ACX DC - EA Ethics Discussion 11/11, Board Games 11/19

Hello all, we have several events coming up in the next few weeks:

• Saturday November 11th - Ben Schwab is hosting a focused topic discussion on the Ethics of Effective Altruism at his condo in Herndon, VA.

• Sunday November 19th - Board Game Day in Crystal City, VA

ACX DC Discussion Meetup - Ethics of Effective Altruism

Facebook event for feedback and RSVPs (optional): https://www.facebook.com/events/1823872441416182

Join us for Washington DC's Astral Codex Ten Dedicated Discussion Meetup in Herndon. The question to be discussed is "Is effective altruism ethical"

In the wake of the fall of Sam Bankman Fried, people are questioning the ethicality of effective altruism. There are questions regarding how well the ethos of effective altruism incorporates the principles of rationality. This discussion will hopefully cover this topic but shouldn't be limited to this comparison. Bring your ideas about effective altruism, rationality, and associated philosophies, good or bad and enjoy the conversation.

The discussion will happen from approximately 7:30 pm until 9:00 pm. You can arrive as early as 6:30 PM and there will be an informal social before and after the dedicated discussion. Some snacks and refreshments will be provided; feel free to bring your own.

This will take place at 205 Meeting House Station Square #403, Herndon, Virginia 20170. There is a parking lot for the building, nearby street parking, and rides from the Herndon metro station can be arranged. Call or Text Ben at 240-391-6021 to gain entry to the building.

Questions can be directed to Ben Schwab at [email protected]

ACX DC Board Games in Crystal City

Join us for an afternoon of casual board games! We'll be in "The Landing" in Crystal City, starting at Noon.

Drop-ins are welcome and part of the group will be there at least a few hours. We usually have 2-3 games going at any one time, and the crowd typically breaks up a bit after 4pm. RSVP if you're in so that I can get an idea of the headcount.

If you'd like, bring a game you enjoy and would like to teach. To get the party started, I'll be bringing several games, including Wavelength, Splendor, Azul, Concordia, and Ticket To Ride (Europe). We’ll also have snacks and soda.

The Landing is a food court and unofficial board-game hangout. We won't be taking over the place, but there's plenty of room and games to join until the bridge biddies arrive. It's in the mall connected to the Crystal City Metro Station, and parking is free in the underground garages on weekends. Most food options in the mall area are closed weekends, but there are several options now on Crystal Drive, including an Amazon Fresh store. A Whole Foods is three blocks away on 12th St.

Note that the glass atrium entrance has been intermittently closed due to construction. You can still get in through the nearby Crystal Drive or Metro entrances.

Facebook event for feedback and RSVPs (optional): https://www.facebook.com/events/991106072185301

Winter Solstice - December 2nd

I also wanted to highlight LW DC’s Winter Solstice. It’s planned for December 2nd at the same location as last year, the Langley Hill Quaker Meetinghouse, 6410 Old Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA, 22101. Doors will open at 3:30pm, with the ceremony starting at 4pm. Some details are still being finalized, including a likely afterparty. We’ll link to the full announcement once it’s ready, just wanted to put it on your radar.

East Coast Rationalist Megameetup (NYC) - December 8-10th

While this is more niche given the travel required, I also wanted to share information about this year’s East Coast Rationalist Megameetup. Hosted by Meetups Coordinator Skyler Crossman, it starts December 8th in Brooklyn, NYC. This is timed to coincide with NYC’s Winter Solstice. See further details at https://rationalistmegameetup.com/

I’m not sure I’ll be able to make this year’s event personally, but I attended last year’s and enjoyed it. This year’s event is more ambitious, and may be a better fit for more in our community. If you’re interested but not sure it’s a good fit, please feel free to reach out to me for more detail.