Love & Monogamy (In-person and Online)
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Love & Monogamy (In-person and Online)

In this event, we will explore the concept of monogamy and discover centuries old practices for nourishing our capacity for warmth and love.

By The Philosophers' Yard

Date and time

Thu, 2 May 2024 18:30 - 21:00 GMT+1

Location

The Exchange

3 Centenary Square Birmingham B1 2DR United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Contact the organiser to request a refund.
Eventbrite's fee is nonrefundable.

Agenda

6:40 PM - 6:45 PM

Welcome and introduction

6:45 PM - 6:55 PM

Live music

Caitlin LM

6:55 PM - 7:25 PM

Presentation on monogamy

Dr Natasha McKeever, University of Leeds

7:25 PM - 7:50 PM

Talk on Buddhist concepts of love

Dharmashalin, Birmingham Buddhist Centre

7:50 PM - 8:50 PM

Interactive break-out rooms

8:50 PM - 9:00 PM

Plenary and evaluation

About this event

  • 2 hours 30 minutes

The vast majority of romantic relationships in the Western world are still, in name at least, monogamous. Those in non-monogamous relationships face prejudice and suspicion. However, monogamy is also puzzling, and some philosophers have argued that it is irrational and even immoral. In this session, Dr Natasha McKeever from the University of Leeds will invite us to try to make sense of monogamy together, considering questions such as: What does it mean to be monogamous - does it mean not desiring anyone else, not flirting, not having intimate friendships, or is it just about sex and romantic love outside of the relationship? What value does monogamy bring us? And is it ok to restrict the people we love from things they desire?

Our second speaker, Dharmashalin will offer a different perspective on love, based on the Buddha’s profound vision of humanity. The challenge of Buddhist thought is that we should not experience ourselves as small and limited with only enough love for a few chosen people, but as beings that can have a sense of openness and connection with all that live. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the methods used by Buddhists to help us nourish and expand our capacity for warmth and love, for ourselves and those around us.

This event will begin and end with live music from the electronic producer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Caitlin LM.


Quotes from past attendees:

“It was a chance to talk about real life topics with people outside of your normal social circle”

“I liked how it wasn’t just lots of talks, there was music and also aspects of different cultures and lifestyles explored”

"Having these gatherings provides accountability and the chance to learn from each other and to reconsider your values”


Ticketing

Please note that there are three ticketing options, available for both in-person and online tickets:

  • General admission, £5
  • Free ticket
  • Donation ticket, where you can select how much to pay

As a registered charity, all revenue generated from tickets will go, in full, towards supporting Philosophers' Yard events and activities. We are committed to there not being a financial barrier for people who want to attend our events and explore life's big questions. So, please select the option that is best for you.

Once you have selected your ticket, you will be able to confirm later if you are planning to attend in-person or online.

Organised by

The Philosophers’ Yard provides a neutral and safe space for exploring life's big questions, founded on the principles of:

Curiosity

  • We seek to challenge and develop our thinking about ourselves and the world around us
  • We are free to ask questions and to say when we don't have answers

Creativity

  • We act in ways that develop self-understanding and cultivate happiness
  • We provide opportunities to use practices that help us to reflect, explore and become (always explaining these practices and giving people the option not to participate)

Community

  • We value community and are committed to welcoming difference and diversity of thought
  • We have zero tolerance for hate speech, discrimination and violent language, behaviour or actions
£0 – £6.13