Moral Theories & Applications

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What makes an action right or wrong? Is it the outcome it produces? The intention behind it? The character of the person doing it? Or something agreed upon by society?
These are not abstract questions — they shape how we think about justice, responsibility, punishment, war, wealth, and everyday decisions. And most of us hold conflicting views without realizing it.
This session, we put the major schools of moral philosophy on the table — and then apply them live to real problems. No lectures. No rehearsed answers. Just honest, open argument in pursuit of truth.

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The Schools We'll Cover:
Consequentialism — An action is right if it produces the best overall outcome. The ends can justify the means. The most well-known version is Utilitarianism: maximize happiness, minimize suffering.
Deontology — Some actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of consequences. We have duties and obligations that must not be violated. Associated with Kant: act only according to principles you'd want universalized.
Virtue Ethics — Morality is about character, not rules or outcomes. The question is not "what should I do?" but "what kind of person should I be?" Rooted in Aristotle.
Contractualism — Moral principles are those that no one could reasonably reject if we were designing the rules of society together. Associated with Rawls and Scanlon.
Divine Command Theory — An action is right because it is commanded by God. Morality is grounded in religious obligation.
Moral Relativism — There are no universal moral truths. What is right or wrong depends on culture, society, or the individual.
Natural Law Theory — Morality is derived from human nature and reason. There are objective moral truths discoverable through rational reflection, rooted in the Stoic and Catholic philosophical traditions.
Existentialist Ethics — There are no pre-given moral truths. We create our own values through radical freedom and responsibility. Associated with Sartre and Camus.

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How It Works:
We present a real moral problem. You pick a theory — or argue from your own position — and defend it. Others push back. We find out where each theory holds up and where it breaks down.
Everyone is welcome regardless of background. You don't need to know philosophy. You need to be willing to think honestly and argue in good faith.

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Rules:

• Arrive on time
• Argue for truth, not for what sounds right or socially acceptable
• Buy something from the venue — support the space that hosts us
• To confirm attendance, send a message. The exact location (near the Northern Ring Road) will be shared privately on Friday
• Discussion may end at 75-90 min mark, depending on engagment and attendence.

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We look forward to seeing you. Come with an open mind and a willingness to be wrong.