A spoiler-free discussion of memory, personal identity, and the splintering of the self on Apple TV’s hit show, Severance.

What kinds of ethical principles should inform the relationship between the state and immigrants? How can ethical perspectives inform a critique of state violence against immigrants in the U.S.? This talk considers how a framework of normative ethics can inform an analysis of immigrant detention law in the United States.

Many people have stopped into the Vermont Bicycle Shop for a tube, fix a squeaky brake, meet up for a group ride, or to get a brand spanking new bicycle. In a twist on what you normally do at the shop we will be taking a philosophical exploration of bicycling. What is a cyclist? Should you be bicycling instead of driving? Is there something spiritual about cycling?

We will explore the "easy" Taoist approach to natural ethics—an elegant morality without supernatural authority. Taoist “worship of nature” is really veneration of the natural way of things and emphasizes living in harmony with the flow of existence. In our discussion, we will start to uncover an ethical system that is intuitive, adaptive, and rooted in the way things unfold in the world around us.

Join local high schoolers to talk about philosophy as an extracurricular activity and Ethics Bowl, a national philosophical competition.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Sit around a fire to think about sticks and talk about how noticing things, and bringing curiosity and creativity to your experiences, adds psychological richness to your life. This event will be held in the Sacred Circle, approximately 50 yards from the trailhead parking lot. As long as the roads are safe enough to drive up the mountain, and there is not a downpour, this event is happening! Dress weather appropriate and bring a chair/blanket if you like; limited bench seating is available.

Most debates about medical ethics deal with what practitioners ought to do. In this round-table discussion, a former UVM philosophy student and current cancer patient will pose questions to the group about the responsibilities of patients. Post-talk drinks at Three Penny Taproom.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Join Dr. Mike and Bethany for an interactive, philosophical exploration at the intersection of truth, power and obsolescence in The Twilight Zone. This program includes a full screening of season 2, episode 29 ‘The Obsolete Man’, showcasing librarian Romney Wordsworth’s dramatic resistance to a totalitarian state that has, “like every one of the super-states that’s preceded it,…one iron rule: Logic is an enemy and truth is a menace.”

We will explore the complex moral dilemmas surrounding the use of animals in scientific research and the emerging alternatives that seek to reduce harm while advancing scientific progress.

Join us for a discussion about the ethics of consensual cannibalism, featuring questions about consent, psychosocial norms, and dignity after death. This event is BYOB (Bring your own body!).

AI is approaching — and in some cases, surpassing — human-level ability in many areas that, for all of previous history, have been the sole provenance of human minds. Is it a good idea to build machines like this? How might it go well? How might it go badly? How prepared are we for a world where human intelligence is outclassed by the artificial? Join for a talk followed by group discussion.

Vermont reporters from local and national outlets gather to discuss news burnout, partisanship, and democracy with each other and attendees.

Join us for a conversation about computers: what they are, how we use them, and why we use them wrong. Also why it's not our fault. The values supposedly imbued into technology are not the ones actually reflected back at technology users. We'll talk about how various dark patterns serve the goals of capitalism not community and what we can do about it.

We consider why cities throughout the world are encouraging skateboarding in their urban planning decisions due to the numerous physical, mental, and social benefits they bring to urban life.

What makes a great storyteller? Join us for a workshop on crafting narratives that foster connections, provoke thought and inspiration, and authentically represent key players in a story.

Housing is a human right and a commodity, but what does that have to do with me? What obligations do ordinary people have to make housing available and accessible and how?

Do you know what silence is? (Everyone does, right?) Can you hear silence? How often do you think about silence? Is silence possible in a group of people? Is silence possible at all? Are these questions worth posing in a public forum or should we just be silent? Come find out!

As generative AI transforms creative industries many critical questions arise: Can AI truly create art? Does the creation of art require agency? How does AI impact artists’ creative autonomy, ownership, and fairness in the artistic landscape? We will talk about our recent research on these questions and about how AI has affected our artistic practice. The session will conclude with an interactive, hands-on activity where participants will engage with these topics.

This event will explore key ideas from Confucianism, Daoism, and other schools of thought, considering their relevance to contemporary life. How do these perspectives differ from Western Tradition? Are they relevant in our Western world? Whether you're new to Chinese philosophy or have studied it before, this open conversation welcomes all perspectives in a relaxed, discussion-based setting.

Let's talk games! What is the relationship between games and agency? What are the dangers of gamifying ordinary life? What is to be gained?

We'll discuss respect and when and why government policies disrespect citizens and subjects in clinical trials. We'll also talk about how to engage people who support these policies while also recognizing respect as an essential aspect of treating people ethically.

Hear from leaders in Vermont's Latine immigrant community about grassroots organizing, worker-driven social responsibility, and resistance in the time of Trump 2.0

Abrahamic religions are committed to the existence of Hell. Does this make any sense given their commitments to God's nature? Let's talk.

Philosopher of science Tom Pashby engages UVM AI researcher Nick Cheney in a conversation about the present and future of machine learning and its philosophical implications.

Why philosophy? Come for a talk about what it is and why you should be interested in learning more about it.

Join us for a conversation about how many children in Vermont are impacted by parental incarceration each year and what systems are in place to support their unique needs.

A shared discussion about the nature, value, and disvalue of emotions like compassion, guilt, and vengeance. We begin with a story!

Insects are essential to our planet, yet they’re often overlooked. This talk explores why these tiny beings deserve our moral consideration and how rethinking our relationship with them can make a big impact—for them, for the environment, and for us.