Salon 42 SF: Is Luck Fair? [public]

​Is Luck Fair?

​Although this question often goes unnoticed, it’s woven into the very foundations of our religions, philosophies, and political movements. Whether we answer it with karma, fate, God (or gods), the welfare state, the free market, or natural selection, we all have different ideas about whether life is fundamentally fair and whether the lucky ones should help the less fortunate.

​Optional Preread

​No preparation is necessary or expected, but for anyone who feels more comfortable gathering thoughts in advance, we’ve gathered some additional resources below to frame and support a meaningful conversation:

• ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meiU6TxysCg

• ​https://www.reddit.com/r/books/comments/p96c3y/read_the_unfair_advantage_by_ash_ali_and_hasan/

• ​https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/hide-and-seek/201408/the-psychology-and-philosophy-of-envy

• ​Startups, Entrepreneurship and Unfair Advantages | Hasan Kubba | TEDxSOAS

• ​https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2020/10/religion-less-opiate-more-suppressant-study-finds

• ​https://everythingstudies.com/2019/03/01/the-tilted-political-compass-part-1-left-and-right/

​Discussion Questions

​Use as a guide, but also just let the conversation flow. 

​IMPORTANT NOTE: Give everyone space to speak and share. Keep it collaborative. Listen.

• ​How do you relate to fairness? What's your definition?

• ​Do you know someone lucky, and you feel it's unfair?

• ​How have you experienced luck?

• ​Does society have an obligation to help those who are unlucky?

• ​How does luck influence life outcomes?

• ​What are the examples of underestimating the role of hard work in success?

• ​What are the examples of underestimating the role of luck in success?

• ​Do you think you possess certain unfair advantages over others?

• ​Do you think the Universe is fundamentally fair (for example, through karma or God)?

​What is Salon 42?

​We meet to collaboratively explore ideas from art to science to philosophy to learn about the topic and each other.

We intend to create a free, inclusive, and friendly space for connection and community based on ideas in an environment that prioritizes listening and openness to a wide range of perspectives.

​How does it work?

​We choose a topic, share optional resources (video/articles/podcasts, etc.) and discussion questions in advance to establish a shared context, and then have a lightly moderated discussion along with potluck-style drinks and snacks. Expect some time to socialize before and after the official discussion.