What To Expect: Your First Visit

So you're thinking about coming to Philosofarian. Good. Here's what will actually happen.

  • No.

    No reading. No homework. No prerequisites. Just show up.

  • Usually not.

    Most of our events are drop-in. For classes or special events that require registration, we'll say so clearly on the event page.

  • Yourself and curiosity.

    Some people like to bring a notebook. Some people just listen. Both work.

  • However you're comfortable.

    We meet in breweries and cafes. Wear what you'd normally wear to grab coffee or a beer.

  • Absolutely.

    Many people find it easier to try something new with a familiar face.

 When You Arrive

  • We usually gather in a specific area of the venue. For Scoundrels, we meet in the back room of Bridge & Tunnel. For WIt & Wisdom we meet in the Lovell Showroom (where all of the barrels are). If you're not sure, ask the beertender —they know us. Or just look for the people having an unusually thoughtful conversation

  • Come anyway.

    We start on time, but life happens. Slip in quietly and join us. You won't be the only person who arrived late.

  • Only if you want one.

    We meet in venues that serve food and beverages, but there's no requirement to purchase anything. (Though our venues appreciate the business!)

During The Event

What happens at Wit & Wisdom (public talks)?

6:00-7:00pm: We gather, people settle in, grab drinks

7:00-7:05pm: The speaker is introduced.

7:06-7:45pm: Our speaker introduces the philosophical question of the evening. They'll provide:

  • Some assumptions people might make

  • Different perspectives and frameworks

  • Why this question matters

  • Ways to think about it

7:46-8:00pm: Q & A . (Not everyone stays for this part) Anyone can:

  • Ask questions

  • Share their perspective

  • Challenge an idea

  • Just listen

After 8pm: Many people stick around to continue conversations informally

What happens at Scoundrels (discussion groups)?

First few minutes: Everybody chats greeting each other

Main session: Philosopher guided group discussion where:

  • Everyone's invited to share their thoughts

  • The philosopher helps keep the conversation productive

  • We explore different angles on the question

  • Silence is okay (people need time to think)

Throughout: It's conversational, not a lecture. We're thinking together..

  • Only if you want to.

    One regular participant told us: "I came to listen mostly"—and they attend all the time. Listening is a completely valid form of participation.

    If you want to share something, you'll have opportunity. If you don't, nobody will put you on the spot.

  • Ask.

    "Can you explain that?" and "What does that mean?" are common and welcome questions. We all get confused. That's part of philosophy.

  • Ask them to define it.

    We try to avoid jargon, but sometimes philosophical terms come up. When they do, asking for clarification helps everyone, not just you.

  • Great!

    Respectful disagreement is welcome and expected. You can say:

    • "I see it differently..."

    • "What about this counterexample..."

    • "I'm not sure I agree because..."

    The point is to explore ideas, not reach consensus.

  • You can:

    • Answer it

    • Say "I'm not sure, I'm still thinking about it"

    • Say "I'd rather listen for now"

    • Turn it back to the group: "What do others think?"

    All of these are fine.

  • It happens sometimes.

    One regular participant admitted: "Sometimes things fly over my head and I have to look up what's being talked about to keep up."

    The difference here? That's okay. We create space where confusion is part of the process, and you can ask for clarification without embarrassment.

  • Our facilitators work to prevent this.

    We're aware that some personalities naturally take up more space. If someone's monopolizing, our facilitators will gently redirect: "Let's hear from folks who haven't spoken yet" or "Hold that thought while we get some other perspectives."

    If you experience this as a problem, let us know afterward. We're always working to improve.

  • Yes, but be present.

    We're here to think together. Sometimes people use phones to look up articles, quotes, books, or check Etymonline.com during discussions. Some take notes digitally. That's all great—phones can be tools for deeper engagement.

    But please be present to the conversation. Use your phone to enhance thinking, not escape it. And try not to make assumptions about others—that person on their phone might be looking up the exact reference you need.

    If you need to step out to check on a kid or handle something urgent, do it. Life happens.

 The Atmosphere

  • People are relaxed—drinking coffee or beer, sitting comfortably—but engaged. It's not a lecture where you sit silently. It's not a debate where people are trying to win. It's genuine conversation.

    As participants have described it:

    • "Civil and inquisitive"

    • "Respectful discussions"

    • "Guided conversations that explore how people think"

  • All kinds of people.

    We welcome all the thoughtful people. Right now, our programs are geared towards an adult audience, but it’s not unusual for precocious teenagers to show up and engage. One found us on YouTube and moved to Astoria to study philosophy with us during his college years.

    You’ll find various education levels and backgrounds. Some regulars who've been coming for years. Some people on their first or second visit. Veterans, artists, educators, tradespeople, retirees, students.

    The common thread? Curiosity.

  • Regulars are friendly to newcomers. Our philosophers will likely introduce themselves. You're not crashing a clique—you're joining a community that wants you there.

  • Many people stick around.

    After the formal session ends, people often continue conversations, exchange contact info, or just chat casually. You're welcome to join or head out—both are fine.

 Common First-Timer Worries

  • Not true.

    We have people with philosophy PhDs and people who've never studied philosophy. Most people are somewhere in the middle. And even the "experts" are still learning—that's why they're here.

  • There are no stupid questions in philosophy.

    Philosophy is about exploring ideas, not displaying knowledge. If you're genuinely curious about something, ask. If you have a perspective that seems obvious to you, share it. What is "obvious" to you may blow someone else’s mind.

  • Look around when you arrive.

    You'll see diversity in age, appearance, style, and manner. There's no single "type" here. If you're curious about ideas, you fit.

  • Then you leave.

    You're not committed to anything. Come once. If it's not your thing, no worries. If you like it, come back.

After Your First Visit 

  • As often as you want.

    Some people come to every event. Some people come monthly. Some people drop in occasionally when a topic interests them. All of these are fine. There's no attendance requirement.

  • Probably, if you come back a few times.

    Our community is friendly but not overwhelming. Regulars will start to recognize you, learn your name, remember what you're interested in. It becomes familiar without being cliquish.

  • Let us know.

    We occasionally need volunteers for events, outreach, or operations. Some people join reading groups or writing groups that emerge organically. Some people just keep showing up and become part of the furniture (in the best way).

  • That's fine.

    Life is busy. Come when you can. You won't be "behind" or out of the loop. Each event stands alone.

Still Have Questions?

Email us: [email]
Call us: 503-741-9030

Or just show up and ask in person. We're friendly.

Ready?

Next Wit & Wisdom: Second Thursdays at 7pm, Fort George Lovell Showroom

Next Scoundrels: Every Wednesday at 5:30pm, Bridge & Tunnel

See you there.

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David, now-regular participant who showed up for the first time years ago

“I thought I was gonna solve it. I came with a notebook to get it done. I had no idea what philosophy was.”