaning? From AI to algorithms: is convenience making us wiser, or just louder?
What Does It Mean to Be a Good Person in a Complicated World?