Upcoming Events
Samurai Philosophy
Join Us for The Philosopher's Yard Meetup: Exploring "Samurai Philosophy"
In this session, we will turn our attention to Samurai Philosophy: When you think about samurai what images or concepts spring to mind? How are they portrayed in the media and popular culture? In your culture, what’s the modern equivalent of “living by a code”?
Together, we will explore these questions in an open and reflective setting, considering how each of us navigates topics such as media, culture and honor.
This meetup will feature a short talk from Rimika Tanaka, a writer and researcher in the performing arts that works at a dance conservatoire in London with the mission to widen access and participation in ballet and contemporary dance. She studied Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Oxford then did a master’s in the Arts of Africa, Oceania and The Americas at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. Through her studies she has cultivated a passion for material culture, post-colonial theory and non-Western ways of thinking.
When she was a little girl, she left Japan and moved to the remote Scottish islands of Orkney – a totally different culture that spoke of similarities via their myths to the folktales of Japan. She is currently writing a book on samurai culture and womanhood. It was a topic her mother Akemi Tanaka had wanted to pursue but sadly she ran out of time. Now that Akemi is one the ancestors, Rimi feels like she is getting to know her mother and feel connected to her samurai heritage in ways she never expected.
As always, The Philosopher’s Yard provides a neutral, welcoming space for dialogue and reflection. Whether you are well-versed in political philosophy or simply curious about the nature of authority and responsibility, this is an opportunity to share your perspectives and listen to diverse viewpoints from fellow thinkers.
The event will take place at BRIG Café at The Warehouse, located in the Birmingham city centre. The ambiance is perfect for connecting with others who, like you, are searching for deeper understanding and meaningful connections.
Tickets are £5. We also have a buy one get one free offer if you're purchasing with a friend. As a registered charity, all revenue generated from tickets will go, in full, towards supporting Philosophers' Yard events and activities.
If paying for a ticket is not financially feasible for you or our ticketing system presents some other barrier, please contact thephilosophersyard@gmail.com. We have a small number of free tickets that will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis, no questions asked.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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The return of our ground-breaking course teaching transformative practices that will allow you to be more reflective, connected, and thoughtful — both with others and with your own ideas.
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The return of our ground-breaking four-part course teaching transformative practices that will allow you to be more reflective, connected, and thoughtful — both with others and with your own ideas.
Education
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Revisit the talks exploring what education is—and what it could be (to be uploaded Nov 2025).
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Logic and Intuition
In this meetup, Tom Peel shared insights drawn from Iain McGilchrist’s ideas on the hemispheres of the brain.
Thought Experiments
In this meetup, we explored classic philosophical puzzles like the Ship of Theseus, the Trolley Problem, and Mary’s Room.
Power Of Perspective
This meetup featured a talk from educator Lawna Tapper, who explored the significance of the narratives and perspectives that we hold about our lives.
Existentialism and Absurdism
In this session, we discussed thought-provoking questions about Existentialism and Absurdism: How can we make our own meaning? What should we do when things don't make sense? How can we enjoy life despite it all?
Philosophy: Bringing It Together
A ground-breaking four-part course teaching transformative practices that foster beneficial conversations, thought, and engagement.
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This event featured talks from Sam Braham on the “Meaning Crisis,” Revd Dr. Carver Anderson on life’s fragility and sacredness, and Professor Michael Hand on why inquiry into the meaning of life should be included in the school curriculum. Featuring a live performance by poet M. L. Walsh.
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What is Practice?
A ground-breaking four-part course teaching transformative practices that foster beneficial conversations, thought, and engagement.
Disability and Inclusivity
Our meetup on inclusivity & disability featured a talk from Philosophy of Disability PhD student, Susie Clark.
Astrology
Join us for a fascinating evening of learning and discussion as we explore Astrology.
Anti-Racism
This gathering is an open invitation to people of all backgrounds to explore the topic of Anti-Racism alongside the Birmingham Race Impact Group.
Capitalism
Meetups are an opportunity to find like-minded people interested in deep conversations! This meetup is a follow-up to our event capitalism
Capitalism
A fascinating evening of learning and discussion as we explore capitalism and financial well-being.
Sobriety and Health
At the start of a new year, we hosted a special meetup in the Bullring to talk about sober and healthy living.
New Years Resolutions
The Philosophers' Yard invites you to our next thought-provoking Meetup, where we'll explore the topic of New Years Resolutions
Inner Peace
This gathering was an open invitation to people of all backgrounds to explore inner peace and how philosophy can be a way into it.
Creativity
This gathering was an open invitation to people of all backgrounds to explore Creativity.
Do we have Free Will?
Join us for a fascinating evening of learning and discussion as we explore different sides of the 'free will' debate.
Purpose and Meaning
This gathering was an open invitation to people of all backgrounds to explore what gives meaning and purpose to our lives.
Spirituality
This gathering was an open invitation to people of all backgrounds to explore Spirituality.
Human Connection
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Join us for a fascinating evening of learning and discussion as we explore Democracy.
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Love 1: Love & Monogamy
Join us for a fascinating evening of learning and discussion as we explore Love, with talks from Dr Natasha McKeever and Dharmashalin. Also featuring live music from Caitlin LM.