English

Salut les amis, Nous vous invitons pour notre prochaine discussion **le mercredi à 19h00**, **au Dussmann KulturCafé**, au 2e étage de Dussmann das KulturKaufhaus Berlin, Friedrichstraße 90, 10117 Berlin. Nous espérons voir de nombreux nouveaux visages et avoir une discussion animée et inspirante ! ✨ **Au programme ?** Des échanges captivants sur des sujets de **philosophie** et de **société** qui nous intriguent et nous passionnent. Une belle occasion de partager nos idées, découvrir d’autres points de vue et apprendre ensemble dans une ambiance conviviale. **Niveau de français** : Idéalement, il vous permet de participer à une discussion intellectuelle sans trop de difficultés ! **Lieu** : Friedrichstraße 90, 10117 Berlin À bientôt! 😊

A dark work-in-progress stand-up comedy hour about assisting a Buddhist cult leader A dark stand-up work-in-progress comedy hour about Sofia May's experience as a former member of a Buddhist cult's inner circle, working as the assistant of a very chic, diabolical, female cult leader. [Tickets](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-buddha-wears-prada-tickets-1988707785521?aff=oddtdtcreator) After living the life of a religious Buddhist zealot in a secluded community deep into the Colorado Rocky Mountains for years, Sofia hit the road and blew the whistle. It isn't a famous cult yet, but through exposés, podcasts and general trash-talking, it will be in a year. What's more, now a self-proclaimed "Buddhaphobe", she intends to ruin your relationship with Buddhism too. This show will debut at the 2026 Edinburgh Fringe festival. Come watch it take shape. [Tickets](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-buddha-wears-prada-tickets-1988707785521?aff=oddtdtcreator) Venue: Hier Wo Du Strahlst ([Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße 20, 10178 Berlin](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x47a84f3fda4f0415:0xe3d4dff6f5d57bf1?sa=X&ved=1t:8290&ictx=111 "https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x47a84f3fda4f0415:0xe3d4dff6f5d57bf1?sa=X&ved=1t:8290&ictx=111")) Doors: 19:00 Showtime: 20:00 - 21:00 PAY WHAT YOU CAN [Tickets](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-buddha-wears-prada-tickets-1988707785521?aff=oddtdtcreator) About Sofia May: Sofia May was born and raised in New York City on Ren and Stimpy and bad boundaries. Her comedy style is dark and whimsical. People often say, “She’s so innocent! Just like O.J. Simpson!”.She has performed all over Europe, in London, NYC, SF, and the Edinburgh Fringe the last 3 years. She performs on a nightly basis in Berlin and produces the weekly show Stand-up at The Shine. And she really did spend 7 years in Buddhist cult in Colorado in the inner circle as the leader's assistant. Awards: Best Performer at the Edinburgh Fringe - Fringe Europe Shortlisted Nominee For Best Newcomer - British Comedy Guide's Comedian Choice Awards Reviews:"– and Sofia May, whose charming stage presence suggests the most potential." — The Guardian" She gives off the vibe that she’d give you a hug if you needed it, and while delivering said hug, stick a sign on your back that says a whole bunch of slurs." —European Comedy Review "Sofia May delivers a masterclass in pitch-black comedy." — The Nerd Party"A Stand-out Stand-up" — One4Review [Tickets](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-buddha-wears-prada-tickets-1988707785521?aff=oddtdtcreator)

**After Work Pilgrims: Walk with intention.** Berlin is demanding, and the day was long. And somewhere between finishing work and the night, there's a moment where we just need to breathe. That's what After Work Pilgrims is for. We walk together through the city – through parks in the middle of all the concrete – with intention. Just a few kilometres on foot: with silence, a short reflection, and good company. It's more than a walk. But it doesn't feel like it. Duration: approx\. 2 hours \| Distance: 4–7 km \| Free No experience needed. Comfortable shoes recommended. Come as you are. *** 📅 Wed, May 6, 6:00 PM 📍 Tempelhofer Feld (Meeting point: Haupteingang Tempelhofer Feld - Herrfurthstraße, [https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZBvrJYLeHSocuCF28](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZBvrJYLeHSocuCF28)) 📩 You’re welcome to join our [WhatsApp group](https://www.alexander-steinfeldt.de/hikes/berlin-pilgrims/) for updates and connection before the hike. 🧭 Pilgrim Guide Alex (Mail alexander.steinfeldt@outlook.com or WhatsApp +49 157 57652601)

"No half-thruths, just naked minds” Welcome to the comedy show where you can see unfiltered comedians speak their thruth since almolst 5 years! Their topics can range from their last sexual encounter to why they hate chickens and how to win a fight with a chesse sandwich. So expect any kind of material from clean to the very dark. Each comedian will have between 5-10 minutes to make you laugh. The show is located in the cozy Agata Bar on Weichselstraße 55 in Neukölln - open for all of those who appreciate cozy nights and a fine selection of drinks and good mood. The space is limited, so the early bird catches the worm - get a reservation for your own good! Doors: 19:30 Show: 20:00 Get your free reservation now & pay what you want for the show! *Reservations are only kept until 20:15, so please arrive before that for assured seating.

**We’ll now be meeting twice a week at Denizen House (Köpenicker Str. 40, 10179 Berlin), on** **Mondays and Wednesdays!** * **Mondays:** **levels A1 to B2** * **Wednesdays:** **levels A2 to C1** **We work with dedicated materials tailored to each level, so everyone will have a place to practice and improve.** **Event schedule** * **18:00 – 18:30** **Arrival and registration** * **18:30 – 19:50** **Sprachcafé** * **19:50 – 20:00** **End and clean up** **Please be aware that the moderated event starts at** **18:30. Before this time, we are busy setting up the space. Registrations usually take place around** **18:15 / 18:20. Participants are kindly asked** **not to arrive too far in advance** **at the house.** **If someone arrives much earlier, Denizen may ask them to pay either for a drink (consumption) or for a** **day pass, as the space is a co-working environment during the day.** **Please remember, our event is only happening from 18:00 to 20:00** **How the Sprachcafé works** **We use different materials to help participants gain confidence in German. Together with whiteboards and our volunteers, the Sprachcafé is based on** **interactive conversations** **in small groups.** **Participation fee** **The Sprachcafé has a** **participation fee of 5 €, which helps cover organizational costs and** **includes one soft drink for free.** **Tickets can be purchased directly on the day of the event, card and cash payments are accepted.** **As the Sprachcafé has become very popular, we now need to** **limit the number of participants. Please understand this measure; it ensures that everyone has a comfortable space to practice.** **We kindly ask you to be** **rücksichtsvoll** **and only RSVP “Yes” if you are certain you can attend.** **If your plans change at the last minute, please update your RSVP so someone on the waiting list can take your spot.** **Getting your ticket early can help secure your place.** **Please note** **Our event will begin** **promptly** **at the scheduled start time.** **If you arrive late, we cannot guarantee your participation, even if you have a ticket or have RSVP’d. We encourage all guests to arrive on time to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.** **About Denizen** **Denizen is a new-style co-working space focused on being an integral part of local communities. Located on the ground floor of the historic Eiswerk on Köpenicker Straße in Kreuzberg, Denizen House is a communal place providing work, refreshment, and recreational facilities throughout the day. Think of it as a living room for the neighborhood.** **If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to let me know. If you’d like to contribute to this night, send me a message!** **Ich freue mich schon!** **Grüße,** **Nacho**

Reserve a seat [HERE](https://www.epiccomedyberlin.com/weekly-shows?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=saying-the-wrong-thing-meetup-berlin-sales&utm_content=listing-main-v1&target=weekly-shows&show=saying-the-wrong-thing&city=berlin) We take Berlin's most EXPERIENCED comedians and let them do whatever their twisted mind thinks of! Welcome to stand up the way it should be. ★★★ DOORS OPEN 8:00 PM SHOW STARTS 8:30 PM★★★ ★★★COMEDY IN ENGLISH★★★ ★★★TAKING PLACE AT THE WALL COMEDY CLUB★★★ Saying the Wrong Thing is a Berlin comedy in English event designed to give comedians exactly what they need to create great comedy: The freedom to be creative! At Saying the Wrong Thing, experienced comics will aim to speak their mind and going straight for the funniest thing they can think of! We believe comedy works best when authenticity meets creative freedom. This show aims to foster that vibe, and we’d love for you to come down and be a part of it too. Pay What You Want – Seat Reservation Required. Reserve your seat for just €2, and at the end of the show, you decide what it was worth (suggested contribution: €10-15). Reservations are held until 10 minutes before the show starts. This is a paid show—you just get to choose how much to pay. Book now!

An inspiring, high-energy meeting of public speaking, connection, and personal growth in the heart of Berlin. **Mercury Toastmasters Berlin** invites you to our weekly meeting at our new home at **Das Center, Potsdamer Platz**, in the stunning **Historic Imperial Breakfast Hall**. *Experience the **power of prepared speeches** loaded with bold ideas, participate in our **dynamic Impromptu Session**, and **gain valuable insights** during our feedback segment.* *Leave with practical tools, fresh ideas, and renewed inspiration.* *Whether you want to speak up at work, boost your presence, or just meet inspiring people, you’ll feel at home at Mercury Toastmasters Berlin.* *** **[What to Expect:](https://mercurytoastmasters.de/find-toastmasters-meetings-in-berlin/)** ✨ A supportive space to speak, grow, and connect 🎤 Engaging prepared speeches ⚡ Fun, fast-paced impromptu speaking challenges 💬 Feedback session you can actually use 🌍 A friendly, international crowd (around 25–30 people) **Schedule** (times may vary) ⏰ 19:15 - Doors open & networking 🎙️ 19:30 - Prepared Speeches 🏓 20:35 - Impromptu Session (Guest welcome to join) ↩️ 21:00 - Constructive feedback 💬 21:30 - Food, drinks & relaxed socializing **No experience needed.** ***Come curious. Leave energized.*** *** **🤙 [Hear it from our members:](https://maps.app.goo.gl/eRtvR9DRNqU9WZQn7)** *“You can sharpen your public speaking skills and gain tons of confidence, while having fun and making new friends. Mercury is well-structured, fun, and affordable.”* — *Therese Pitt* *“Mercury gave me a safe place to speak, create, and grow. I love the multicultural vibe and supportive community. It’s the best place to learn and have fun.”* — *Krisztina Linka* *** **[Did You Know?](https://mercurytoastmasters.de/about-mercury-toastmasters-berlin/)** Toastmasters is where people go to get better at speaking—and grow into confident communicators and leaders. Today [Toastmasters ](https://mercurytoastmasters.de/about-mercury-toastmasters-berlin/)has 350,000+ members across 16,000 clubs in 143 countries. And [Mercury](https://mercurytoastmasters.de/find-toastmasters-meetings-in-berlin/) is one of the best places to experience it. So bring your curiosity, your energy—and just be yourself. Whether you’re just starting or ready to level up, there’s a place for you here. *** **[Wondering what you get as a member?](https://mercurytoastmasters.de/membership-mercury-toastmasters-berlin/)** Think expert feedback, real-world speaking practice, and a supportive crew that’s got your back. [See you Wednesday night! 🎉](https://mercurytoastmasters.de/find-toastmasters-meetings-in-berlin/)

The Language Café is primarily aimed at people who are struggling with their mental health which can make it hard to go to regular courses. We want to create a safe space for everyone to learn and practise without pressure. Everyone is welcome! Please try to be on time so we can all get started together :) We mainly practise on a beginner/lower intermediate level and adapt to everyone's prior level of German. The Language Café will focus on teaching you the most important words and phrases and basic grammar in German. The content of the course is adapted to real life. (everyday life in Germany, dealing with authorities, etc.) We will cover different topics every week and you can join us anytime, since the topics do not necessarily build on each other. The Sprachcafé is for free. \*If you cannot make it please cancel your participation so someone else from the waiting list can join, thank you!\* \| \| \| \|

***L’Art de Vivre* — A French-inspired invitation to conversation, curiosity, and shared moments.** What if a Sunday afternoon in the park could feel like a little escape to France? We're taking the French café outside. Same spirit, same warmth, but now with grass under our feet, blue sky above (hopefully), and the kind of unhurried time that Paris somehow always makes room for. This is a picnic moment where conversation matters, disagreement is welcome, curiosity leads, and time is taken to enjoy simple moments together. But beyond the atmosphere, this is also your chance to experience real-life French. **​English is welcome**, **French is encouraged, and mixing the two is part of the fun!** You don’t need to speak French to join. **What To Expect:** * 🥐 French snacks to share (feel free to bring something too) * 🎲 Playful quiz and surprising facts about France & the French people * 💬 Conversations & games * 🗣 Light moments to try simple French in a relaxed, supportive way * 🌍 A bilingual space where you can switch languages, or just enjoy the atmosphere **Who it’s for:** * French speakers who want to share their language and connect * Curious non-French speakers who want to listen, try, or learn **Why join:** Because language isn't only learned... it’s lived. And sometimes the best way to experience a culture is over good food, good company, and a Sunday that doesn't rush you anywhere. **A little extra:** I'm an experienced French teacher, artist, and facilitator. During the picnic, I'll share how you can go further if you'd like to build real speaking confidence step by step and learn/improve French. **Come as you are. No pressure. No expectations. Curiosity matters more than fluency!** *On se voit au parc ! 🌿*

Tickets start at 12€: [https://fienta.com/what-is-love-179683](https://fienta.com/what-is-love-179683) Get ready for a night of good vibes, honest stories, awkward confessions, and big laughs. What is Love? is a warm, high-energy English comedy show featuring some of the city’s funniest comedians and surprise guests. Whether you’re single, taken, situationship-ing, or trying to explain your relationship status in German, this show brings out of all the funny stuff that comes with love, dating, and modern life. Come out, grab a drink, bring a friend (or a date), and enjoy a night that feels fun, easy, and very Berlin. Perfect for friends, couples, or anyone who wants to enjoy comedy **📅 Date & Time** Thursday, 07 May 2026 Seating starts: 19:30 Show starts: 20:00 **🏢 Venue** The Wall Comedy Club Grünberger Str. 84, 10245 Berlin A nice spot perfect for a comedy night. **🎤 Hosted by: Nya Yeanafehn** Nya Yeanafehn is a stand-up comedian, host, and podcaster who began his comedy journey in New York City and is now based in Berlin. He performs all over Europe and is known for his storytelling, expat observations, and the experiences of navigating life across cultures. He also hosts the Third Culture Talk Podcast, recently featured in Germany’s Stern magazine.

✨ A Stand-Up Comedy Show about fixing ourselves, our parents, and our dating life… ANOTHER DAY!✨ 🌟This stand-up comedy show features the wildest stories and observations about the Berlin party life, his parents, and his dates…sometimes all at once🌟 The show will end around 22:00, so there will still be plenty of time to hit the bar and club scene afterwards. **🎟️ Get your Tickets here:** [https://fienta.com/fixmelater230426](https://fienta.com/fixmelater230426) 🕗**Times:** **7th of May** Doors open: 19:30 Show Start: 20:00 Show ends: 22:00 **📍Location:** **SaliGari** Simplonstraße 23, 10245 Berlin **🎟️ Tickets:** **Standard Admission:** 15€ **Student Admission:** 12€ Tickets for students with valid student ID **Walk-Ins:** €17 at the door (subject to availability) **❓FAQ:** **How funny is it going to be?** Very funny! It will be a mix of clean, dark, and emotional jokes and maybe even some dirty jokes, so whatever your style of comedy is will be part of the show. **How relatable are the jokes?** Like we grew up together! Ludwig was born in Bavaria and is based in Berlin now, which means that whether you come from a village or the big city, you will find the struggles more than relatable. **Should I bring my friends?** Comedy is always best with great company, so yes! Bring your friends and laugh together! **Can I bring my kids?** The show is meant for an audience of at least 16+. **What do audience members say about the show?** Hilarious! - Marcus, Austria 🇦🇹 Great show! - Jenny, Australia 🇦🇺 So funny and weird in a great way! - Josephine, USA 🇺🇸 **More about me:** **LUDWIG BENECKE (CH/GER)** Ludwig Benecke, the relentlessly funny and charming "nice guy" of stand-up comedy! For the past three years, he has been tirelessly showcasing his wit and humor to audiences all over Europe and the United States. As a Swiss-German nice guy navigating the unpredictable world of comedy, Ludwig hilariously recounts his journey from a life as an economic engineer to pursuing a creative career. His material covers everything from dating miseries and his upbringing to sharp observations about his former corporate job, offering a unique and relatable perspective on life's challenges. He is now based in Berlin and has been described by various people as “funny.” **IG @Ludwigcomedy**

Tickets start at 12€: [https://fienta.com/what-is-love-179683](https://fienta.com/what-is-love-179683) Get ready for a night of good vibes, honest stories, awkward confessions, and big laughs. What is Love? is a warm, high-energy English comedy show featuring some of the city’s funniest comedians and surprise guests. Whether you’re single, taken, situationship-ing, or trying to explain your relationship status in German, this show brings out of all the funny stuff that comes with love, dating, and modern life. Come out, grab a drink, bring a friend (or a date), and enjoy a night that feels fun, easy, and very Berlin. Perfect for friends, couples, or anyone who wants to enjoy comedy **📅 Date & Time** Thursday, 07 May 2026 Seating starts: 19:30 Show starts: 20:00 **🏢 Venue** The Wall Comedy Club Grünberger Str. 84, 10245 Berlin A nice spot perfect for a comedy night. **🎤 Hosted by: Nya Yeanafehn** Nya Yeanafehn is a stand-up comedian, host, and podcaster who began his comedy journey in New York City and is now based in Berlin. He performs all over Europe and is known for his storytelling, expat observations, and the experiences of navigating life across cultures. He also hosts the Third Culture Talk Podcast, recently featured in Germany’s Stern magazine.

RSVP on [Luma](https://luma.com/0f3ue7fu?utm_source=Meetup). Silent Reading / Creating Club is a gathering for people who enjoy focusing together in public. Bring a book, a notebook, a sketchpad, knitting needles, whatever you’d like to spend a quiet hour doing. All projects and all participants are welcome. We’re building a community of readers and creators who value depth, presence, and shared silence. The reading and creating isn't the real highlight, though, it’s in the people who return and make it feel like a familiar room. (Please RSVP “yes” only if you can make it, so we can save a seat for you and others on the waitlist.) Our Meeting Point is in the middle of the **Tilla-Durieux-Park near Potsdamer Platz**. Bring a picnic blanket, a cushion, and maybe some snacks/a drink! No assignments, expectations, or pressure. Just a shared hour of intentional silence, followed by the opportunity for good conversation. 🕰 Our Agenda **10:30 – 11:00** Arrivals, ordering drinks/food, light social time **11:00 – 12:00** The Great Quiet Hour (Read. Write. Sketch. Code. Think. Sit.) **12:00 – 12:30** Optional socializing: share what you were reading or creating, or simply continue in quiet focus. ## 🏡 House Guidelines To keep this space calm and welcoming for everyone: • Silence during the focus hour (no calls or conversations) • Put cellphones on silent mode • If using technology, please avoid meetings or audio (headphones please!) • Arrive before 11:00 if possible to minimize disruptions

[please register here for the seats as it helps us alot ](http://adhdcomedyberlin.eventbrite.com) Step into the whimsical world of "**ADHD: Absurdly Dysfunctional Horribly Direct**"–a sensational English language standup comedy show that will tickle your funny bone and leave you in stitches. **Every 2nd Sunday of the month at Valentin Stüberl,** the perfect setting for this uproarious event, with its intimate atmosphere and cozy ambiance. ⏰ 7 pm to 9 pm . Doors open at 6:30. Show starts at 7 Prepare to be entertained by a **handpicked lineup of the finest comedians from Berlin**. These comedic maestros will take the stage one by one, delivering their side-splitting material with impeccable timing and a dash of audacity. Some comics may have an official **ADHD** diagnosis, some may believe they are on the spectrum, but all of them are crazy,dysfunctional and outrightly funny. At the heart of this laughter-filled extravaganza is **Ayush Kulshrestha**, the host of the evening. Having been **diagnosed with ADHD as a child**, Ayush has turned his personal struggles, anger, and misfortunes into a source of inspiration for his comedic genius. With his unique perspective, Ayush not only delivers a set that is sure to have you rolling in the aisles but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and inclusion. Through his stories and humor, Ayush creates a common bond ,comradrie and a safe environment where people, especially those who are **neurodivergent** like himself, can connect, share experiences, and feel understood. We believe laughter should be accessible to all, which is why we run the show as a donation-based pay what you can show. it not a free show You can reserve your seats now and afte 2 hours of rib tickling comedy and comradery we **suggest a contribution of €10-15€ per person .** Your contribution helps in paying the therapy bills and the ADHD tax . Since we always sell out and the seats are limited you can also pre-**book tickets and reserve your seats [here](https://app.tickettailor.com/events/desidemocracy/919363) at discounted rates.** So gather your friends, loosen up your funny bones, and join us for a Sunday evening filled with laughter and merriment. Get ready to experience a comedy show like no other, where wit, absurdity, and directness collide to promises laughter, camaraderie, and a celebration of turning life's challenges into comedic triumphs.

✨ **Online Speed Dating — Built for Vancouver Singles Who Mean It** Whether you're naturally introverted, stepping into dating for the first time, or simply someone who values a real conversation over small talk — this was made for you. Everyone here is looking for something that lasts. Not a match that fades after a week — something real, meaningful, and worth building on. It all happens live on Zoom — short one-on-one rounds with Vancouver singles matched to your age group. No travel, no awkward venues, no wasted evenings. **Pick your age group and grab your spot:** - Ages 18-32: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=481.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Vancouver&groupurlname=seek-sincere-relationships-through-group-outings&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - Ages 30-46: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=481.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Vancouver&groupurlname=seek-sincere-relationships-through-group-outings&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) - Ages 40-58: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=481.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Vancouver&groupurlname=seek-sincere-relationships-through-group-outings&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0) - Ages 55+: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=481.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Vancouver&groupurlname=seek-sincere-relationships-through-group-outings&ar=55+&face_v=3.0) ⚠️ RSVPing here does not hold your place. You must register through the link above and complete the short personality quiz to be confirmed. --- **Here's what to do:** 1. Sign up via your age group link and take a few minutes to complete the personality questions. 2. Join the Zoom at the event time — no app downloads needed, works on any device. 3. Go through a series of short private rounds with age-matched Vancouver singles, all guided by a friendly host. 4. Mutual matches are revealed after the event — reach out when you're ready. Spots are intentionally small so everyone gets real time to connect. If you've been waiting for the right moment — this is it.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

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?

Hey Everyone! Let's meet at Belle's Bread Bakery and Cafe. There is lots of free parking and easy access to the cafe and many shops and restaurants as well. This is a great way to meet new and old friends while chatting about life and practicing English language speaking skills. All are welcome and encouraged to join us anytime between 11am and 1pm. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!