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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Check out alchemy events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.

Discover all the alchemy events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

Absolutely! Find alchemy events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.

Alchemy Events Today

Join in-person Alchemy events happening right now

Community Conversation: AI, Psychedelics and Creative Brains
Community Conversation: AI, Psychedelics and Creative Brains
# COMMUNITY CONVERSATION: AI, PSYCHEDELICS, AND CREATIVE BRAINS **[🎟️ Purchase Ticket Here 🎟️](https://dandelion.events/e/f5v98)** Connection and Conversation with The Psychedelic Society **𖤓 Get connected – Listen, Learn & Question 𖤓** Join us for a bi-monthly SatSang, meaning “gathering in truth,” a conversation at Om Being with The Psychedelic Society, talking about the science behind topics that affect us everyday. Expect thoughtful dialogues and moments of reflection. ### **WHAT TO EXPECT** Despite not always feeling inspired, we all possess a creative brain, able to innovate and imagine. In this sense, creativity is a way of being. Distinct brain patterns underlie original thought and moments of cognitive flow. Listening to music or moving our body may instigate inspiration moving our mind into liminal states of ideation or daydreaming - letting the mind wander and imagine new ideas. Can we enhance this creative potential through a dialogue with non-human intelligence? Psychedelics are an ancient technology that opens us up to engage with life, appreciating the aesthetic world. By activating more distant associative connections in the brain, multiple viewpoints of a problem unleash and the unusual, abstract is unlocked. Partnering with AI offers expansion of our human creative potential; biosensing, special effects, VR, gaming, spatial sound. But, where is the line between where technology ends and human imagination and creativity takes over? AI is a tool and driver, a technology to get to new outcomes, but it may dissolve something we value more, our own indispensability to the process of discovery? Tea will be provided. ### LOCATION 📍 Om Being, Hackney
Crafting in the Old Diorama
Crafting in the Old Diorama
Chess@Hammersmith - London
Chess@Hammersmith - London
Brew & Being × Moonstruck
Brew & Being × Moonstruck
​An intentional gathering. A room of people who want to take life a little more seriously. ​ ​**Menu** ​Delicious filter coffee — selected by Moonstruck ​Fuding white tea — aged loose leaf, gongfu style ​Plant-based rose Basque cheesecake — home baked by Heart & Leaves ​ ​**What to expect** ​7:10 Coffee tasting ​7:30 A moment of quiet ​7:35 Chinese tea ceremony ​8:20 Rose Basque cheesecake ​8:50 Conversation + linger ​ ​Capacity is limited to 15. This is a slow evening; no rushing, no noise, just good things and good people.
Book Swap Social Event - Make New Friends Who Love Books
Book Swap Social Event - Make New Friends Who Love Books
Do you have spare books lying around your home? Do you want to read new interesting books for free while socializing with interesting people? This is the event for you. We will enjoy nice drinks and snacks together at a beautiful lounge bar in London. You can bring your books and exchange them with whoever has the books you want to read. Since this is a Science and Philosophy book club, it would be great for you to bring non-fiction books that are insightful and thought-provoking. If you want to bring fiction books that are scientifically or philosophically insightful, feel free to bring those as well. Since it is a social event, I encourage everyone to make deep meaningful conversations and make new friends. You can come alone or bring your friends with you. If you come alone, there is no need to be shy or scared. I will welcome you and introduce you to cool interesting people to speak with. Also feel free to come even if you forget to bring any books.
Tennis for All
Tennis for All
The session is aimed at beginners and intermediate level players who have either never played tennis previously or would like to improve on their game. Join our 2 hours session which will consist of warm up followed by drills focusing on technical skill coaching and will include Forehand / Backhand / Volley and Serve. Finally you get to play each other refining your skills and techniques and ultimately having fun. Rackets can be borrowed please let me know if you need a racket in advance. You need to make a payment 24 hours before the session. If you cannot attend the session please provide 24 hours notice. Should you wish to cancel. This will allow other players on the waiting list the chance to attend the session. If severe weather conditions prevent the session you will have credit for your next session. If there is less than 6 players unfortunately the session will not go ahead. If you have any questions contact me by either through this email. hmasoudi@email.com or call/text me on 07901662457 ÂŁ 30 per player per session. H. Masoudi Sort code 40-03-33 Account number 31344609 The session is with less than 12 players is run by one main qualified coach.
Practical Philosophy Club Meetup - London 🇬🇧
Practical Philosophy Club Meetup - London 🇬🇧
**🏛️ WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?** Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎 Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic. The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌 📓 **HOW DOES IT WORK?** Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS), along with jump-off points to get the conversation going. When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture. **General Meeting Agenda** Each Practical Philosophy meet-up follows this general timeline: * 13:45-14:00 - People arrive and chat, get to know each other before the ‘official' start. * 14:00-14:05 - Meeting introduction, explanation of Practical Philosophy and the topic for the week, read the guidelines and the overview so attendees know what to expect in terms of timelines. * 14:05-14:45 - Break into small groups - introduce yourselves and general thoughts on the topic, open discussion afterwards. At this point the group can review the ‘jump-off’ questions as needed, but they are just there to help guide the conversation. It’s not obligatory to answer them. * 14:45 - We do a group conclusion of the things we discussed, and then we typically take a photo and go on our way :) If you don't want to be in the group photo, there's no pressure, it's just a way to close out the meeting. We occasionally have an unofficial social so the different groups can mingle afterwards too! **🧧PRICING?** Practical Philosophy Club is FREE to attend, and we operate on donations. If you'd like to donate to support our running costs, that helps keep our group self-sustaining. Donations are 100% voluntary, but your contribution is appreciated! QR codes to donate will be present. Tea’s and coffees and are paid by the individual should they wish to have them. **💛 WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY** 🗣 “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam 🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 (the topic was authority) and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel **🤓 FAQ** * What will we talk about? What's the topic? The topic for the week is shared every week in the Whatsapp group before the session. We try to add the topic to the comment section on this event page as well but if you don’t see it, the topic and the jump-off points will be in our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS). * Do I need to study or read anything to attend? No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what YOU think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it, but it's not required. * Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on? The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school. * Is it mostly men that attend? Surprisingly, no! Although philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms. * Can I come alone? Of course you can, we encourage it :) * Can I be late? Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow of the conversation. * Where do you meet? The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS) group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/practical-philosophy-locations/). 🤝**POLICY** To respect our members privacy, we ask that no one privately message a member without first getting explicit consent. (This looks like speaking in person and being asked to message privately.) Contacting or texting other participants without prior consent is not permitted and may result in removal from the group. Practical Philosophy reserves the right to enforce this policy at its discretion to maintain a safe and respectful environment. **PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY - Making Philosophy Available To All.** ✨ Practical Philosophy hosts weekly, in-person meetups in 25+ countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️ \*\*\* Join our [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS) 👈 Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/?hl=en) 👈 Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club) 👈

Alchemy Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

Online Workshop: Connecting with Your Higher Self
Online Workshop: Connecting with Your Higher Self
**Platform:** Zoom **Dates:** 10 May 2026 and 17 May 2026 **Times:** 15h00 to 17h00 **Investment:** Sliding scale * Supported Rate: £77 * Standard Rate: £99 * Abundance Rate: £144 The Connecting with Your Higher Self Training introduces an electromagnetic approach in perceiving reality. Bringing to your awareness a deep innerstanding of the electric and magnetic nature of self and our universe. * **Electric** – We awaken to the spark of Divine, strengthening our will, gaining inspiration and inner clarity. * **Magnetism** – We soften into the gentle flow of the unconditional love, inner guidance and inner restoration. We relinquish control, allowing life to flow through us. With a greater awareness of “As Above, So Below, As Within so Without”, we recognise how our thoughts and our trust in Divine shape our daily experiences. For more information, follow this link: [Workshop: Connecting with Your Higher Self](https://sacredheartawakening.com/connecting-with-your-higher-self/)
Weekly Women Social Chess
Weekly Women Social Chess
Join the London Women Chess Club (LWCC) for our weekly social chess session in a friendly, supportive and inclusive environment. Whether you are completely new to chess, returning after a break, or already playing competitively, you are very welcome. LWCC is an ECF award-winning community initiative dedicated to encouraging more women and girls to play chess, build confidence, and progress into competitive play if they wish. We are proud to see new members joining every month, with many progressing into league matches and tournaments. What to expect * Friendly social games * Opportunities to improve your chess * Informal group coaching and guidance to help members progress * Information about tournaments and league opportunities * A respectful and supportive environment * A growing community of women supporting each other through chess Who can join * Women and girls of all levels * Complete beginners are very welcome * Players returning after a break * Competitive players looking for a supportive community How to join LWCC To help us maintain a safe and well-organised community, we ask new members to complete our short membership form before joining our WhatsApp community. [Membership registration](https://form.jotform.com/241453653475359) [Group Coaching ](https://pci.jotform.com/form/241475449120353) Our WhatsApp group is shared with registered members so we can keep communication relevant and maintain a positive environment for everyone. About London Women Chess Club London Women Chess Club is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) focused on making chess more accessible to women and creating a positive pathway into competitive chess. We collaborate with libraries, chess organisations and the English Chess Federation to build a strong and sustainable women’s chess community in London. [Instagram!](https://www.instagram.com/londonwomenchessclub) \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/london-women-chess-club/)
Wine Not? (Women Only)
Wine Not? (Women Only)
Wine Not? is a women-only gathering before the Balancers Saturday social. Most attendees come solo, so it’s an easy and welcoming place to meet people and settle in before the night gets busier. London can make meeting new people feel awkward, especially if you're coming alone. This early social creates a comfortable environment where you can chat, laugh, and get to know a few friendly faces first. Expect a relaxed atmosphere, a few light games, and plenty of time to connect naturally. **At 7.30 pm the main Balancers social begins**, and the room fills as over **150 people usually join the night**. Wine Not? naturally flows into the rest of the evening, so you’re welcome to stay and enjoy the full experience. Coming solo is completely normal. Our hosts will be there to help everyone feel comfortable, included, and connected from the start. **Check out our past events here:** **[https://www.instagram.com/_balancers/](https://www.instagram.com/_balancers/)** **Want to stay in the loop? Join our WhatsApp community: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O)** *Remember, our pillars are Openness, Respect, Kindness and Authenticity. Attendance at this event is subject to our [Code of Conduct](https://www.balancers.app/code-of-conduct) and [Terms of Service](https://www.balancers.app/term-of-service). By joining, you may receive emails about Balancers events and community updates. You can unsubscribe at any time.*
Ecstatic Dance London - ECSTATIC RAVE: Saturday Night Wellness Rave & Cacao
Ecstatic Dance London - ECSTATIC RAVE: Saturday Night Wellness Rave & Cacao
### 🌙 **SATURDAY NIGHT ECSTATIC RAVE - Ecstatic Movement Journeys through Sound, Rhythm & Ritual** **7:00PM–9:45PM Dance \| 9:45PM–10:15PM Fruit Social** **Ecstatic Dance London \| Tufnell Park** Please note an RSVP here on meetup is not a ticket. To reserve your place please book via eventbrite, thank you. Book here: Each Saturday night, we open the doors to a new **sonic adventure,** from the deep bass of **Shamanic Bass Temple**, to the exotic pulse of **Desert Grooves**, the fiery release of **Catharsis or MVMNT,** and the uplifting and heart-opening **electronic** dance music of **My Ecstatic Odyssey** or fun & soulful **Ecstatic Disco** nights! Every session is a **unique genre-specific experience** *(please check which event you've signed up to!)* yet all follow the same timeless flow, the **ecstatic wave,** a rise and return through the natural rhythms of our human energy: building from the cacao ceremony to the wild euphoric peak, then softening back into grounded peace and ending with a relaxation phase. ### **✨ What to Expect:** * 🎶 **Next-level, ecstatic dance journeys!** * 🥁 **Live percussion** to ignite the dancefloor and merge rhythm with movement * 🍫 **Heart-opening cacao ceremony** & positive intention setting to begin the night * 🔊 **Awesome sound system** & mesmerising visuals for full sensory immersion * 💃 A sacred, safe, and playful space to dance freely, express, release & connect * 🍉 **Complimentary fruit social** afterwards to nourish & unwind together * 💫 **The best Saturday night out and no hangover!** No alcohol. No drugs. Just pure music, movement, and magic. Join London’s longest-running ecstatic dance community- **Ecstatic Dance London**, pioneers of the UK’s **Sober ReLOVEution** since 2009. No experience needed, all welcome. ### 💜 **ALL UPCOMING WELLBEING EVENTS, RETREATS, FESTIVALS +CREWING:** **Website:** [ecstaticdancelondon.com/events](https://ecstaticdancelondon.com/events/ "https://ecstaticdancelondon.com/events/") **Linktree:** [linktr.ee/ecstaticdancelondon](https://linktr.ee/ecstaticdancelondon "https://linktr.ee/ecstaticdancelondon") **Instagram:** [@ecstaticdance_london](https://www.instagram.com/ecstaticdance_london "https://www.instagram.com/ecstaticdance_london") **Mailing list:** [https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/we-are-london](https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/we-are-london "https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/we-are-london") **💛FREE CREW SPACES:** We'd be very happy to hear from you if you'd like to help us in exchange for a free ticket! Requirement - you need to have attended at least two indoor events before you can join the crew. [Please complete the sign up form ](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1S2I2tnQA0YOv_RmSbRYcLHW8fEUkTmUtQibWk8XX6zs "https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1S2I2tnQA0YOv_RmSbRYcLHW8fEUkTmUtQibWk8XX6zs")and we'll be in touch.
Let's Discuss... Jung and the Shadow
Let's Discuss... Jung and the Shadow
A sick society calls darkness light, and light darkness. To survive, man must shroud his goodness, and live inside a self delusion. According to Carl Jung, The Shadow is that part of the unconscious mind comprised of all hidden and nefarious elements of the individual. A black cavern cast beneath the socially and self acceptable facade of one's outward facing personality, or Persona. In this darkness, the fears and follies of out childhood, our ancestors, and our society are alive and moving. Influencing us from behind the scenes, without us being aware. Even the positive traits we had to reject in adaptation to a sick society, are trapped within our Shadow. He argues that only facing it, engaging it, can transform these suppressed elements into useful parts of a more whole, energised personality. A more complete self, closer to the Divine. How can we escape self delusion, and come to know our Shadow? What are the dangers of working into the Shadow? In our society, what positive traits are people naturally repressing to be socially acceptable? Here is a video on this topic: [https://youtu.be/8S__1h2Z2xI](https://youtu.be/8S__1h2Z2xI) \*Please do your own research and share resources related to this topic in the comment section\* #======# Donation! Thank you for being a member. I have made a donation page for those who want to help with the costs. [https://examinedlife.uk/donation/](https://examinedlife.uk/donation/) #======# Group chat We have a telegram group chat and here is a link for the front door: [https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk](https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk) #======# The Examined Life, "Let's Discuss..." session is an open discussion. The format of this event will be: 13:15 - Free flow group discussion about the topic. 14:00 ish - We will be splitting into smaller groups for more engaging discussion about what interests each of you. 16:00 - End of the official meetup. Most often attendees stay and continue discussing up to around 18:00. #======# Please RSVP if you can commit to attending and change your RSVP if something comes up. Inaccurate RSVPs can keep potential attendees on the waiting list and makes it difficult to plan for room sizes and bookings. Art work: The Great Red dragon and the Woman Clothed in Sun 1805 William Blake
INTRO TO FURNITURE RESTORATION – 1 DAY
INTRO TO FURNITURE RESTORATION – 1 DAY
**Bookable via our website ➡️** https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-furniture-restoration-1-day-88/ ⋆⋆⋆ Revamp your tired woodwork. Get the Ra Ra back into your furniture – jazz up those car boot finds and old junk. Many of us own items that wouldn’t star on ‘Antiques Roadshow’ but are pieces that would benefit from a gentle sprucing up. In this one-day starter class, our tutor will walk you through how to tackle those forlorn but beloved pieces of less valuable furniture that need some tender loving care. You will learn how to apply a solution to a problem piece-whether it’s a white ring left by a cup or a scratch in the varnish and have hands-on practice of removing varnish and refinishing woodwork. You will also explore the world of glues and clamps to learn about tackling a wobbly chair and re-attaching loose trims and veneers. Please bring your own piece to work on. Lots of charity shops sell old boxes and shabby cabinets. You can pick up a bargain on eBay. We have easy step-free access to the centre and you can find a place to park fairly easily nearby. It may not be possible to finish your own work, but if it's a wobbly chair we can show you how to re-glue it back together and the tutor can help you identify what needs to be done. We don’t cover furniture painting on this day course. The use of all tools and basic materials is included. Beginners welcome.
Collage Narratives – Creative Writing Collage Workshop
Collage Narratives – Creative Writing Collage Workshop
**TICKETS AVAILABLE [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/collage-narratives-creative-writing-collage-workshop-tickets-1987075806227?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl)** *Join Elena at her atelier on the Thames for a creative writing collage experience.* Connect with forgotten stories and uncover hidden narratives from within. Explore creative writing through text collage. Cut, rearrange, and transform found words into new narratives, shaping unexpected connections into your own original piece. This hands-on process bypasses the pressure of writing from scratch, opening space for discovery, play, and personal insight. Fragments become portals to echoes of memory, imagination, and new worlds. In this words cloud collage workshop, you’ll be guided through a creative process that combines writing and visual composition. We begin with a short meditation and breathing practice to settle the mind. You’ll then be provided with magazines, newspapers, 30 x 30 cm white cardstock or A3 coloured paper card, scissors, and glue — everything you need. With gentle guidance, you’ll create your own collage of words, allowing meaning to emerge intuitively as you work. If you feel comfortable, at the end of the workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to share your piece with the group, if you wish, and we can enjoy a brief moment of collective reflection. **No prior experience needed — beginner-friendly** **All materials included** **Step-free access** **TICKETS 👉 [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/collage-narratives-creative-writing-collage-workshop-tickets-1987075806227?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/collage-narratives-creative-writing-collage-workshop-tickets-1987075806227?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl)** ## **Please bring** **BYOB** – No drinks or food will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own. The studio is close to local favourites such as *The Orchard Café* and *Layers Bakery*\*\*,\*\* if you’d like to grab a drink or snack before or after (both open every day until 4 pm). ## **📍Location – Trinity Buoy Wharf** The workshop takes place at Trinity Buoy Wharf, a historic 19th-century site in London’s Docklands, where you can find London’s only lighthouse. Today, it is also home to one of London’s most vibrant creative communities, a sculpture park, event venues, and the iconic Container City™ buildings. More info: [https://www.trinitybuoywharf.com](https://www.trinitybuoywharf.com/ "https://www.trinitybuoywharf.com/") ***The entry gate will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., so please don’t be late. If you arrive after that, unfortunately, we won’t be able to let you in.*** ## **Privacy & Consent** *By attending this event, you agree to the possibility of being photographed or filmed. These images may be used for marketing or promotional purposes, such as on our website or social media. If you prefer not to appear, please let the organiser know on the day, and we will ensure you are not included.*

Alchemy Events Near You

Connect with your local Alchemy community

BeComing Circle Initiates
BeComing Circle Initiates
http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow
Columbus Chess Club
Columbus Chess Club
This is a time where players of all ages, and skill levels can gather and enjoy a nice Sunday full of Chess!
Psychic Development Series  II - Pueo Group
Psychic Development Series II - Pueo Group
Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia
Manic Mondays with Salsamante Dance Academy
Manic Mondays with Salsamante Dance Academy
Start your week the right way with Manic Mondays. Giving you an enjoyable Bachata lesson with a push of cool moves. The second hour has Beginner/Intermediate Salsa on 1. You must understand basic Salsa skills to participate. 730pm-830pm Bachata Cool Moves 830pm-930pm Salsa On 1 (Beginner/Intermediate) $15 for One Class $20 for Both Free Parking & Plenty of Dance Space.
Stone Bar and Kitchen Happy Hour
Stone Bar and Kitchen Happy Hour
Duty vs. Results: What Makes an Action Moral?
Duty vs. Results: What Makes an Action Moral?
When judging morality, should we prioritize **intentions/duty** or **outcomes/results**? It introduces two influential philosophers as representatives of these approaches. * **Immanuel Kant (deontology):** An action is moral when it is done from **duty** and follows rational, universal principles (the **categorical imperative**). Certain acts—like lying—are wrong regardless of the consequences; you can’t do a wrong thing for a right reason. * **John Stuart Mill (utilitarian consequentialism):** The morality of an action is determined by its **effects**, specifically how much **happiness/well-being** it produces. Mill argues that some pleasures are “higher” than others, and that good intentions don’t redeem harmful outcomes. ## Discussion Questions 1. **The lying dilemma:** A murderer comes to your door and asks if your friend is hiding inside. Kant would say you must not lie. 2. **Can good intentions rescue a bad outcome?** 3. **The organ harvest problem:** A surgeon has five patients dying of organ failure and one healthy patient in for a checkup. Killing the one to harvest organs would save five lives, and the math works out for the utilitarian. Why does this feel so deeply wrong? Is that feeling a point in Kant's favor, or just a bias we should overcome? 4. **Do rules need exceptions?** Kant insists moral rules must be universal, with no exceptions. But most of us can imagine extreme scenarios where any rule seems like it should bend. Does the need for exceptions fatally undermine deontology, or is the strength of the system precisely that it refuses to bend? 5. **Who gets to calculate the consequences?** Utilitarianism asks us to maximize good outcomes, but we're notoriously bad at predicting consequences. If we can't reliably know the results of our actions, is it practical to base our entire moral system on outcomes? Does this uncertainty push us back toward rules and principles? 6. **Everyday morality:** Think about a real moral decision you've made recently, even a small one. Did you reason more like a Kantian (what's the right thing to do in principle?) or more like a utilitarian (what will produce the best result?)? Do most people naturally lean one way? 7. **Justice vs. the greater good:** A town can prevent a deadly plague by sacrificing one innocent person. The greater good is clearly served. But is it just? Can an action be morally right and deeply unjust at the same time? 8. **The big synthesis question:** Are these two systems actually opposed, or do they often arrive at the same answers by different paths? Is it possible that we need both: rules to guide us in the moment and consequences to evaluate systems and policies over time?