Est. 2024 · Morgantown, West Virginia
The Philosophical Society
of West Virginia
About Us
Wild and Wondering.
The Idea
If one looks at West Virginia's geography, they'll notice something interesting: practically every town hugs the banks of a river, and rising above the town are the rolling mountains of Appalachia. West Virginians have always known community: from the founding of the state, to Blair Mountain, to the trials and tribulations of today.
Our very founding was a rejection of slavery as an institution. And in today's world, there's nothing more rebellious than thinking for oneself.
The Philosophical Society of West Virginia (TPSWV) was founded by Savan Suri, Eric X, and Mike X. Recognizing the lack of similar organizations in the region, TPSWV was established out of a desire to nurture that which has always been present in the Appalachian mountains: community, commitment, and love of life.
The first book we ever read
Eric, Mike, and Savan
Our Story
The Philosophical Society of West Virginia (TPSOWV) was founded in 2024 by Savan Suri, Eric Saul, and Mike Slaughter after they met at a Morgantown Public Library book sale and discovered a shared interest in discussing religion, science, society, and philosophy. Recognizing the lack of a public forum for intellectual and philosophical dialogue in West Virginia, they established TPSOWV as the state's first philosophical, intellectual, and scientific society.
The organization provides a free and open platform for people of all ages to engage in discussions and debates on enduring philosophical questions, ideas, and theories. Members meet once every two weeks to exchange perspectives on a wide range of intellectual topics.
Our Community in Action
Moments from our discussions
How We Meet
We gather bi-weekly for guided discussions on specific topics, usually based around a specific theme or question, with an associated reading. The organizer will go over the text to help keep everyone on track, and the discussion will be open to all participants. Past readings have included Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, selections from the Art of Loving by Erich Fromm, and more.
Bi-Weekly, Saturdays
10:00 AM. Themes rotate every few months.
Morgantown, WV
Rotating venues to encourage diverse attendees and conversations. Coffee shops, libraries & community spaces. Check the Schedule page for details on locations.