The Thinker CIC

The second half of our Food for Thought event at Calderstones Park on Saturday took place in the Japanese Garden, where we explored the Soto tradition of Zen Buddhism and the influence of Dogen. After discussing some of the key ideas and practices of Soto Zen, we concluded with five minutes of seated meditation.
Food for Thought is a monthly gathering where we meet in interesting locations for informal conversation over food and drink, experience something unique about the venue, and then return as a group to discuss related philosophical questions.
Our next event is on 4th July – venue to be confirmed.
www.thethinkerhub.com
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In conversation with Anne, who has been part of our weekly Open Minds sessions since they began in January 2023.
Since then, Anne has become an invaluable volunteer, training as a facilitator of philosophical discussion and going on to lead both Open Minds sessions and Young Philosophers Training sessions at Booker Avenue Junior School.
We are incredibly grateful for Anne’s ongoing support, enthusiasm, and contributions to our mission at The Thinker CIC. And as it also happens to be her birthday today, we’d like to wish her a very happy birthday! 🎉

A great morning with the Food for Thought group at sunny Calderstones Park, exploring philosophical questions relating to the prehistoric Calder Stones, part of a neolithic burial chamber, followed by a walk to the Japanese garden to discuss Zen Buddhism and Dogen. We finished with 5 minutes of Soto Zen meditation. The next Food for Thought event is scheduled for 4th July - destination tbc! www.thethinkerhub.com Thanks to for supporting our events.

Book in here: https://thethinkerhub.com/event-bookings

This evening we had our third, monthly Open Minds community discussion session at Liverpool Central Library, focussing on the topic of freedom, discussing a range of provocative scenarios, before looking at the key themes of existentialism, as a philosophy of radical freedom. We meet every last Thursday of the month (except July) 6pm-7.15pm in Meeting Room 3. No background knowledge required; everybody welcome. Book in for our next meeting here: https://thethinkerhub.com/event-bookings Thanks to Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services for funding Open Minds at Central Library through the Community Impact Fund.

This year's FREE Online Philosophy Summer Camp, supported by The Royal Institute of Philosophy is now open for applications (Y7-13). Scan the QR for the application form or follow this link: https://s.surveyplanet.com/q2kjmpkl Please share widely. To find out more about The Thinker's offer for children, including the pioneering Young Philosophers Training Programme, visit www.thethinkerhub.com











Philosophy Now

The Thinker CIC Open Minds community discussion groups meet regularly in venues across Merseyside. This photograph was taken today at the Thinker HQ Monday group -- participants in full flow, discussing scenarios that led into consideration of key teachings within Buddhism, including impermanence, craving, no-self, and compassion. If you would like to know more, visit https://thethinkerhub.com/open-minds-adult-sessions

Join us for Open Minds — a series of community discussion groups at Sefton Park Library exploring topics like knowledge, morality, freedom, and identity. All welcome.

Sefton Park Library
Wednesdays from 3rd June – 1st July 2026
11:15am – 12:15pm

Book via QR code, email [email protected] or call 0151 542 5145.

Great Open Minds session at Liverpool Central Library this evening, exploring the complex topic of war.
We began by reflecting on the meaning behind John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “War Is Over!” poster—questioning whether we agree with its message, and what it asks of us as individuals and societies. From there, we moved into a wide-ranging discussion on the ethics of going to war and the responsibilities governing conduct within it.
This naturally led us to examine just war theory, with insights from Augustine and Aquinas helping to frame our thinking. We closed the session by engaging with perspectives on war from Bertrand Russell, Virginia Woolf, Frantz Fanon, and Friedrich Nietzsche—each offering a distinct lens on conflict, morality, and human nature.
These conversations continue to challenge assumptions and deepen understanding—always thought-provoking, always open.
Open Minds sessions take place at Liverpool Central Library on the final Thursday of every month
6:00–7:15pm
Free to attend – donations gratefully received
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The next Food for Thought event will take place on Saturday 30th May 10-12.30pm at Calderstones Park Mansion House. We will meet at the cafe for food/drink and an informal chat, before experiencing the neolithic Calder Stones and the Japanese gardens. The focus for discussion will include themes of history, knowledge, and the ideas of Dogen, Japanese Buddhist monk, who founded Soto Zen. 12 places available. Donations gratefully received.