Sun · 26 July · 15:00 · Al Hamra
**What does it actually mean to *know* something?** Most of us rarely stop to ask this question. We simply assume we know countless things about ourselves and the world. But upon closer inspection, the matter becomes surprisingly mysterious. * Can we really know anything with absolute certainty? * Is there a difference between direct experience and conceptual knowledge? * Can logic and science ever provide complete certainty, or are they always vulnerable to unnoticed mistakes? And what do spiritual traditions mean when they speak of *insight*, *awakening* or *realization*? Are they simply referring to a different way of looking at ordinary experience, or are they pointing towards an entirely different kind of knowing? These are the questions we will explore together in this meetup. Among other things, our discussion may touch on: * What is knowledge, and why do we seek it? * What is the difference between direct experience, memory, conceptual understanding and practical skills? * Is any form of knowledge completely certain? * How reliable are reason and logic? Can we ever be sure we have applied them correctly? * How do we know that we are conscious? * Can we know that other conscious minds exist? * Is there such a thing as spiritual insight or direct knowing that cannot be reached through reasoning alone? * If so, what exactly would distinguish it from ordinary experience or conceptual thought? Our aim is to explore these questions together with openness, curiosity and mutual respect. People from all spiritual traditions, philosophical backgrounds—or none at all—are warmly welcome. **If you'd like a little inspiration beforehand**, the following four short videos present four different perspectives on knowledge, certainty and consciousness. They are not intended to provide answers or represent the views of the organizer. Feel free to watch one, all or none of them before the event. 1. **[The Dunning–Kruger Effect](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FGnb2lgPBA)** – Why are we often more certain than we should be? 2. **[Can We Be Certain of Anything?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDNCv-ob87E)** – A short introduction to Descartes' method of radical doubt. 3. **[Can We Explain Consciousness?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCD2A_bhDTI)** – Sabine Hossenfelder presents a thought-provoking physicalist perspective on consciousness and qualia. Whether you find her arguments convincing or not, they raise important questions about the relationship between subjective experience and scientific explanation. 4. **[Awareness without Objects](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRLrgoPkSU4)** – Rupert Spira presents a radically different perspective, asking whether awareness itself may represent a unique kind of knowing. Whether or not you watch the videos, I look forward to an enjoyable afternoon of thoughtful conversation, shared exploration and perhaps a few new questions to take home. 🌿