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[[File:Webinar-metaculture-belief-system-book-club-series-class-questions-answers-fractal.jpg|thumb|Sit back, relax, and have your [[mind]] blown]]
[[File:Webinar-metaculture-belief-system-book-club-series-class-questions-answers-fractal.jpg|thumb|Sit back, relax, and have your [[mind]] blown]]The [[metaculture]] Webinar Series covers all of the subjects in the wiki over ten sessions, breaking it into related groups of pages, and providing thought-provoking discussion questions for each.  
The [[metaculture]] Webinar Series divides the complete [[philosophy]] into a series of presentations and discussions by category.  


'''''Please Note: The start date has been moved from March 4 to March 11. Same time, 1 week later! Sorry for any inconvenience.'''''
The discussions will be relevant to a wide range of [[universalist]], [[secular humanist]], [[atheist]], and other [[progressive]] [[spiritual]] groups, and will help encourage productive dialogs between them that help build broader coalitions.  


=== Wiki Book Club ===
Sign up here to receive updates, reminders, and meeting links for [[future]] webinars and live events.
This allows the [[wiki]] to be tackled in a "[[Reading List|Book Club]]" style, reading a manageable section on a single topic and then meeting to discuss. Should your book club wish to read the [[metaculture]] [[wiki]] without the webinars, this outline would serve as an appropriate roadmap.


Before each session you should read all of the pages in the list, and watch the associated videos. For topics that you are very familiar with you may choose to skip some of the videos, especially the longer ones. The 1.25x speed setting can help as well. The webinars will assume you have read all the pages and are familiar with the concepts presented in the videos.
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=== Live Events ===
Check the [https://www.meetup.com/sunday-assembly-knoxville '''Sunday Nomads Meetup Group'''] for local events in East Tennessee that our mods and friends plan to participate in.
 
The [[Church Research|'''Church Research''']] page has reviews of various regional [[religious]] services we have visited, and some other events that have induced [[spiritual]] experiences.


=== Focus on Connections ===
The '''[[ISNESS]]''' is a model for a modern major interfaith activity and discussion group centered around the intersection of [[science]], [[psychology]], [[psychedelics]], and [[religion]].
Due to the broad range of topics being covered, discussion will focus on the core [[Philosophy|philosophical]] tenets and unique [[Perspective|perspectives]] of the [[Belief System|belief system]], the [[rhetorical]] and [[persuasive]] advantages of this approach, and how each subject relates to the [[holistic]] view of the [[universe]] presented by [[metaculture]]. The goal is to [[bridge the gap]] between common understandings of these subjects and the best available evidence. So read the Wikipedia links if you don't yet have the common understanding!


=== Enlightenment or Your Money Back! ===
=== Host a Discussion Group ===
At the end of this free 10-part webinar series, you are guaranteed to achieve a new sense of [[scientific]] and [[spiritual]] [[enlightenment]] that you never had before. If the webinar series fails to achieve this goal, you will be issued a full refund and sincere apology.
The webinar series covers the [[wiki]] in a "[[Reading List|Book Club]]" style, reading a manageable section on a single topic and then meeting to discuss.  


=== metaculture Mondays Start March 11, 2024 @ 8:30PM Eastern ===
These topics also make great fodder for any [[philosophical]], [[Secular humanist|humanist]], or [[spiritual]] discussion group you may be a part of.
Sign up here to receive the webinar registration links for this and future webinars. metaculture Mondays repeats every 2 weeks (3/11, 3/25, 4/8, 4/22, 5/6, 5/20, 6/3, 6/17, 7/1, 7/15).


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The moderators are available to facilitate discussions over zoom for your [[Organizations|organization]], or in person within the Southeast region between Atlanta, Nashville, Lexington, and Asheville. Contact [mailto:fractalguy@metaculture.net fractalguy@metaculture.net] to schedule a session.


== 1 Introduction ==
== 1 Introduction ==
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* [[Holistic]] [[Perspective]]
* [[Holistic]] [[Perspective]]
* [[Persuasion|Persuasive Power]]
* [[Persuasion|Persuasive Power]]
* [[Necessary Prerequisite|Necessary Prerequisites]]
* [[Dogma|The Dogma of No Dogma]]
* [[Dogma|The Dogma of No Dogma]]
* [[Enlightenment]] and the [[Meaning of Life]]
* [[Enlightenment]] and the [[Meaning of Life]]
* [[Necessary Prerequisite|Necessary Prerequisites]]
* [[Wiki|Why a wiki?]]
* [[Wiki|Why a wiki?]]
* [[Wiki|How to wiki]]
* [[Wiki|How to wiki]]
=== Ponderin' Questions ===
* Is there any single [[Reading List|work]] that reflects your [[beliefs]] as a whole? Or a significant portion?
* Are there any other goals for [[society]] that should be prioritized enough to list on the [[Main Page|home page]]?
* Is [[science]] [[culturally neutral]]? Can it be?
* How does the Paradox of Tolerance impact the goal of creating a [[universal in-group]]?
* Is it intellectually honest to take a position or [[perspective]] due to its superior [[persuasive]] power?
* What are the most important concepts required to understand the [[secular humanist]] [[perspective]]?
* Is it possible to codify [[beliefs]] without them becoming [[dogma]]?
* What is the [[Meaning of Life|meaning of life]]?
* Have you ever edited a [[Wiki|Wikipedia]] page? Which ones?


== 2 Metaphysics and Theology ==
== 2 Metaphysics and Theology ==
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* [[Philosophy]]
* [[Philosophy]]
* [[Religion]]
* [[Religion]]
* [[Reality]] and the [[Laws of physics|Laws of Physics]]
* [[Science]], [[Reality]] and the [[Laws of physics|Laws of Physics]]
* [[Mathematics and Logic|Logic]] and [[Inevitability]]
* [[Mathematics and Logic|Logic]] and [[Inevitability]]
* [[God]]
* [[Inevitability|Atheism]][[Inevitability|,]] [[Literalism]], and [[Allegory]]
* [[Faith]], [[Life choices|Life Choices]], and [[The Gambler]]
* [[God]] and the [[God Concept]]
* [[Pantheism]]
* [[Pantheism]]
* [[Universalist]]
* [[Universalist]] and [[Universe]]
* [[Universe]]
* [[Atheism]], [[Literalism]], and [[Allegory]]
* [[Fractal Geometry of God]]
* [[Fractal Geometry of God]]
* [[Faith]], [[Life choices|Life Choices]], and [[The Gambler]]
 
=== Ponderin' Questions ===
 
* Are there any other [[social]] or [[psychological]] functions of [[religion]] not mentioned here?
* Do you consider some aspects of [[reality]] to be [[Inevitability|inevitable]] (must be)? Which ones?
* Does belief in the [[supernatural]] have any impact on your [[life choices]] if the [[laws of physics]] are never violated?
* What are examples of [[faith]]-based beliefs that are still required in a [[secular]] [[Belief System|belief system]]?
* Do you think it is [[The Gambler|likely]] that we live in a [[simulation]]?
* How do you define [[god]]?
* What are some other examples of modern [[God Concept|god concepts]]?
* What are some other functions, principles, or [[truths]] that are [[universal]] to all [[religions]]?
* Are there any aspects of [[god]] not found in the [[universe]] itself?
* Aren't [[fractals]] [[Wonder|awesome]]?


== 3 Empirical Ethics ==
== 3 Empirical Ethics ==
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* [[Moderation]]
* [[Moderation]]
* [[These things are bad, mkay?]]
* [[These things are bad, mkay?]]
=== Ponderin' Questions ===
* Can you conceive of another [[ethical]] system besides [[utilitarianism]] whose results could be studied empirically?
* Is "[[happiness and well-being]]" an accurate description of our [[psychological]] goals?
* How much weight should [[Future people|future generations]] have in our [[ethical]] calculus? How many generations should be considered?
* Are there other fundamental [[ethical]] dichotomies besides [[Quality of life versus quantity of life|quantity of life versus quality of life]]?
* What do you find to be the most [[Persuasion|persuasive]] argument for your position on [[abortion]], [[euthanasia]], or the [[death penalty]]?
* What are your personal strategies for [[Moderation|avoiding excessive indulgence]]?
* What other kinds of behavior would your version of [[God|god's]] commandments [[These things are bad, mkay?|forbid]]?


== 4 Gödel, Feedback Loops and Fractals ==
== 4 Gödel, Feedback Loops and Fractals ==
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* [[Self-Similarity]]
* [[Self-Similarity]]
* [[Self-correction|Self-Correction]]
* [[Self-correction|Self-Correction]]
=== Ponderin' Questions ===
* Do you really understand [[Gödel|Gödel's Incompleteness Theorems]] or do you just say you do?
* Does Al Gore have rhythm? How much responsibility can he legitimately claim for the invention of the internet?
* Will [[Algorithm|algorithmic]] thinking become a core skill or will it be replaced by [[AI]]?
* What are some other examples of [[feedback loops]] in [[nature]]?
* What are some other examples of [[feedback loops]] in [[society]]?
* How does [[Gödel|Gödel's Incompleteness Theorems]] relate to the Paradox of Tolerance?
* How is the nature of [[truth]] like the border between 0 and infinity of the Mandelbrot set? Or the coastline of England?
* What is an example of a [[belief]], [[Social norms|social norm]], or [[law]] in [[society]] that has led to some unintended consequence due to the "butterfly effect"?
* How does [[Self-Similarity|self-similarity]] reduce the amount of [[information]] required to encode [[natural]] designs?
* How has the principle of [[self-correction]] been implemented in some system that you know about?


== 5 Consciousness and the Mind/Body Relationship ==
== 5 Consciousness and the Mind/Body Relationship ==
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* [[Subjective|Subjectivity]]
* [[Subjective|Subjectivity]]
* [[Psychedelics]]
* [[Psychedelics]]
=== Ponderin' Questions ===
* Do you believe that the [[mind]] is purely [[material]]? Or is it something separate?
* What activities put you in a flow state? When do you feel most [[mindful]]?
* Does the [[universe]] have [[consciousness]]?
* Do you believe we have [[free will]]? Can we control our actions with our thoughts?
* What is a [[time]] you have changed your environment to aid your [[willpower]]?
* Do you believe in the similarity of [[subjective]] experiences? Is your perception of color the same as others?
* What is your solution to the hard problem of [[consciousness]]?


== 6 Brain and Behavior ==
== 6 Brain and Behavior ==
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* [[Emotions]]
* [[Emotions]]
* [[Placebo effect|The Placebo Effect]]
* [[Placebo effect|The Placebo Effect]]
=== Ponderin' Questions ===
* At what point in our development do we truly become [[self-aware]]?
* Are animals [[self-aware]]? Which ones?
* What are some examples of modern conflicting ideas that cause the most [[Cognitive Dissonance|cognitive dissonance]]?
* What is an example of a time when you had [[Cognitive Dissonance|cognitive dissonance]] and how was it resolved?
* What is the thing with the most [[Salience|motivational salience]] to you?
* Is there a [[habit]] that you have tried to quit? Were you successful? What strategy did you employ?
* When was a time that [[Delayed gratification|delaying gratification]] paid off for you?
* What [[temptation]] is your weakness? What do you do to mitigate that?
* What's your favorite [[emotion]] other than happiness/joy? What is your least favorite?
* What is a strategy you employ to break out of a negative [[emotional]] state?
* Have you ever been cured by a [[placebo]]?
* Can the [[placebo effect]] be elicited using [[rituals]]?
* If you had to create a new [[placebo]] [[ritual]], what would it be?


== 7 Creation, Evolution, and Metaphor Mapping ==
== 7 Creation, Evolution, and Metaphor Mapping ==
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* [[Heaven and Hell]]
* [[Heaven and Hell]]
* [[Sierpinski Trinity]]
* [[Sierpinski Trinity]]
=== Ponderin' Questions ===
* Do you think that most self-described [[Scripture|scriptural]] "[[literalists]]" truly believe it absolutely? Or would the necessity of interpretation ultimately be acknowledged when pressed on the issue?
* What is your favorite [[Creation Story|creation]] myth?
* Is it intellectually honest to say that the [[big bang]] and [[evolution]] is "how [[god]] did it"?
* What are the key concepts required to understand [[evolution]] that are not explained in [[school]]? What are the gaps in [[creationist]] understanding?
* Is there a [[psychological]] benefit to the belief in the continuity of [[consciousness]] and [[self-awareness]] after [[death]]?
* Were [[Heaven and Hell|heaven and hell]] originally meant to be [[allegories]] for states of [[mind]] or were they meant to be [[literal]]?
* Are you starting to feel the [[Sierpinski Trinity|holy spirit]] of the [[fractal]] [[universe]]?


== 8 Flavors of Modern B.S. ==
== 8 Flavors of Modern B.S. ==
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* [[Critical thinking|Critical Thinking]]
* [[Critical thinking|Critical Thinking]]
* [[Social norms|Social Norms]] and [[Taboo|Taboos]]
* [[Social norms|Social Norms]] and [[Taboo|Taboos]]
=== Ponderin' Questions ===
* What impact would an [[AI]]-optimized newsfeed [[algorithm]] that maximizes [[happiness]] reactions have on [[society]]?
* What would you change about he nature of online discourse if you could change one thing?
* What form of modern [[grift]] not mentioned [[Grift|here]] should be added to the list?
* What [[Pseudoscience|pseudoscientific]] belief is your personal pet peeve?
* Are there other [[scientific]] fields besides [[Quantum mechanics|Quantum Mechanics]] that lend themselves to [[pseudoscience]] and [[woo]]?
* How can secular progressive philosophy appeal to the adolescent male [[mind]]?
* How does [[Jordan Peterson]] and the [[manosphere]] manage to appeal to young men more than any [[progressive]] [[philosophy]]?
* Is it possible to avoid [[in-group]] bias in the application of [[critical thinking]]?
* What new [[taboos]] are required to maintain the social order in the [[future]]?


== 9 Politics, Government and Economics ==
== 9 Politics, Government and Economics ==
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* [[Justice|Equal Justice for all citizens]]
* [[Justice|Equal Justice for all citizens]]
* Mixed [[Economy]] with the best elements of [[Socialism]] and [[Capitalism]]
* Mixed [[Economy]] with the best elements of [[Socialism]] and [[Capitalism]]
=== Ponderin' Questions ===
* Are there any third way or fourth way [[political]] orientations that are not covered in the modern [[political]] compass?
* Is it ever ok to ''not'' punch a [[fascist]]?
* How do utopian visions of [[future]] societies lead to [[genocide]]?
* Is the limitation of [[freedom]] that does not harm another person ever justified?
* How does the Paradox of Tolerance impact your views on [[Freedom of Speech|freedom of speech]]?
* Do the values of a liberal, [[progressive]] society necessarily infringe on the [[Religious Freedom|religious liberty]] of traditionalists?
* What [[power]] structures in modern [[society]] are out of [[Balance of power|balance]]?
* Do European countries that lack an absolute [[Separation of Church and State]] suffer from religious intolerance or indoctrination?
* Can you explain the US student loan system in a way that someone who does not know their socioeconomic position at birth would choose it?


== 10 Best Practices For Life ==
== 10 Best Practices For Life ==
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* [[Death]]
* [[Death]]
* [[Afterlife]]
* [[Afterlife]]
=== Ponderin' Questions ===
* What fields have well-established [[best practices]]?
* Which fields really need [[best practices]] but don't have them?
* Which ones would be very difficult to apply [[evidence-based best practices]] and why?
* What other aspects of [[life]] should be covered in the above list but aren't?
* What should be included in the evidence standards that would trigger a major revision to a recommendation?
* What should determine the most important facts that need to be covered for each subject to avoid [[information overload]]?
* How can the diversity of [[culture]] and methods for finding [[happiness]] be celebrated throughout to avoid any tendency towards homogenization?

Latest revision as of 10:36, 26 October 2024

Sit back, relax, and have your mind blown

The metaculture Webinar Series covers all of the subjects in the wiki over ten sessions, breaking it into related groups of pages, and providing thought-provoking discussion questions for each.

The discussions will be relevant to a wide range of universalist, secular humanist, atheist, and other progressive spiritual groups, and will help encourage productive dialogs between them that help build broader coalitions.

Sign up here to receive updates, reminders, and meeting links for future webinars and live events.

Live Events

Check the Sunday Nomads Meetup Group for local events in East Tennessee that our mods and friends plan to participate in.

The Church Research page has reviews of various regional religious services we have visited, and some other events that have induced spiritual experiences.

The ISNESS is a model for a modern major interfaith activity and discussion group centered around the intersection of science, psychology, psychedelics, and religion.

Host a Discussion Group

The webinar series covers the wiki in a "Book Club" style, reading a manageable section on a single topic and then meeting to discuss.

These topics also make great fodder for any philosophical, humanist, or spiritual discussion group you may be a part of.

The moderators are available to facilitate discussions over zoom for your organization, or in person within the Southeast region between Atlanta, Nashville, Lexington, and Asheville. Contact fractalguy@metaculture.net to schedule a session.

1 Introduction

Fractals, fractals, fractals

Start with an introduction to the metaculture belief system, explaining the primary goals, expected benefits, and reasons behind the undertaking.

Ponderin' Questions

2 Metaphysics and Theology

Freedom of Religion

Since one of the primary goals is the resolution of cognitive dissonance caused by science and religion, the metaphysical and theological assumptions are a logical place to start.

Ponderin' Questions

3 Empirical Ethics

Ethics

The goal of our ethics and what humans consider "good" is encoded in our brains by evolution. Therefore, the pursuit of happiness and well-being is the objective goal of our actions.

The way we interpret these instincts becomes the generating equation that creates the pattern of our life choices.

Ponderin' Questions

4 Gödel, Feedback Loops and Fractals

Self-referential

When self-reference is introduced into any mathematical system, strange (loop) things start to happen.

Ponderin' Questions

5 Consciousness and the Mind/Body Relationship

Brainy

A crash course in how the brain works, with a particular emphasis on the hard problem of consciousness, the mind/brain relationship, and how understanding the activity of neural networks can help us understand our own behavior.

Ponderin' Questions

  • Do you believe that the mind is purely material? Or is it something separate?
  • What activities put you in a flow state? When do you feel most mindful?
  • Does the universe have consciousness?
  • Do you believe we have free will? Can we control our actions with our thoughts?
  • What is a time you have changed your environment to aid your willpower?
  • Do you believe in the similarity of subjective experiences? Is your perception of color the same as others?
  • What is your solution to the hard problem of consciousness?

6 Brain and Behavior

More brainy

Exploring the other areas related to psychology, with a particular emphasis on the things that determine our life choices and behaviors.

Ponderin' Questions

  • At what point in our development do we truly become self-aware?
  • Are animals self-aware? Which ones?
  • What are some examples of modern conflicting ideas that cause the most cognitive dissonance?
  • What is an example of a time when you had cognitive dissonance and how was it resolved?
  • What is the thing with the most motivational salience to you?
  • Is there a habit that you have tried to quit? Were you successful? What strategy did you employ?
  • When was a time that delaying gratification paid off for you?
  • What temptation is your weakness? What do you do to mitigate that?
  • What's your favorite emotion other than happiness/joy? What is your least favorite?
  • What is a strategy you employ to break out of a negative emotional state?
  • Have you ever been cured by a placebo?
  • Can the placebo effect be elicited using rituals?
  • If you had to create a new placebo ritual, what would it be?

7 Creation, Evolution, and Metaphor Mapping

Fractal Trinity

Exploring how the application of the fractal metaphor and principles of self-organization can help people understand the nature of complex systems like evolution, as well as illustrating the natural analogs for spiritual allegories.

Ponderin' Questions

8 Flavors of Modern B.S.

Spot the grift

Reason and critical thinking are vital skills in late stage capitalism, where you can be grifted by anyone in the world at any time, and many of the schemes are legal. Developing new social norms will be necessary to counter these trends.

Ponderin' Questions

9 Politics, Government and Economics

You should vote

Evidence-based best practices for creating a society that is effective at maximizing happiness and well-being for its citizens and fulfilling the utilitarian ethos.

Ponderin' Questions

  • Are there any third way or fourth way political orientations that are not covered in the modern political compass?
  • Is it ever ok to not punch a fascist?
  • How do utopian visions of future societies lead to genocide?
  • Is the limitation of freedom that does not harm another person ever justified?
  • How does the Paradox of Tolerance impact your views on freedom of speech?
  • Do the values of a liberal, progressive society necessarily infringe on the religious liberty of traditionalists?
  • What power structures in modern society are out of balance?
  • Do European countries that lack an absolute Separation of Church and State suffer from religious intolerance or indoctrination?
  • Can you explain the US student loan system in a way that someone who does not know their socioeconomic position at birth would choose it?

10 Best Practices For Life

Love is a best practice

The rest of the webinar series will focus on the application of science and evidence to maximizing happiness and well-being in society to every aspect of future culture. When the best practices section has been fully developed, each of these bullets could become its own session.

For the initial webinar, it will focus on the need to develop an authoritative guide for making effective life choices that is continually updated based on the best available evidence, so people don't have to figure everything out for themselves amidst a sea of misinformation.

Ponderin' Questions

  • What fields have well-established best practices?
  • Which fields really need best practices but don't have them?
  • Which ones would be very difficult to apply evidence-based best practices and why?
  • What other aspects of life should be covered in the above list but aren't?
  • What should be included in the evidence standards that would trigger a major revision to a recommendation?
  • What should determine the most important facts that need to be covered for each subject to avoid information overload?
  • How can the diversity of culture and methods for finding happiness be celebrated throughout to avoid any tendency towards homogenization?
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