u/Dr_Louise

In a recent Philosophy Club conversation about AI, we kept returning to the importance of human connection. But if human connection is so important, how do we actually build and participate in community when the world around us feels uncertain, divided, or chaotic?

Crisis can make community especially important, but it can also make participating in community harder. Together, we’ll explore what we owe one another, what it means to belong, and how we can participate in creating the kinds of communities we need.

I’m Dr. Louise, a philosophical counselor with a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame. Philosophy Club is a new community space here in South Bend where we think deeply together about questions that matter, using philosophical ideas to deepen our own understanding.

All you need to bring is your curiosity and a willingness to explore!

Free and open to the public.

August 17, 2026 6:30pm

St. Joseph County Library

Community Learning Center

Classroom C

305 S. Michigan St. South Bend, IN 46601

Even if you don’t use AI yourself, you’re likely being affected by it. As AI becomes woven into education, work, relationships, and everyday life, we’re all invited into deeper questions about who we are and what it means to flourish as human beings.

Together we’ll explore questions like: Which parts of thinking, creativity, memory, and even our identity can we share with technology. And, perhaps most importantly, what, if anything, should remain uniquely human?

I’m Dr. Louise, a philosophical counselor with a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame. Philosophy Club is a new community space here in South Bend where we think deeply together about questions that matter, using philosophical ideas to deepen our own understanding.

All you need to bring is your curiosity and a willingness to explore!

Free and open to the public.

Monday, July 20 at 6:30 PM
St. Joe County Public Library
Community Learning Center – Classroom C

About a month ago I posted here looking for interest in a Philosophy Club in South Bend. Quite a few people expressed interest, offered suggestions, and encouraged me to move forward.

I'm happy to report that the first meeting is officially scheduled!

Philosophy Club Thursday, June 11 at 6:30 PM

Community Learning Center – Classroom C

St. Joe County Public Library

Our first discussion topic will be:

How Do We Build Meaning in Uncertain Times?

Many of us inherited ideas about what a meaningful or successful life is supposed to look like. But in a world that feels increasingly uncertain, those old scripts don't always hold together the way they once did.

No background in philosophy is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to think together.

The event is free and open to the public.

And to everyone who responded to the original post: thank you. Your enthusiasm was a big part of what convinced me to make this happen.

We are going to meet up in Howard Park this Saturday May 30th at 3pm and enjoy some body doubling as we sit together reading whatever books you like. This event is hosted by the Unitarian Universalists of South Bend (UUSB) and is open to all ages! We will have a canopy with a banner with our name so you should find us easily.

UUSB is a non-dogmatic tradition and anyone who's beliefs are consistent with our values of Justice, Equity, Transformation, Pluralism, Interdependence, and Generosity are welcome. Although UUSB is a religious organization, this event will have no engagement with religion and is purely for the fun of enjoying time together.

You can get all the event details here: https://www.southbendtribune.com/things-to-do/events/?_evDiscoveryPath=/event/3648918-uusb-silent-reading-hour

I'm not sure yet which book I am going to bring. I just started The OverStory by Richard Powers which is proving to be very interesting. But I'm also in the 5th book of the Dungeon Crawler Carl series. That one is an audiobook, so I was thinking I might bring headphones and my paint by sticker book or something crafty to enjoy.

Whether you plan to join us or not, I'd love to hear what books you are currently reading. There is always more room on by TBR list haha.