English Writing Skills

Join us for a writing session! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 18:00 on Thursdays at Café Pierre. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 18:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 18:15- timer starts 20:00 - (the end) chat / take off / keep writing / discussion group meeting. Café Pierre closes at 24:00 OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens when we're finished and before the writing session starts. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and join us! Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you at Café Pierre! What Should I Bring? Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block the cafe’s overhead music or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Other Important Details: INTERNET: There is WLAN in the café. The staff will tell you the password if you ask them, or just ask me. TRAVEL / PARKING: U3 Neubaugasse, U4 Kettenbrückengasse. If you drive there, remember that Kurzparkzone applies. SEATING INFORMATION: plenty of seats available. It's the big oval table inside, but if the weather is nice in the summertime, we may be found outside. GUIDELINES: Please thank our hosts by purchasing something. Other information: There is no registration process for this meetup. Just click on the meetup you want to attend and then click on the red button "Teilnehmen" or "attend". If that doesn't work, you can attend the writing session anyway.

Arnold Schönberg (1874–1951) was one of the most significant figures in the creative world in the first half of the 20th century. Following in the tradition of Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and Mahler, the Austrian (and, after his immigration to New York and later Los Angeles, also US-American) composer, music theorist, teacher, and writer reshaped the practice of harmony in classical music. Some of Schönberg’s most famous contributions were the development of his twelve-tone-method and his attention to sound color (Klangfarbe), both of which strongly influenced generations of composers up until today. But Schönberg’s creative world goes beyond music. He was a designer, painter, inventor, and systems thinker: building tools and furniture, binding books, designing stage sets and costumes, inventing machines, and even building his own chess set, for four players. In this meetup, we explore Schönberg through a UX lens: what can his way of thinking, making, and problem-solving teach us about design, tools, and user experience today? We will also look at the museum and concert space as an experience that unfolds through the perception of an audience. The [Arnold Schönberg Center](https://schoenberg.at/) is a repository of Schönberg's archival legacy. Director Dr. Ulrike Anton will provide an introduction to the Arnold Schönberg Center. User researcher Dr. Franziska Brunner will give us a guided tour and lead a discussion of the exhibition. Arnold Schönberg's estate is on [UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register](https://www.unesco.at/en/communication/documentary-heritage/memory-of-the-world-in-austria/arnold-schoenberg-estate), recognized for its global importance as a documentary heritage. After an afternoon in the museum space from 3:00–6:00 p.m.. We also invite you to attend an [in-house concert at 6:30 p.m](https://schoenberg.at/en/events/upcoming-events/3793/loops-from-other-planets)., followed by dinner. 🎻 🍽️ * The €18 concert price includes entrance to the exhibit. (Entrance to just the exhibit without the concert costs € 6.) * Admission for both the museum and the concert is free for those under 26 years old. * Dinner afterwards is optional, and everyone will cover their own meal. *Photo: Replica of Schönberg's study room © Johannes Böck*

**[!!!FREE TICKETS !!!](https://www.universe.com/events/english-stand-up-comedy-open-mic-icebreakers-the-comedy-pub-tickets-9BR86Q?ref=MeetUp)** Step into the world of laughter with "Ice Breakers," the latest Thursday night spectacle at The Comedy Pub in Vienna. This English comedy open mic night is your weekly ticket to a realm of hilarity, where seasoned comedians and fresh faces alike take the stage to test their newest material or polish their classic jokes. Hosted by the charismatic Robin Vincent, renowned for her sharp wit and quirky observations, Ice Breakers promises an evening filled with diverse comedic styles, offering both belly laughs and insightful reflections on the absurdities of life. Every Thursday, Ice Breakers invites you to shed the week's stress and embrace the joy of live comedy. Whether you're a comedy connoisseur or seeking a unique night out in Vienna, this event caters to all, providing a platform for comedians to connect with the audience and share their humorous take on the world. It's not just a comedy show; it's a community event where laughter unites everyone in the room. Located in the heart of Vienna, The Comedy Pub is the perfect backdrop for Ice Breakers, combining cozy ambiance with a lively spirit. As the city's premier spot for comedy, it offers an intimate setting where every seat is the best seat in the house. Don't just watch the show; be part of the experience, where each night is unpredictable and filled with surprises. Join us at Ice Breakers for an unforgettable journey into the world of comedy. Reserve your spot now and be part of Vienna's thriving comedy scene. Laugh, cheer, and maybe even discover your new favorite comedian. Remember, playing it cool is out – breaking the ice with laughter is in. See you every Thursday at The Comedy Pub for an evening that's sure to leave you smiling long after the curtains close. **🎫 Grab your tickets now and let's turn this day into a day of laughter and unforgettable memories. See you there!** **📣 Connect with us on social media for the latest updates:** * **[-- Facebook --](https://www.facebook.com/the.comedy.pub/)** * **[-- Instagram --](https://www.instagram.com/the.comedy.pub/)** #IceBreakersComedy #ThursdayLaughs #ViennaComedy #OpenMicNight #ComedyClubVienna #RobinVincentComedy #StandUpVienna #ComedyPubVienna #LaughOutLoud #ComedyNightOut #ViennaEvents #WeeklyComedy #EnglishComedyVienna #ComedyShowcase #ViennaNightlife #HumorHub #ComedicTalent #LiveComedyVienna #ComedyLovers #StandUpShow #ComedyMicNight #ViennaEntertainment #FunnyVienna #ComedyStage #LocalComedians #ComedyNightVienna #HilariousVienna #ComedyExperience #ViennaLaughter

**You start, but don't finish. We help you get it done.** Join our [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/K6LidaoQhe16wZ0Se9pNM6?mode=gi_t). Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/nocrastinationclub/) You just haven’t been able to follow through. You start things, lose momentum and find yourself starting over again. You’re not alone. Most people get support at the beginning. And applause at the end. But the part that actually matters? The middle. The quiet, repetitive, sometimes frustrating part where nothing feels exciting, and everything depends on showing up. **That’s where we are.** At NoCrastination, we don’t meet for hype. We meet to **show up and finish something, together.** Not perfectly. Not magically. Just consistently. **What this really is** This is a space for people who are: * building something * figuring things out * or simply trying to stay on track **without doing it alone** You don’t need to be an entrepreneur. You just need something you want to move forward. **What happens here** You bring something you’ve been putting off. We sit down together. We focus. And you leave with something done. That’s it. And that’s everything. **Why people keep coming back** * “I finally follow through on what I plan” * “I leave with real progress every time” **Time and Location** 🕐 **Time:** 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM 📍 **Location:** Jaz in the City – Ground Floor long table Windmühlgasse 28, 1060 Vienna 💻 **Bring:** Your laptop, journal, or anything you’ve been avoiding **Hosted by**: NoCrastination. See you across from the ground floor bar ✨ you will see us sitting at the long table with our laptops ☕ Please do order something from the bar, so as to keep us in their good graces! Espresso: €3.5, Americano: €4.5, Latte: €5.5. Donations to support the community are voluntary and welcome. **How it works** * **13:00–13:30 → arrival + intro + set your task** * **3 × 45’ focus sessions + 15’ breaks** * Quiet focus, optional social breaks * Drop in anytime, stay as long as you want No pressure. Just structure + presence. **First time joining?** Look for **Vlad** near the ground floor bar. We’ll get you settled 💛 **This space is for you if…** * You keep starting but don’t finish * You work alone and feel stuck * You want structure without pressure * You don’t want to do this alone anymore **What you’ll get** Not motivation. Not a productivity hack. **You’ll get: ONE THING DONE.** And then you come back, and do it again. **This is how it starts** You don’t need to commit to anything big. Just come once. Pick one thing. Finish it. We’ll be there. **Stay connected** Join our [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/K6LidaoQhe16wZ0Se9pNM6?mode=gi_t) Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/nocrastinationclub/) This is a space you can keep coming back to. **You’re not behind.** **You’re just in the middle.** And you don’t have to go through it alone. You are one of us.

🌿 Deutsch unten -- We now offer the following activities, all on Thursday Evenings from 19:00–21:00 🌿 🖌 1st Thursday of the month – Meditation & Drawing Chanting & meditation, followed by creative drawing exercises to expand perception and soften habitual patterns. 🧘 2nd Thursdays of the month – Meditation & Yoga Chanting & meditation, followed by Pranayama, gentle Hatha/Ashtanga-inspired movements to cultivate balance, clarity, and presence. 🕊 3rd Thursday of the month – Meditation in Movement Chanting & meditation, followed by Qigong moving exercises led by Manuel to apply non-dualism while in slow movement. 😇 4th Thursday of the month – Guided Meditation Chanting & meditation, followed by an investigation into our true nature. We will take a Zen koan from the Gateless Gate as a point of departure. 🤫 In case there is a 5th Thursday – Silent Meditation Chanting & meditation, followed by longer periods of silence. ✨ Details • €12 (€10 reduced), cash at the door • Registration through Meetup appreciated, not required • No prior experience needed • Light snacks and drinks available during the breaks 🔗 [www.meetup.com/der-stille-punkt-wien/](http://www.meetup.com/der-stille-punkt-wien/) 🏠 Hütteldorferstraße 128, Top 02, 1140 Wien 📧 [jacques.van.engel@gmail.com](mailto:jacques.van.engel@gmail.com) =============================================== 🌿 Wir bieten nun folgende Aktivitäten an, jeweils donnerstags von 19:00 bis 21:00 Uhr 🌿 🖌 Erster Donnerstag im Monat – Meditation & Zeichnen Chanten & Meditation, gefolgt von kreativen Zeichenübungen, um die Wahrnehmung zu erweitern und gewohnheitsmäßige Muster aufzulockern. 🧘 2. Donnerstag im Monat – Meditation & Yoga Chanten & Meditation, gefolgt von Pranayama und sanften, von Hatha/Ashtanga inspirierten Bewegungen zur Förderung von Gleichgewicht, Klarheit und Präsenz. 🕊 3. Donnerstag im Monat – Meditation in Bewegung Chanten & Meditation, gefolgt von Qigong-Bewegungsübungen unter der Leitung von Manuel, um Non-Dualismus in langsamen Bewegungen zu erforschen. 😇 4. Donnerstag im Monat – Geführte Meditation Chanten & Meditation, gefolgt von einer Erkundung unserer wahren Natur. Jacques wird einen Zen-Koan aus dem „Tor ohne Tor“ als Ausgangspunkt nehmen. 🤫 Falls es einen 5. Donnerstag gibt – Stille Meditation Chanten & Meditation, gefolgt von längeren Phasen der Stille. ✨ Details • 12 € (ermäßigt 10 €), Barzahlung an der Tür • Anmeldung über Meetup erwünscht, aber nicht erforderlich • Keine Vorkenntnisse erforderlich • kleine Snacks & Getränke während der Pausen 🔗 [www.meetup.com/der-stille-punkt-wien/](http://www.meetup.com/der-stille-punkt-wien/) 🏠 Hütteldorferstraße 128, Top 02, 1140 Wien 📧 jacques.van.engel@gmail.com

\*\*\*only 10 spots available\*\*\* If you are familiar with high performance, and human potential, you already know that the nervous system is not a peripheral topic. It is the substrate. Focus, creativity, emotional intelligence, the capacity for genuine connection, the quality of leadership, making good decisions under pressure — all of it is downstream of the state your nervous system is operating in at any given moment. Especially expats who have spent years navigating relocation, high stakes, and constantly adapt to new environments, the nervous system carries a specific signature. Research confirms that elevated cortisol, disrupted sleep, degraded executive function appear especially in populations who consider themselves performing well, because the performance continues even as the foundation slowly depletes. The next level of performance does not come from pushing harder. It comes from addressing what is running underneath: the nervous system itself. Regulation is the physiological prerequisite for clear thinking, genuine connection, and sustainable output. When you operate from a regulated baseline, decisions sharpen, leadership deepens, creativity flows, and the driven quality of your ambition stops costing you what it currently costs. At this LibaTea circle, we explore how high achievers can move from chronic high-arousal functioning to a more powerful operating state, where drive and recovery reinforce each other rather than compete. This is a group of ambitious, internationally-minded people engaging seriously with the science and practice of nervous system regulation. **You will explore:** \- Why high achievers and expats carry a specific and measurable nervous system load \- What polyvagal theory and allostatic load research actually mean for how you perform \- What genuine regulation looks like — beyond stress management and temporary relief \- How your nervous system state shapes the quality of every decision\, conversation\, and creative act This circle is for professionals, founders and expats who want to operate with more depth, clarity, and long-term capacity. **Event flow (\~90 minutes):** Arrival & welcome Breath & tea Guided reflection rounds Closing integration **A practical note:** Spots are limited to 10 people. A recommended contribution is 10€ / person. To stay updated on this and following events, you can join our WhatsApp Group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/GmcaSqxOKqrKBeQVkKK2AW?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GmcaSqxOKqrKBeQVkKK2AW?mode=gi_t) **About LibaTea:** LibaTea is a community exploring depth, growth, and genuine connection through conversation and ritual. We host weekly tea circles and monthly masterminds for thoughtful people who take their inner lives as seriously as their outer ones. **Why tea?** Tea rituals have been used for centuries to create presence and slow thinking down enough for something real to emerge. We use that principle to create the conditions for conversations worth having.

Our co-organizer Ursula Laa will be giving a talk orgranized by the Young Statistician Forum (FJS), and you are welcome to join! Expect a technical tour of visualisation tools for multivariate and high-dimensional data in R with practical examples! **ℹ️ Abstract** Statistical graphics are central to exploring and modeling complex data. As dimensionality increases, uncovering structure and dependencies becomes more challenging. This presentation gives an overview of practical tools for visualizing multivariate data, from strategic use of scatterplots and scatterplot matrices to linear and nonlinear projection methods. Special emphasis will be placed on tour methods—animated sequences of linear projections—that reveal clustering, outliers, and nonlinear relationships. All graphics will be demonstrated in R, with code to reproduce the results. **🗺️ Location** Seminarraum 16 3rd floor Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1, 1090 Vienna Use this [floor plan](https://event.univie.ac.at/fileadmin/user_upload/d_event/Dokumente/Raummanagement/PLAENE_NEU/Plaene_OMP/UEbersichtsplaene/01__3OG_Uebersicht.pdf) to help locate the room.

Come write with us at Cafe Pierre every Sunday at 18:00-20:00! A message from Shut Up & Write: "Shut Up & Write hosts free, in-person and online writing events for writers all over the world. Our goal is to ensure that every writer—regardless of genre or skill level—has access to the resources, community, and accountability that they need to be successful in their personal writing goals." And what this looks like at our event: We chat and give short introductions to what we are working on at 18:00, then start writing at 18:15. Though we try to start on dot, being late isn't a problem—just find a spot and get to work! We write until 20:00 and then discuss how our writing went. From fiction to non-fiction, academic papers to poetry, applications to work-related writing—anything goes! Nothing is needed except for you to bring whatever is need to get stuff done, i.e. laptop, headphones, pen and paper, and so on. Optional socialising may happen before 18:00 and after 20:00, or you may choose to use this time to get some more done! Please do order something from the café (drink, meal, dessert, etc.) so as to keep us in their good graces!

Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. Whether it‘s your blog, a report, your thesis, your next book, copy for your website, or just your daily journaling, it doesn’t matter. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! Schedule (tentative): 9:00 - 9:15: Arrive, set up, order some coffee, short introductions. 9:15 - 10:45: Timer starts. Time to write. 10:45 - 11:00: End. Short exchange, settle your bill, takeoff. Optional: Sometimes some of us choose to stay for a second round. Great for when you‘re on a roll and have time. **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://www.shutupwrite.com). **Other Important Details:** WiFi available Travel / Parking: Hietzing station (U4, 10, 60, 51A, 56A, 56B, 58A and 58B). Very limited public parking (Kurzparkzone), Parkgarage Hietzing nearby.

Welcome to our cozy **The Psychology and Personal Growth Circle** which is part of the Social Book Club! We will meet to discuss the book “**Antifragile**" (426 pages) written by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. The idea is to connect with like minded readers that love to grow and get to know themselves better through reading and especially applying knowledge from books. We meet up once a month and talk about our progress applying knowledge from a certain book and our experience. The event will take place at the volunteer organisation **MUT**. It is an organisation to supports humans, animals and the environment especially in Vienna. MUT or the Social Book Club look forward to some donation to cover the cost of this event. If you would like to help, please bring some cash with you. Book Description: In The Black Swan Taleb outlined a problem; in *Antifragile* he offers a definitive solution: how to gain from disorder and chaos while being protected from fragilities and adverse events. For what he calls the "antifragile" is one step beyond robust, as it benefits from adversity, uncertainty and stressors, just as human bones get stronger when subjected to stress and tension. See you then! All the best Sebastian

Eine kleine „Sonderausgabe“ der Kaffeerunde für alle, die auch gern lesen. Dieses Mal probieren wir etwas Neues: wir lesen gemeinsam ein Buch und treffen uns, um darüber zu sprechen. In kleiner Runde tauschen wir uns über unsere Eindrücke aus: über Figuren, Themen, und unterschiedliche Perspektiven. Für diese erste Leserunde schlage ich das Buch **„Ostblockherz“ von Didi Drobna** vor (ca. 180 Seiten). Der Roman berührt Themen wie Familie, Migration, Herkunft und die manchmal schwierige Beziehung zwischen Eltern und Kindern. Wenn Interesse besteht, können wir die Leserunde gerne gelegentlich wiederholen. Für zukünftige Bücher können wir dann auch gemeinsam Vorschläge sammeln. Für alle, die grundsätzlich Interesse haben, habe ich außerdem eine kleine **[WhatsApp-Gruppe](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FKmgnp4UkAZGpdBWxrJywG?mode=hqctcla) speziell für die Leserunde** erstellt. Dort können wir Ideen für kommende Bücher sammeln und sehen, wann eine nächste Runde stattfinden könnte. 👉Da die Runde bewusst klein ist, ist **Zuverlässigkeit besonders wichtig**. Bitte melde dich nur an, wenn du wirklich teilnehmen kannst, und gib rechtzeitig Bescheid, falls doch etwas dazwischenkommt. Ich freue mich auf eure Eindrücke und eine spannende Diskussion!

⭐️Would you like to meet new friends?✨Welcome to Fast Friending in Vienna! Age 20-29/30-39. Please read the description attentively: Our next event is coming soon! Price for boys is 10€ and order a drink It is for free for girls ✨if you’re not comfortable with the price, you are welcome to skip this event. How it works: • You’ll have a short conversations with different people. • After each round, you’ll switch to meet someone new. • You’ll note who you liked, and if there’s a match, we’ll connect you after the event. ‍‍ Age groups: The main groups are for ages 20-29 and 30-39 You are welcome)! Register today)✨ Join us on Instagram and don’t miss new events https://www.instagram.com/makegoodfriends?igsh=YjA2czVxNjF0cGJi&utm_source=qr

**A-B-SEE** is a serious, responsible idea; intended strictly for the strong of heart and anti-dogmatic, open-eyed, and courageously curious cinematic adventure seekers. *Apply only if the description fits.* These events center on uncompromising, taboo-free, film art exploration. *Leave your comfort zone outside.* For **[FilmStory](https://www.meetup.com/filmstory/)** regular members only. * Orientation call prior to first date of participation. * Limited to 10 participants per event.

**Note:** Kindly bring cash for any food/drinks purchases under 20 Eur, as the restaurant/cafe accepts card payments only for purchases above 20 Eur. This is a **free** event. Are you ready to practise your language skills? If you want to meet new friends (or the same friends you met at our other events) and practice all the languages you can speak, join us for a fun-filled evening! During this event, you have the chance to choose a Group and talk to people in: 1. **English** 2. **German** 3. **Italian** 4. **Spanish** 5. **French** Our most important rule: Please be respectful to others at all times. Yes, there will be a separate beginners' Group if you aren't fluent in the language yet! It is also a great place to find Tandem Partners for the languages you want to improve in! Get in touch with the Host upon your arrival and he/she will assist you. 🟢📱 here is our WhatsApp link https://chat.whatsapp.com/KtZ1TQB7lnUAJXK5NxwPQU Hope to see you there!!!

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

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 want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

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.

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.

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?

**Let’s catch up and take an afternoon break.** **Grab a coffee or snack and let’s chit chat! Gayle and I will bring adult coloring books and/or a simple craft if you’d like to unwind and relax.😊**