The Philosophers' Lab

A space for clearer thinking, honest conversation, and real-life application.

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What We Are

We are a laboratory for ideas that matter—a space where philosophy stops being abstract and starts being useful. We are not a lecture hall. We are not a book club.

Our members come from different countries, backgrounds, and beliefs, but we share one commitment: to examine the ideas that shape our lives with intellectual honesty, even when it's uncomfortable. We don't just discuss philosophy; we test it, challenge it, and apply it to the messy realities of modern life.

This is philosophy as a tool, not a trophy. We meet regularly in Ho Chi Minh City to dissect difficult questions, switch perspectives, and walk away with insights we can actually use.

"You are under no obligation to be the person you were five minutes ago."
— Alan Watts
"The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts."
— Marcus Aurelius

How It Works

We meet weekly, in D1 (or somewhere within "grab scooter range").

Fill up the form and we'll add you to the WhatsApp group where all the real coordination happens.

  • Structured Debates: We don't just share opinions. We argue positions we may not even agree with, forcing ourselves to understand multiple sides of complex issues.
  • Philosophical Games: Through exercises and simulations, we explore ethical dilemmas, cognitive biases, and decision-making frameworks in ways that reveal how we actually think.
  • Perspective-Switching: We deliberately adopt worldviews different from our own—not to mock them, but to genuinely understand them and test our assumptions.
  • Real-World Application: Every session ends with a challenge: How do we take what we've learned and use it this week? Philosophy without application is just intellectual entertainment.

Why It's Different

No Sacred Cows

We examine everything, including our own beliefs. There are no topics too controversial, no ideas too comfortable to question. If you're looking for an echo chamber, this isn't it.

Applied, Not Academic

We respect academic philosophy, but we're not interested in memorizing dead philosophers. We care about ideas that change how we live, work, and relate to others—starting this week.

Small and Selective

We keep the group intentionally small to maintain depth and trust. Every member commits to showing up, engaging honestly, and challenging themselves intellectually.

International Community

Our diversity isn't decorative—it's essential. Different cultural contexts reveal blind spots and assumptions we'd never catch on our own. This isn't philosophy for one culture; it's philosophy for the real world.

Join Us

We're looking for curious, open-minded individuals who are willing to challenge themselves and engage deeply with difficult ideas. If that sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply to Join