Join the Conversation
Twice a week, neighbors gather for Scoundrels, our free philosophy conversations: Wednesday evenings at Bridge & Tunnel, and Saturdays at The Catalyst, our new home. Same question, two chances to join in. A philosopher guides, but everyone's thinking matters.
Conversations are at the heart of our public philosophy. Every week we offer a space, a question, and a philosopher to guide, now on two days.
Week of October 5
What is a conversation?
What Happens
Each Wednesday starts with a question—sometimes big (What is technology for?), sometimes personal (What can costumes teach us about identity?).
A philosopher introduces a variety of mysteries or implications the question, then the group explores it together. The philosopher hosts the conversation by teaching philosophical concepts, histories, or manuevers of logic along the way. This helps the architecture of an idea be seen more clearly.
No lectures. No required reading. No right answers to find.
Just 90 minutes of careful thinking with people who want to connect through ideas.
Saturdays, 10:00 - 11:30am
The Catalyst, Philosofarian's new home
264 W. Marine Drive | Uniontown | Astoria
Parking: Street parking nearby
Accessibility: one tiny step up -2 inches- and then a slight ramp into the space (railing for balance). This is an alcohol free session.
Noise: Pretty quiet. We’re on a busy street, so the rumble of a log truck comes along once in a while.
Food & drink: brunchy snacks available with coffee and tea donated by Cambium Gallery and Coffee Bar
Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: Always free
Saturday conversations are funded in part by Oregon Humanities with support from Meyer Memorial Trust.
Who Comes
10-12 people at each conversation. Blacksmiths and biologists. Artists and accountants. Construction workers and costumers. People in their 20s and people in their 70s.
Some come every week. Some drop in monthly. Some are chatty, some quiet. All are thinking.
What they have in common: Curiosity about ideas and willingness to explore them together.
Saturdays at The Catalyst are open to all ages.
Where & When
Wednesdays, 5:30–7:00pm
Bridge & Tunnel Bottle Shop
1390 Duane Street | Downtown | Astoria
Parking: Street parking nearby
Accessibility: There are three shallow steps down into the back room
Noise: The back room is removed from the main area of the bottle shop, but some days it gets really busy or an amazing game is on up front. Occasionally it gets a little loud, but that’s not sustained.
Drink: Available for purchase (optional—not required to buy anything). Feel free to bring your own food
Ages: 21+
Cost: Always free
The Format
Wednesdays 5:30–7:00pm · Saturdays 10:00-12:00pm.
Both follow the same rhythm:
Arrive and settle in, then chat with others for about 15 minutes.
The philosopher introduces the question (10 minutes).
The group explores it together. The philosopher guides, asks follow-up questions and helps ideas connect.
Wrap up. Many people stay to keep chatting.
You can talk a lot, a little, or just listen. Talking and listening are both valued.
Your First Time?
Nervous? Most people are their first time. Here's what helps:
You don't need philosophy background. If you're curious about the question, you belong here.
You can just listen. Many first-timers do. Talk when you're ready, or don't. Both are fine.
Questions are welcome. If you don't understand something, ask. Chances are others are wondering too.
Disagreement is okay. We're practicing thinking through differences, not avoiding them. The philosopher keeps it respectful.
Come and go as needed. Have to leave early? Late arrival? No problem.
Bring a friend or come alone. Whatever makes you comfortable.
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That's part of it. We practice exploring disagreement with curiosity, not defensiveness. We are not trying to win arguments, someone holding an idea differently is an opportunity to wonder together.
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Ask. Philosophy is about questioning, not pretending you know.
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Wednesdays at Bridge & Tunnel are 21+.
Saturdays at The Catalyst are open to all ages, so bring them along.
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Try once. If it doesn't click, no hard feelings. Many people feel unsure their first time, then realize they've been looking for this.
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Both explore the same question. Pick whichever fits your week, or come to both.
What People Say
"It's the intellectual companionship I didn't know I was missing."
"I've learned to listen better and think more carefully. It's changed how I talk to people—even my teenagers."
"For me, it has been a place of expansion and learning, making friends who appreciate my 'over-thinking.'"
"It means my brain gets lubed."
Come Wednesday or Saturday
See what thinking together feels like.
This project is funded in part by Oregon Humanities with support from Meyer Memorial Trust.
Any views, findings, and conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this website do not necessarily reflect the views of Oregon Humanities and other sponsors.