Symposium

The term "symposium" is a term that originally had to do with a drinking party that often included rigorous discussion. The Greek verb sympotein means "to drink together." Today, the term usually refers to an academic discussion, the presence of alcohol is now optional.

Here is a picture of an ancient symposium:


While a present-day symposium would look something like this:


Even though the look of the event has changed it has the same purpose. A symposium focuses on sharing ones views and also to experience the different knowledge that others can offer.