Salons
What is a Salon?
Salons in 18th century France were places of intellectual discourse on the topics of the day. They were inclusive to all genders and social classes, which was highly unusual at the time. In our salons, we strive for something similar. We create space for people from all backgrounds and perspectives to come together. We believe in learning through loving, even if contested, dialogue. And we don’t want to just talk about it. All salons incorporate practical purpose into the conversation.
Salon Format
Since 2019, we have hosted salons with varying formats. Some are more formal with expert opinions and others more casual and free-form.
Salons Include
- Inciting Topic or Question
- Supporting Research
- Small Group Discussions
Salon Locations
Our salons to date have been based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Please contact us if you are interested in starting one in your area.
Salon Places
- On a hike or at a beer garden
- Over dinner in a home or backyard
- Virtual (Zoom)
Recent Topics
2024
Mar 2024
China, Semiconductors, and War?
In an interconnected world, what role do semiconductors play in shaping our future?
What should we do about chips and China?
We discussed the future of China-U.S. relations, Taiwan’s strategic and uncertain position, and the role that semiconductors play in it all.
Feb 2024
Free Speech on Campus
What's permissible and what's not?
How do we draw the line?
In the wake of university leaders resigning from their positions over outcry for their responses to pro-Palestinian protests on campus, we discussed the limits (if any) that should be place on free speech on campus.
Jan 2024
Climate Science
What is it? And what do we do next?
What is climate change, and what should we do about it?
We discussed the causes and effects of greenhouse gas emissions and the human role in global warming by looking together at climate trends and scientific evidence.
Previous Years
OCT 2022
The Metaverse
What does it mean to be a person in the Metaverse?
What does it mean to be a person in the metaverse?
As we create incredibly immersive digital experiences using different AI technologies, how will these developments change us and our connections with one another and our world? In this salon, we discussed how technology-driven immersive experiences may impact our life experiences, definition of personhood, and connections with one another.
Aug 2019 & May 2022
Twitter & Free Speech
What is free speech? And what does it look like in the age of social media?
What is 'free speech?' And what does it look like in the age of social media?
In 2022, Elon Musk bought Twitter in part to preserve "free speech" by loosening some of its content moderation policies. In various salons, we have explored the tension between free speech and hate speech (2019), governmental responsibility (2020), and social media algorithms (2021). In our 2022 salon, we explored Musk's motivations, challenges, and, more broadly, the responsibility of social media companies with respect to censorship versus moderation.
Mar 2022
Polarization
How can we have loving debate in a polarized society?
How can we have loving debate in a polarized society?
The United States has seen severe and increasing antagonism between the right and left in American politics. Many Americans feel angry, lack respect, and even avoid associating with people from different political parties. In this salon, we invited a representative from the organization Braver Angels (braverangels.org) to teach us techniques for living out our mission to have loving, even if contested, dialogue.
May 2021 & Feb 2022
Cryptocurrency
What is the future of cryptocurrency and the technology that underpins it?
What is the future of cryptocurrency and the technology that underpins it?
The first decentralized cryptocurrency was Bitcoin, released in 2009. By early 2021, there were 5,000 different currencies, and Bitcoin had the 8th largest market cap out of companies traded globally — just below silver and Alphabet. At our 2021 salon we discussed the pros and cons of investing in crypto, whether it will become a reliable currency, and the technology innovation that underpins it. We hosted a follow up salon in early 2022 before the crypto market crash and FTX scandal later that year.
nov 2021
Caste | Racism
What is American racism? And is it the same as caste?
What is racism in the U.S.? And is it the same as the Indian caste system?
Caste defines a hierarchy that grants or refuses privilege and respect on the basis of perceived ranking in society. Over generations, caste has suppressed and oppressed certain groups of people for no reason other than that they were born into a certain group. In this salon, we debated the premise from Isabel Wilkerson's book, Caste, that racism in the U.S. was and currently is the same as the caste system in India. We also discussed how to navigate the tricky topic of discussing racism in current times.
sept 2021
Cancel Culture
What is cancel culture? Is it positive for society?
What is cancel culture? Is it positive for society?
Cancel Culture, or the ostracism of someone for what they say or do, has had a moment or two in the last few years. While it has been around for ages, social media has enabled permanent documentation of the event and easy pile-on of criticism. In this salon, we discussed the benefits of a society using cancel culture to create and enforce norms not governed by laws. We also discussed the risk of forcing people to be defined by one statement or action in their past rather than providing opportunities for learning and growth.
Feb 2021
Social Dilemma
What is truth online? What is the psychological impact of social media on individuals?
What is truth online? What is the psychological impact of social media on humans?
We are living in a time where it is easier than ever to communicate facts and opinions across the globe. Social media companies fund this service through advertising. "The Social Dilemma" was a 2020 documentary about how these companies manipulate algorithms to engage users. In this salon, we explored whether social media has increased fear, impacted mental health, and changed democracy. And we discussed how to develop solutions to reverse these trends.
May 2019
Truth & Cognitive Bias
How can we know what is true? What role does cognitive bias play in our search for truth?
How can we know what is true? What role does cognitive bias play in our search for truth?
In "Thinking Fast and Slow," Daniel Kahneman explains the two main cognitive processes in our brain. System 1 is instinctive, automatic, and impulsive. System 2 operates when we use self-control and are conscious and aware of decisions. In this salon, we explored the various emotional and intellectual biases we have as humans. We also explored when this is dangerous versus beneficial and whether we can mitigate or shed our biases.
To get involved:
“The test of a first rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function. One should, for example, be able to see that things are hopeless and yet be determined to make them otherwise.”