Deep Thoughts Philosophy Reading Group
Join us ON ZOOM the 4th Monday of each month, 7pm-8:30pm
We also host IN PERSON discussion groups in Berthoud, CO. Join us!
Join us ON ZOOM the 4th Monday of each month, 7pm-8:30pm
Next meeting: Monday, August 25, 2025
7pm-8:30pm (MTN)
Registration is free and open to all.
"Will Life Be Worth Living in a World Without Work? Technological Unemployment and the Meaning of Life" by John Danaher explores what will give our lives meaning if machines take over most human jobs. While admitting that compulsory work limits our freedom and prevents us from authoring our own lives, Danaher warns that the same technologies eliminating jobs may also sever our connection to meaningful outcomes by automating scientific discovery, moral problem-solving, and creative endeavors.
NOTE: No registration this month; just show up by clicking this zoom link https://cuboulder.zoom.us/j/94330957128
The text can be found here.
Potential Discussion Questions:
Practical
How might education systems need to change to prepare people for a world with less traditional employment?
What role should universal basic income or similar policies play in addressing technological unemployment?
Personal Reflection
How much of your identity is tied to your work or career aspirations?
What activities outside of paid work currently provide you with the greatest sense of purpose?
Social Implications
Could widespread unemployment lead to social instability, regardless of material needs being met?
How might human relationships and community structures evolve in a post-work society?
These sessions are participant-driven discussions focused on philosophical essays, facilitated by a trained CU Boulder philosopher. Our goal at each discussion is to build a philosophical dialogue by investigating as a community of thinkers. Each session focuses on a philosophical text, but we do not regard the authors we read as unquestionable authorities. Rather, we consider each author to be another voice in our shared dialogue.
To prepare, please read the selected text to the best of your ability. Most months you'll find a reading guide linked above. If you are unable to read ahead, please come anyway. We recommend bring a copy of the reading with you - digital or printed out.
At the discussion, after brief introductions and a review of the discussion policies, the facilitator will ask participants to share questions and ideas for group discussion. The facilitator will then guide the group in working through as many of their questions as possible before recapping and wrapping up the discussion.
No background in philosophy is expected or required. We are excited to discuss the ideas raised by your interaction with the text!
Boulder Public Library "Classics of Philosophy" reading group:
We used to have a group just like this group, but meeting on the 2nd Monday of each month. This group has closed, but you can still brows the list of past sessions for ideas on things to read!
Great philosophy podcasts
The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps - Over 350 episodes covering various philosophers and topics. Includes episode series on Indian philosophy and Africana philosophy.
Hi-Phi Nation - approximately 40 episodes (as of 2020) that discuss philosophical ideas in contemporary contexts. The most recent seasons have focused on issues of justice and politics.
Discussion groups
Grey Havens Philosophy - A Longmont, CO based nonprofit running weekly and monthly philosophical discussion groups for all ages.
Your local philosophers!
Philosophy Department at the University of Colorado - Boulder