Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) – Social Segregation

Humans are basically social animals. However, there are limits to our ability to maintain connections with large numbers of people based on our cognitive resources, which can affect the amount of stress and empathy we feel in certain situations. Phil Gleason will lead the discussion of these and related phenomena such as the “small-world” network and the persistence of cultural traits from generation to generation among social groups. Here is some information from Wikipedia about the maximum size for a group of acquaintances – Dunbar’s number. This study from Psychoneuroendocrinology shows that while performing a task that requires concentration subjects show signs of stress in the presence of people who may be critical. This longer article from Nature discusses the effects of cognitive load on empathy. Finally, this Wikipedia article talks about the “small worlds” phenomenon – that small clusters or cliques are ubiquitous in human organizations. And here’s a bonus link – a 2+ minute video about the “small worlds” phenomenon. Hope to see you there!

Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.

Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.

To access the choir room enter the building via the Fountain Street entrance. (There may be scaffolding in place due to construction, but you can walk under it). Take the elevator or stairs to the second floor, and follow the Michigan Humanist signs. Or ask directions from someone. The choir room is located on the left at the south end of the west hallway.

Parking information – Street parking, if you can find it, is free on Sunday. The nearby GRCC Parking structure is free until 3 PM on Sunday, although this is not advertised. You will need to take a ticket to enter the structure but the exit gate will be open if you leave before 3 PM. Parking is also available free for up to 2 hours in the Public Library lot for patrons. You will need to have your ticket validated in the library. If walking for any distance is a problem for you, please contact us and we’ll see what can be arranged.

Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.

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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.

Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/