Budapest Philosophy Group

“We live in a world where the most familiar thing—our own conscious experience—remains the most mysterious and elusive phenomenon.”
— David Chalmers

Session Outline
If you are new to philosophy or the debate on consciousness, don’t worry—this discussion is for everyone, no previous knowledge required.

Let’s start with this thought:
Imagine being aware of yourself right now, sensing your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings—yet science has no definitive explanation for how such subjective experience arises from physical matter. Is consciousness simply brain activity, or does it reveal something deeper about reality? Throughout history, philosophers and scientists have grappled with the nature of consciousness, from Descartes’ dualism to modern physicalist and panpsychist theories.

This session will touch on key perspectives including the “hard problem” of consciousness, challenges in neuroscience, and contemporary debates about artificial intelligence and animal minds. We will refer to influential thinkers like David Chalmers, Thomas Nagel, and more.

Join us to share your reflections on your own experience of awareness and the puzzles it presents.
Our debate will revolve around the fundamental riddle of what consciousness really is, why it matters, and how it shapes our understanding of mind, reality, and identity.

Introduction (15 minutes)
We start with a short introduction of the guests.
Group Discussion (1 hour and 45 minutes)
Here are some questions to spark the debate:
• What is consciousness—how would you describe it based on your everyday experience?
• Have you ever noticed moments when you felt fully aware or “present”? What was that like?
• Why do you think consciousness feels so hard to explain, even though it is so familiar?
• Do you believe your thoughts and feelings are simply brain activity, or something more?
• Have you ever felt like you were “acting on autopilot” without real awareness? What does that teach you about consciousness?
• How do you think animals or even machines might experience consciousness, if at all?
• Can you imagine a person who looks and acts like you but doesn’t actually feel anything inside? How does that affect your view of consciousness?
• How do altered states like dreaming, daydreaming, or meditation change how you feel consciousness?
• How has your understanding or appreciation of consciousness changed over your life?
• Why do you think consciousness is important to who you are as a person?
• Can we imagine living without consciousness? What does that mean for how we think about existence?

How to contribute:
From this event on, we will have a donation jar, with a recommended contribution of 400 HUF per person, to cover the costs of the meetup subscription.

Also, the Philosophy Club continues its collaboration with Kovasz and epicurea.hu. You are free to drink whatever you want, but if interested, we arranged for significant discounts on alcohol-free wine glasses, available for pre-order before the event:
• White wine (Disfrutand00) 1000 HUF: https://epicurea.hu/en/pre-buy-alcohol-free-glasses/verdejo-by-disfrutand00-alcohol-free-white-wine-glass
• Red wine (Tiptop) 1500 HUF: https://epicurea.hu/en/pre-buy-alcohol-free-glasses/tiptop-s-merlot-from-bordeaux-alcohol-free-red-wine-glass
• Red wine (Zeronimo Zweigelt) 2000 HUF: https://epicurea.hu/en/pre-buy-alcohol-free-glasses/zweigelt-by-zeronimo-alcohol-free-red-wine-glass

Thank you!

“No one has ever become poor by giving.”
— Anne Frank

Session Outline
If you are new to philosophy or the questions of ethics and meaning around gift-giving and generosity, don’t worry—this discussion is for everyone, no previous knowledge required.

Let’s start with this thought:
Imagine the act of giving: What makes a gift meaningful? Is it the thing itself, the intention behind it, or the relationship it symbolizes? How do generosity and obligation interact, especially during the holiday season? Can true giving be without expectation or self-interest? And beyond material gifts—time, kindness, or attention—how do these acts deepen human connection and meaning?

Preparation for the Session:
• Share stories of a meaningful gift you gave or received.
• Reflect on how giving and receiving made you feel, and why.
• Participants are encouraged to bring a small wrapped anonymous “gift” (costing no more than 800 Ft) for a fun gift exchange.

Join us to exchange ideas, stories, and reflections about the true spirit of giving—beyond material possessions.
Our debate will explore themes of altruism, reciprocity, gratitude, and the deeper values behind holiday traditions.

Introduction (15 minutes)
We start with a short introduction of the guests.
Group Discussion (1 hour and 45 minutes)
Here are some questions to spark the debate:
• What does it mean to give “selflessly”? Is pure altruism possible?
• How does commercialism influence the meaning of giving during Christmas?
• Is anonymous giving more virtuous than giving publicly? Does it matter?
• Can giving ever have negative or unintended consequences?
• How does gratitude shape our experience of gift-giving?
• Beyond physical gifts, what acts of kindness or time deepen bonds?
• How do different cultures naturally understand generosity during holidays?
• Have you experienced a gift that changed your perspective on life or others?
• What lessons about generosity and human connection can we carry beyond the holidays?

The Philosophy Club continues its collaboration with Kovasz and epicurea.hu. You are free to drink whatever you like, but if interested, we arranged for discounts on alcohol-free wine glasses, available to pre-order:
• White wine (Disfrutand00) 1000 HUF: https://epicurea.hu/en/pre-buy-alcohol-free-glasses/verdejo-by-disfrutand00-alcohol-free-white-wine-glass
• Red wine (Tiptop) 1500 HUF: https://epicurea.hu/en/pre-buy-alcohol-free-glasses/tiptop-s-merlot-from-bordeaux-alcohol-free-red-wine-glass
• Red wine (Zeronimo Zweigelt) 2000 HUF: https://epicurea.hu/en/pre-buy-alcohol-free-glasses/zweigelt-by-zeronimo-alcohol-free-red-wine-glass

Looking forward to heartfelt stories and meaningful reflections this festive season!