"Arte Six": Quick Hits: SCI/TECH: Café Scientifique

Based on the Café Philosophique movement started in France in 1992 by philosopher Marc Sautet who wanted a place in which ordinary people could discuss topics in philosophy, Café Scientifique is an informal discussion forum giving like-minded people the opportunity to gather in bars and cafés all over the world to discuss the great topics in science.

Instead of one person lecturing others, Café Scientifique is designed to promote interactive discussion.

The evening is usually led by an invited speaker who talks briefly and off-the-cuff, then the topic is thrown open to debate over a few beers or coffees.

Some people see the evenings as a way of meeting new people and making friends, as networking events in which they can make new contacts, and some as part of the dating scene for scientists. Bring your pocket calculator. I’ll show you my theoretical equations, if you show me yours...

Read more about Café Scientifique in the March 2004 issue of "Arte Six".