Practical Philosophy Lisbon: "Which Desires Are Worth Pursuing?"

Which 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.

📖 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
📍 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.