About Junto

Junto is a small discussion group I started with a few friends in 2008. We occasionally get together to discuss and debate a specific interesting topic chosen by one of the group members. Deliciously nerdy, no?

The idea—and name—come from Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography, in which he recounts starting a similar group in 1727. The aim was to “debate questions of morals, politics, and natural philosophy, and to exchange knowledge of business affairs.”

Inspired by this idea, I made up my own list of general rules for a group of my own.

As of mid-2012 we have met over 50 times, with topics such as:

  • What is fair?
  • To what extent do governments have the right to influence our decisions?
  • Is monogamy less relevant to our generation?
  • If everything is determined, what’s the point?
  • What is natural?
  • Is there an absolute correct way to be a person?
  • On issues relating to cosmetic surgery.
  • Abortion.
  • Euthanasia.
  • What purpose do emotions serve? How do they affect our lives?
  • What is happiness and how can we achieve it?
  • Guys and girls can’t be best friends.
  • The unexamined life is not worth living.
  • Should everyone be allowed to breed with limit? If not, where do we draw the line?
  • What is love, and what purpose does it serve?
  • What is the best way to live life?
  • Which is the best party to vote for this election?
  • Does god exist?
  • How much power should one person be allowed to have?

The options are pretty endless.

Junto Rules

Junto comes with a bunch of “rules”, which are more appropriately called guidelines.

It is important to note that the emphasis is on mutual improvement and communication skills, not merely ‘winning’ debates.

1. Primary Rules

1.1 The group will be called Junto, with the name and structure modelled after a similar group started by Benjamin Franklin, as described in the subsequent rules.

1.2 The members of Junto will be dedicated to mutual improvement in the areas of communication, understanding, and self-control. Junto will remain a closed society, with members added by invitation only, and meetings held in private.

1.3 Debates will be conducted in the sincere spirit of inquiry after truth, with no fondness of disputes or desire for victory. Members must ALWAYS speak with humility, be thoughtful of all statements made, keep opinions open to discussion, and strive for truth, sincerity, and integrity. All expressions of absoluteness in opinion or direct contradiction are prohibited.

1.4 Members must approach all conversation as if a sensitive topic is under discussion. Voices must not be raised, and anger must not be shown. See 1.2 and 1.3.

2. Secondary Rules

2.1 President—The ad hoc president (the member who selected the topic under debate) will mediate and chair the discussion/debate while still being able to fully participate. The president will have veto rights on ending any point of discussion or moving the discussion forward when at an impasse. The president may also limit or prevent the use of electronics if they cause distractions.

2.2 Topics—Every member, in turn, should produce one or more queries on any point of Religion, Philosophy, or Politics to be discussed by the company, one week in advance, thereby giving group members time to research into the topic.

2.3 Materials—Members are allowed notes/papers/pens/etc., but the use of electronics should be minimized as much as possible to avoid distractions and delays.

2.4 Location—Meetings shall preferably take place in an isolated, comfortable location, with tables and chairs and easy access to coffee/water/drinks/food.

2.5 Frequency—Junto shall meet once a week, every week, at a group-approved time.

2.6 Membership—New members may be added to the group by a majority vote. Members are encouraged, but not required to attend every meeting.

2.7 Length—The exact length of the meetings shall not be predetermined. One hour is suggested, although it is subject to the desires of the majority.

2.8 Size—The size of the company shall not exceed 6 people at a given time. This amount is flexible, based upon the opinion of the majority.

2.9 Breaking the Rules—If a member breaks the rules of Junto five times, they will be required to purchase a pizza (or equivalent) for the entire group to enjoy. If a member is required to purchase a third pizza (or equivalent), they member must watch the group eat the food, but may not partake.

v1.2 (v1.1 and v1.2 added only minor adjustments)

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