Lunchtime Discussion Group

Dine and Discuss in a friendly environment!

Join us for our popular Lunchtime Discussion Group for an afternoon of friendly conversation whilst dining at a local restaurant.

This month we'll be discussing Navigating Truth in an Age of Information Overload

Half a century ago, information was meticulously curated by newspapers, television and radio stations, book publishers, libraries, and a variety of other social institutions. These entities operated within a legal framework designed to address abuses.

The emergence of the internet and social media has radically transformed this landscape. Information is now more accessible than ever before in human history. With just a few clicks, we can access the latest news, entertainment, scientific discoveries, and political viewpoints. We can communicate directly with people worldwide, bypassing traditional intermediaries. This newfound accessibility has brought tremendous benefits.

However, this freedom has also led to an overwhelming influx of misinformation, half-truths, and outright falsehoods. Many of our social institutions are struggling to adapt, while malicious actors seek to manipulate and create discord. Our existing legal and regulatory frameworks are proving insufficient to address these challenges.

In this context, how can we differentiate between truth and fiction? Between fact and misinformation? What steps can we, as individuals, take to validate the information we consume? And what measures are needed on a broader social scale to regulate this new information landscape?

About Discussion Group

Our discussions can cover any socially relevant issue. Participants decide on the topics for discussion based on their interests. From evolution to anthropology, from economics to psychology, from the environment to . . . anything that catches your interest.

If you want to contribute, we’d ask you to prepare something that has fired up your imagination. Contributions might be sharing ideas from a book or article you’ve read, or simply an idea that you’ve researched. Individuals will submit a written summary of their idea before the meal.

On the day, the group will question, discuss and assess the implications. If you want to come along to listen and comment, that’s fine too. The aim is to engage a group of like-minded people who enjoy understanding and challenging each other’s ideas.

Note that we've rebranded our Debating Club as a Discussion Group as this better reflects what we do.