The purpose of Socrates Cafe is to build a community that encourages people to think about their lives and provides a forum for doing so together. We start off each meeting gathering questions that have been on our minds. These questions range from "What is Truth?" to "Does democracy really exist?" to "What are the ramifications of pharmaceuticals on consciousness? to "Is it ever okay to lie?" There are no guidelines for good questions beyond the interests of the group. We then spend about two hours delving into the question -- not really trying to answer it, but rather trying to see it from as many different sides as we can, investigating its assumptions, getting beyond pat answers and appreciating the depth and complexity of all the issues we encounter. And that's pretty much it. The meetings are open to everyone. There is no agenda, no predetermined answers to the questions. People generally leave with new things to think about and a growing sense of community. Please don't bring any axes to grind! The first Socrates Cafe was started about 10 years ago by Christopher Phillips. Look for his book at your local library or Borders. Check Google or click below to find information about other Socrates Cafes around the country. Rob Drew and Jay Galvin started a Socrates Cafe in Pleasanton, California back in February, 2009. We invite people from all over the Tri-Valley area. (Livermore, Dublin, and San Ramon)