Is it ok to be friends with my chatbot? by Neighbourhood Philosophy Club

Chatbots have quietly moved into our lives. They plan our holidays, perfect our lasagne recipes, and polish our résumés.

For some of us, they’ve become something more: a confidant at 2am, a friend, even a partner.

Should this be a comfort or a concern? Can something that never tires of us, never judges and never needs anything back really be a friend? And what even is a friend anyway?

Lynne and Roxy take opposite sides, then it’s over to you.

No philosophy degree required, just curiosity (and perhaps a drink).

Neighbourhood Philosophy Club is a monthly event for those who enjoy participating in and listening to great discussion. Each month we’ll tackle a big question, where hosts, Lynne and Roxy will introduce multiple perspectives shaped by the ideas of ancient and modern philosophers. Then it’s over to you, with time for discussion in smaller groups. 

We aim for enough conversation starters to keep the discussion rolling, enough space for unexpected insights and new friendships!

Bring an open mind, buy a drink, and enjoy the spark of a great conversation.

Lynne and Roxy met serendipitously, volunteering at the Festival of Dangerous Ideas, with a shared dream to create a space for people to have the kinds of philosophical conversations that don’t emerge naturally as often as we would like.

Lynne studied philosophy for four years, then spent two decades asking hard questions for a living. She is now learning to paint and write, proving Socrates’ point that the more you know, the more you realise you don’t.

Roxy has taught teenagers for over a decade and set up shop creating makeshift Philosophy and Ethics courses in a variety of schools. She is, first and foremost, a professional yapper and diehard lover of the arts.

Neighbourhood Philosophy Club is the natural result of a shared conviction that big, existential conversations are a touchstone of our humanity, and a love of connecting with people. We invite anyone and everyone to join our mission to democratise philosophical conversations and have some fun while we do it.