What we’re about
Join us if you're interested in philosophy, literature, film, and socializing. This group will be for people who want to talk about books and movies that explore life's big questions. We won't presuppose any definite answers. It's more about the journey than the destination.
We will have regular meetups with different formats. Once a month we will meet to discuss a book or selection from a book. Readings will vary widely, ranging from ancient philosophy and literature to contemporary fiction and nonfiction. Each month, we will also have social gatherings, film outings, and open discussion meetups.
Upcoming events
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Letter from Birmingham Jail by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Close Reading)
Amélie's French Bakery & Café | Park Road, 4321 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC, USMartin Luther King Jr.’s Letter from Birmingham Jail (1963) is one of the most important moral documents of the American 20th century, written in response to a public statement by eight white Alabama clergymen who urged King to slow down, wait, and pursue change through less “unwise and untimely” means. Composed in the margins of a newspaper while King was jailed for participating in nonviolent demonstrations, the letter offers a patient but uncompromising defense of civil disobedience, the urgency of justice, and the moral responsibility to resist unjust laws.
Join us for a close reading of this open letter and a discussion of civil disobedience in 2026. We encourage you to read this short, but dense letter (click here for reading link), which will be the focus of our discussion.15 attendees
Do the Right Thing at The Independent Picture House
The Independent Picture House, 4237 Raleigh Street ,, Charlotte, NC, USCome join us for a Friday evening screening of Spike Lee's 1989 film, Do the Right Thing. The movie starts at 7:30.
Description: Salvatore "Sal" Fragione (Danny Aiello) is the Italian owner of a pizzeria in Brooklyn. A neighborhood local, Buggin' Out (Giancarlo Esposito), becomes upset when he sees that the pizzeria's Wall of Fame exhibits only Italian actors. Buggin' Out believes a pizzeria in a black neighborhood should showcase black actors, but Sal disagrees. The wall becomes a symbol of racism and hate to Buggin' Out and to other people in the neighborhood, and tensions rise.
The trailer can be watched here.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Seating at IPH is first come, first served. If you have a seating preference, please plan to arrive early. Those who arrive early usually gather in the lobby before seating for the movie starts.
After the movie ends, those of us with availability may plan to hang out for a bit (possibly somewhere nearby) to socialize and discuss.33 attendees
Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? A Michael Sandel Discussion.
Amélie's French Bakery & Café | Park Road, 4321 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC, USWe revisit Michal Sandel and his “Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?” which is a great introduction to moral and political philosophy through the use of real-world dilemmas. Drawing on debates between utilitarianism, libertarianism, and theories of justice, he invites readers and viewers to reason about fairness, rights, and the common good, modeling philosophy as a shared civic practice rather than an abstract academic exercise.
Michael Sandel is an American political philosopher and long-time Harvard professor best known for bringing moral and political philosophy to broad public audiences. A leading critic of unfettered market reasoning and meritocratic hubris, his work examines how moral values should shape public life. Sandel is also known for the books “What Money Can't Buy” and “The Tyranny of Merit,” which challenge the moral limits of markets and question the social consequences of merit-based ideals.
Join us for this discussion about Justice in the modern world. All are welcome and no reading is required!
Optional: Listen to the Justice Series here.15 attendees
Past events
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