About us
🧠Practical Philosophy
Ever left a philosophy class or meetup thinking, “What the hell did we just spend all that time talking about?”
Confident monologues, slippery definitions, arguments disappearing into abstraction, and somehow you leave more confused than when you arrived.
Philosophy means the love of wisdom. We think philosophical discussion should help us understand reality, ourselves, and how to live - not just produce sophisticated ways of talking past one another.
Our conversations should stand up to simple questions:
- What do you actually mean?
- Can you give a real example?
- What would change your mind?
- What difference does this make in real life?
We’re building a community for curious people who want to think more clearly, challenge their own beliefs, learn from disagreement, and build friendships through serious conversation.
We draw on philosophy, scientific evidence, critical thinking, psychology, and evolutionary perspectives where they help us understand the world better.
The purpose isn’t to win arguments, but to leave thinking a little better than when we arrived.
🔎 Ideas grounded in real life
We discuss ambition, happiness, responsibility, power, and self-deception through concrete examples and real situations. What does an idea explain? Where does it fail? What would accepting it change?
đź’¬ A focused conversation
Each meeting has a maximum of 10 participants and a moderator who keeps the discussion focused and makes room for everyone. We take turns, keep contributions concise, listen carefully, and engage thoughtfully with disagreement.
đź“š Background and participation
Some prior engagement with philosophy is expected, whether through reading, study, or sustained discussion. Come ready to contribute, give reasons for your views, express your thoughts clearly, and reconsider your position when an objection holds up.
đź“– Please read before attending
All participants must read our short guide to words and definitions before their first meeting.
We’ll use this approach to get on the same page quickly and avoid getting lost in abstractions.
🗓️ If you can’t attend
Please cancel your RSVP at least 24 hours before the meeting so someone else can take your spot.
Upcoming events
1
Practical Philosophy Lisbon: "Which Desires Are Worth Pursuing?"
Eduardo VII Park, 1070-051 Lisbon, Portugal, Lisbon, PTWhich Desires Are Worth Pursuing? Practical Philosophy with Epicurus
🧠More money, recognition, freedom, pleasure, meaningful work. We spend much of our lives pursuing things we expect will make us happy. How can we tell which desires improve our lives and which keep us permanently dissatisfied?
🌿 For our first meeting, we’ll explore Epicurus’s distinction between natural and necessary desires, natural but unnecessary desires, and desires grounded in empty beliefs. We’ll examine this framework through real situations, question its assumptions, and consider where it helps or falls short.
We’ll use critical thinking and a scientific approach, drawing on evolutionary psychology where it helps explain our desires.💠Some questions we’ll explore
- When does ambition enrich life, and when does it become an endless chase?
- How can we distinguish something we enjoy from something we need to feel worthy?
- What would “enough” look like for a desire you’re currently pursuing?
- Can the way we organise our lives create lasting happiness? What remains outside our control?
🗣️ A focused discussion
Maximum 10 participants. We’ll clarify key terms, take turns, and make room for everyone. Some prior engagement with philosophy is expected. Come ready to give reasons for your views, express your thoughts clearly and concisely, and engage seriously with objections.📚 Background and participation
Some prior engagement with philosophy is expected, whether through reading, study, or sustained discussion. Come ready to contribute, give reasons for your views, express your thoughts clearly, and reconsider your position when an objection holds up.đź“– Please read before attending
All participants must read our short guide to words and definitions before the meeting. We’ll use this approach to get on the same page quickly and avoid getting lost in abstractions.📅 Saturday, 24 October, from 11:00 to 13:00
đź“Ť Location
If the weather is good, we’ll meet in Eduardo VII Park in Lisbon. Otherwise, we’ll meet in one of the nearby cafés. The precise location details will be shared a few days before the event.🗓️ If you can’t attend
Please cancel your RSVP at least 24 hours before the meeting so someone else can take your spot.3 attendees
