Psychology

Every Tuesday, 13:00 – 18:00 Looking for a little extra motivation to tackle your to-do list? Join us for our weekly Body Doubling event at Villa Vida! What is Body Doubling? Body doubling is a productivity technique where simply working alongside others helps you stay focused, accountable, and motivated. Whether you’re studying, working remotely, or just need a space to concentrate, being around others who are also focused can make a difference. What to Expect: A relaxed, supportive environment for getting things done Quiet spaces for deep work and focus Free WiFi throughout the cafe Bring your laptop, notebooks, or anything else you need to stay on track. Drop in anytime from 13:00-18:00 – we’re here every Tuesday to keep you in good company and good spirits while you work. See you there!  *** Jeden Dienstag, 13:00 – 18:00 Brauchst du ein bisschen extra Motivation, um deine To-Do-Liste abzuarbeiten? Dann komm zu unserem wöchentlichen Body-Doubling-Event bei Villa Vida! Was ist Body Doubling? Body Doubling ist eine Produktivitätstechnik, bei der die Anwesenheit anderer dir hilft, fokussiert, motiviert und bei der Sache zu bleiben. Ob beim Lernen, Arbeiten im Homeoffice oder anderen Aufgaben – das Arbeiten neben Gleichgesinnten kann einen echten Unterschied machen. Was dich erwartet: Eine entspannte, unterstützende Atmosphäre zum konzentrierten Arbeiten Ruhige Bereiche für tiefe Konzentration Kostenloses WLAN im gesamten Café Bringe deinen Laptop, deine Notizen oder alles andere mit, was du brauchst, um produktiv zu sein. Komm jederzeit zwischen 13:00 und 18:00 Uhr vorbei – wir sind jeden Dienstag hier, um dir Gesellschaft und positive Energie zu bieten. Bis bald! 

***Is there an objective standard of good aesthetic taste?*** *Or is it just a matter of subjective preferences? Can those preferences be authentic, or are they shaped by social pressures and imitation?* In this session of **Marginal Thoughts**, we will explore whether aesthetic taste can be evaluated or whether it remains irreducibly subjective. Before challenging the maxim that there is “no accounting for taste”, we will engage with the view of the philosopher David Hume by watching a short video and - ideally - reading his essay on the topic: * [Short video by Dr. Elie Anderson](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOSDwPtvjzA), summarizing Hume's essay (\~11 min) * Optional but highly recommended: Hume's essay "The Standard of Taste" in either the [version lightly edited for accessibility](https://www.earlymoderntexts.com/assets/pdfs/hume1757essay2.pdf) or in its [original version](https://davidhume.org/texts/empl1/st) (\~45 min) Here we will see Hume not only account for taste, but give a 5-point checklist of what a good judge of taste must possess. Could it really be so simple?! **How to prepare** Watching the video would be the minimal preparation, whereas additionally reading the essay is ideal but can be skipped in a pinch. As you engage with the material, try to identify at least one point of curiosity, confusion, or uncertainty - these will be natural starting points for our discussion. **What to expect** This is an in-person, conversational meetup in English. The goal isn't to debate or lecture - it’s to explore ideas and leave with better questions than we arrived with.

**Meditation April bis Juni 2026** Suchst du nach innerer Balance? Wir begleiten dich bei einem klaren, stressfreien Einstieg in die Meditation. In diesem Kurs lernst du, wie du Meditation einfach und wirkungsvoll in dein Leben integrierst. Keine Vorkenntnisse nötig – bring einfach nur die Bereitschaft mit, dir Zeit zu schenken. Wir freuen uns! **Details zur Veranstaltung:** * **Wann:** jeden Dienstag, April-Juni 2026, um 18:30 Uhr * **Wo:** Meditationszentrum Wien, Praterstraße 40, 1020 Wien * **Eintritt:** Die Teilnahme ist **kostenfrei**. **Weitere Informationen findest du unter:** [www.sos.org/de](http://www.sos.org/de) Wir freuen aus auf dein Kommen!

This is a structured coworking session for people who want to follow through and get it done. 👉 **New here? You can join for just 2 hours to try it out.** 👉 Stay longer if you want to go deeper. To join, please register here (takes 1–2 minutes): [https://nocrastination.space/](https://nocrastination.space/) **Execution with Style. 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. **Why “Style”?** Because sometimes, the hardest part isn’t the task. It’s who you believe you are when you sit down to do it. When you wear something different, something bold, unusual, or expressive: you step slightly outside your usual identity. And in that small shift… It becomes easier to start. Easier to act. Easier to follow through. **Execution with Style** Each session, you’re invited to wear something you normally wouldn’t: * the jacket that never leaves your closet * something colorful, dramatic, or expressive * something funny, strange, or unexpected * something you feel like you “can’t pull off” No pressure. But if you join in, be ready to share the story behind it. **Self-expression + execution = momentum** **What this really is** This is a space for people who: * keep starting but don’t finish * are building something (or figuring it out) * don’t want to do it alone anymore **What happens here** You bring something you’ve been avoiding. We sit down together. We focus. And you leave with something done. **Why people come back** * “I finally follow through on what I plan” * “I leave with real progress every time” * “This is the only place I actually stay consistent” **How long should I join?** You don’t need to commit to the full session. **Option 1: Try it (2 hours, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)** Perfect if it’s your first time or you want a light commitment **Option 2: Go deep (4 hours, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM)** Stay for the full session and build real momentum **Time and location** 🕐 **Every Tuesday, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM** 📍 **Jaz in the City – Ground Floor Lounge** Windmühlgasse 28, 1060 Vienna 💻 **Bring:** your laptop, journal, or anything you’ve been avoiding ☕ 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** * **13:00–13:15 → Arrival + Soft intro + Set your task** * **13:15 - 14:45 → Deep focus session 1** * **14:45 - 15:00 → 15’ Break** * **15:00 - 16:30 → Deep focus session 2** * **16:45 onwards → Networking** * Quiet focus + optional social space * Drop in anytime, stay as long as you want Simple structure. Real progress. **First time joining?** Look for **Joanna Liu** near the ground floor bar 💛 We’ll get you settled. **This is for you if:** * You keep starting but don’t finish * You feel stuck working alone * You want structure — without pressure * You want to express yourself AND move forward **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. As we’re growing and improving the experience, we’re moving to a more structured system. Registration is part of participating. **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.

Early bouldering Session at the Edelweiss Center. Each participant is responsible for paying their entry fee upon arrival. Keep in mind that you need an Alpenverein Membership after your first trial visit. Meeting at the entrance area and entering together at 8’

**Walk & Talk** Willst du auch mehr Bewegung in dein Leben bringen? Und dich dabei noch gut unterhalten, so dass die Zeit verfliegt? Dann bist du hier genau richtig, denn mir geht es genauso. Alleine ist langweilig und die Zeit vergeht nicht, daher hab ich mir Walk & Talk überlegt. Inspiriert wurde ich durch die Walk & Talk Gruppe in Hamburg, wo ich mehrere Male dabei war als ich in Hamburg lebte. Unterschiedliche Menschen treffen sich einmal in der Woche für einen flotten Spaziergang und unterhalten sich dabei. Ich liebe es neue Menschen kennenzulernen und auch bekannte Gesichter wiederzusehen, dann geh ich ganz nebenbei und das macht auch noch Spaß.😊 **Walk:** Wir brauchen einfach regelmäßige Bewegung und ich weiß selbst, wie schwierig es ist, diese in den Alltag zu integrieren. Deshalb ist dieser Walk genau richtig. Nach diesem Spaziergang fühlst du dich einfach wohl, fit und entspannt. **Talk:** Das Reden kommt ganz von selbst beim Gehen. Du kannst über alles reden, egal, ob privates oder berufliches, alles was sich ergibt ist willkommen. Und wenn du keinen Bock aufs Reden hast, dann gehst du alleine, auch das ist völlig in Ordnung. **Wie das ganze abläuft:** * Die Teilnahme ist völlig kostenlos. * Wo: U6 Spittelau (im Freien), Richtung Donaukanal, Ausgang Josef-Holaubek-Platz, direkt vor dem Fernwärme-Turm (https://maps.app.goo.gl/XwAayz4FQe2EW8WK9) Wenn du mit der U4 kommst, geh bitte zum Hauptgebäude, wo die Züge und die U6 fahren. * Wann: Wir treffen uns dienstags um 13 Uhr, egal, ob bei Regen, Sturm und Kälte oder bestem Sonnenschein – Walk & Talk findet nahezu JEDE Woche statt außer ich bin mal im Urlaub. * Wir starten pünktlich und beginnen mit einer kurzen Vorstellungsrunde. * Wie gehen am Donaukanal entlang von Höhe Spittelau bis zum Schwedenplatz und zurück. * Ca. 7 Kilometer sind wir unterwegs und unterhalten uns dabei mit interessanten Menschen. Dabei kannst du neue Bekanntschaften schließen, dich inspirieren lassen, von Projekten erzählen oder einfach nur smalltalken und die frische Luft genießen. Alles ist erlaubt. * Nach ca. 1,75 Stunden sind wir wieder am Ausgangspunkt zurück. * Bei einer Teilnahme von über 5 Personen gehen wir in Paaren und wechseln diese alle 10 Min. Wenn du aber lieber alleine gehst, ist das auch vollkommen in Ordnung. * Für alle, die einfach mal etwas Neues ausprobieren wollen. **Bist du bereit?** Dann komm mit! **Start bei U6 Spittelau Ausgang Donaukanal** Nochmal: um **PUNKT 13.00 Uhr dort sein**, denn **nach kurzen Vorstellungsrunde gehen wir gleich los. Sei pünktlich, denn die Gruppe wartet nicht.** Du musst nichts vorbereiten oder dich gar anmelden, komm einfach vorbei. Ausreden gibt es nicht. Geh mit und freu dich auf eine tolle neue Erfahrung. **Wer macht es?** Ich bin Marie Meyer-Marktl und Ideengeberin, Host und Organisatorin von Walk & Talk. Ich unterstütze seit 2019 Menschen dabei Freude ins Arbeitsleben zu bekommen und bin Business und Life Coachin. „Strahle, wenn du an deine Arbeit denkst“, ist meine Vision für jedermann und jedefrau. Privat merkte ich, dass ich endlich wieder mehr Bewegung brauche – und das klappt am besten gemeinsam mit anderen Menschen. Sei dabei bei Walk & Talk und bring Bewegung in dein Leben. **Do you speak English? Then welcome to Walk & Talk!** This event is suited for all people who like to connect to other people and like to walk. The beauty of this regular event is that you are in the nature and you walk around 7 kilometers. In the meantime, if you feel for it, you talk, if not, you just walk. You do something for your health, get to know new people and you will feel much better. It’s FREE, all you need to do is to show up this Tuesday at no later than 1 pm at the U6 Spittelau exit to Donaukanal.

Heartfulness-Meditation entspannt den Geist und stärkt das Herz. Es sind keine Vorkenntnisse oder Erfahrungen erforderlich. Und so wie die Luft uns allen frei zur Verfügung steht, so ist es auch diese Meditation. Heartfulness-Meditation relaxes the mind and strengthens the heart. No prior knowlege or experience is required. And just as air is freely available to all of us, so is this meditation.

PCE - "Philosophic Conversation in English" is a discussion event in English language which focuses on psychology, philosophy, self-consciousness and self-realization. The conversation is based on inclusive discussion rules. We will meet at at a restaurant where we will have a private room exclusively reserved for our event. Please don't bring pets to the event because the room availability is limited at this venue. At the beginning we will choose the two topics to discuss. Everybody can suggest a topic. Afterwards we will vote what topics to discuss. The person who suggests a winning topic will start the discussion by explaining his/her idea. Afterwards everybody gets his/her chance to make a statement. But you can also decide to remain silent and only listen, if you prefer that. We have a time limit for statements, so that everybody has enough time to speak. It is not allowed to interrupt somebody who is speaking. After a statement everybody can ask a question and the speaker will answer. After the first part there will be a 15 minutes break before we start the second part. Everybody is welcome to our event: We are interested in your thoughts and opinions! It is no problem if you arrive late and you can also leave whenever you want. Please don't bring pets to this event because the room is usually very crowded. Please make sure to register for the event to secure your seat! Please check out last event's topics via this link: [http://pce-topic.project-website.org](http://pce-topic.project-website.org/)

We all have psychological needs that shape how we feel, think, and behave. Science shows that things like feeling safe, connected to others, valued, and having meaning in life are essential for mental health. Different theories—from Freud to modern research by Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan—describe these needs in different ways, but they largely agree on one thing: when our needs are met, we function well; when they are not, we struggle. In this short talk, we’ll look at what science actually knows about psychological needs—simply and without jargon.

We will meet in a calm and friendly place ( Parc, Café, Restaurant) to explore together some of Jiddu Krishnamurti’s key questions about awareness, relationship, and freedom. There will be no teaching, no authority — only open dialogue and attentive listening. Everyone is welcome, whether you are familiar with Jiddu Krishnamurti or simply curious about life and self-understanding. We’ll start with an open conversation around a theme such as “Listening without judgment” or “Can thought bring clarity?” Please bring openness, curiosity, and a readiness to listen — no books or notes needed. The spirit is not to discuss “what should be,” but to observe together “what is.”

Why is it that we strive so deeply to fulfill what seems to be our most fundamental human longing - yet so often fall short? Could it be that the roots of this struggle lie in subtle misconceptions about who we are - and what we seek in others? And if so, is there a different way of relating… one that truly works? In a small, carefully curated group of like-minded individuals, we create a space for thoughtful exploration of these questions. The evening begins with a short talk by Alan Watts – On the most fundamental human desire. This is followed by a facilitated conversation, where we reflect on the key ideas and how they resonate with our own experience. After a short break, we gently shift from dialogue into silence—turning inward, allowing space for deeper insight, reflection, and inner resonance. An evening for those who are drawn to depth, authenticity, and the exploration of life’s essential questions—in connection with others, and with oneself. Hosted by Dieter Langenecker, facilitated by Tom Stub. Tanja Odermatt PS: We’ll officially close at 8:00 pm — and if you feel like staying a little longer, you’re very welcome. PS: A contribution of €20 will be collected to cover the costs, like room, coffee, tea, juice, and cookies. Additional donations are most welcome. PPPS: 1st door (if closed) use code 2008 + push the button with the bell symbol; at the 2nd door ring at Int'l. Management Institute/ System. Institute. Then take the elevator to the 3rd floor, apartment #49. Message us at 0681 1069 1321 for any issue

This event takes places in the beautiful atmosphere of the Still Point - Meditation Center we begin the Evening with chanting and guided meditations to settle the mind in a relaxed, open and receptive state • from connecting to the stillness within we start experimenting with various drawing exercises to open and expand the sense of seeing, softening habitual patterns and enhance sensitivity \~ Letting go of expectations and orientation on results we explore playfully diverse creative processes for making inner movements visible all material will be provided! we offer snacks and drinks as well as time and space to socialize : ) the fee for the evening is **12€** (Students: 10€) image: Odilon Redon, The Buddha

## [GET TICKETS HERE!!!](https://www.eventbrite.at/e/tito-perez-live-in-vienna-solo-stand-up-comedy-show-thecomedypub-tickets-1982193235326?aff=MeetUp) Tito Perez’s debut solo show! A hilarious, heartfelt night about life abroad, marriage, art & culture shock — live at The Comedy Pub Vienna. ### **His first solo show. One mic. One night. No safety net.** Tito Perez is stepping into the spotlight for the very first time with his **debut solo stand-up comedy show** — and you’re invited to be part of this milestone moment. Born in Texas, proudly Puerto Rican & Cuban, and currently trying to survive life in Vienna, Tito brings a refreshingly honest, chaotic, and heartfelt comedy perspective to the stage. This is stand-up comedy rooted in real life: immigration, culture shock, marriage, art, identity, and the strange moments that happen when you don’t quite belong anywhere… but somehow belong everywhere. This isn’t just a comedy show. It’s a personal story told through laughter. ## 😂 **What the Show Is About** In this full-length solo performance, Tito blends his life experiences as: * an American living abroad * a street artist navigating creative survival * a husband figuring out relationships far from home * and a human trying to make sense of cultural expectations Expect hilarious observations about: * living in Vienna as an American * navigating bureaucracy, social rules, and unspoken norms * marriage, relationships, and everyday misunderstandings * identity, home, and finding humor in discomfort It’s funny, awkward, heartfelt, and deeply relatable — whether you’re an expat, a local, or someone who’s ever felt out of place. ## 🎭 **Comedy That Connects** Tito’s comedy balances **wacky observations** with **heartwarming storytelling**. One moment you’re laughing at cultural absurdities, the next you’re nodding along thinking, *“Yep… been there.”* This debut solo show is about: * laughing at the chaos of life abroad * embracing the awkwardness of change * and finding connection through shared experiences It’s comedy that doesn’t just aim for punchlines — it aims to connect. ## 👥 **Who Should Come** This show is perfect for: **🎤 Comedy Lovers** Anyone who appreciates thoughtful, story-driven stand-up comedy. **🌍 Expats & Travelers** If you’ve lived abroad, moved countries, or struggled with cultural differences — this will hit home. **🎨 Art & Creative Minds** Fans of street art, creative expression, and unconventional life paths will love Tito’s perspective. **❤️ Couples & Relationships Fans** Marriage, love, and daily relationship chaos are all part of the set — relatable and real. **😄 Anyone Who Just Wants a Great Night Out** If you’re looking for laughs, warmth, and something different from a standard comedy lineup, this is it. ## 🏛 **The Venue** **The Comedy Pub – Vienna** Vienna’s home for international stand-up comedy. An intimate, cozy venue with a full bar and the perfect atmosphere for a personal solo show. Every seat feels close, every laugh feels shared. 📍 Kettenbrückengasse 7, 1050 Vienna ## 📅 **Event Details** * **Date:** May 8 * **Doors open:** 20:30 * **Show starts:** 21:00 * **Location:** The Comedy Pub, Vienna * **Language:** English * **Format:** Solo stand-up comedy show ## 🎟 **Why You Shouldn’t Miss This** First solo shows only happen once. This is your chance to: * support a local comedian at a major milestone * experience an honest, personal comedy night * laugh, relate, and walk out feeling lighter Come support Tito, bring friends, grab a drink, and be part of a night that will be remembered — by the audience **and** the performer. **Tickets are limited.** **Grab yours now and be there when it happens.** #TitoPerez #TitoPerezComedy #ViennaComedy #StandUpVienna #EnglishComedyVienna #LiveComedyVienna #TheComedyPub #ComedyInVienna #ExpatComedy #AmericanInVienna #ImmigrantComedy #StorytellingComedy #SoloComedyShow #InternationalComedy #ComedyNightVienna #ViennaEvents #ThingsToDoInVienna #ComedyLovers #ModernStandUp #PersonalComedy #HeartfeltComedy #StreetArtistComedy #CultureShockComedy #RelatableComedy #ComedyShowVienna

This is an in-person meeting. Did you know that unwanted emotions like loneliness, sadness, hopelessness, anger, fear, anxiety, or feelings of irritation don’t just fall on you for no reason. They are not random occurrences that simply happen to people's minds. They are definitely not chemical imbalance in your brain due to some nebulous chemical reactions by chance. Your negative emotions are the symptoms of the painful experiences that you have which are not healed, and which are still affecting you. The effects of these painful experiences are exacerbated by the pressures or difficulties of the other problems in your life. For instance, let's say you are already carrying a huge load on your back, then you cannot take on much more, but, let's say something else happens to you, such as the difficulties from the Pandemic, then the resultant combined weight on you can take you over the edge, kind of like the straw that break the camel's back. When this happens, people's attention usually goes to the straw that was added, but actually the majority of the weight had come from the huge load that were already there, holding a person down and causing a person issues. So how do you remove the huge load that was already there? How do you lighten them up? Is it possible to get rid of them? That is what this meeting will be all about. Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

The Alliance is part of the Greater Central Ohio Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. We are an all-voices chorus dedicated to providing an inclusive environment for all those who love to sing, regardless of their race, gender identity, sexual orientation or musical background. The Alliance is the first and only all-voices barbershop chorus in Central Ohio. **Who:** Anyone with a passion for singing at a high level. Previous barbershop chorus/quartet experience not required. **When:** The Alliance rehearses weekly on Thursdays from 7pm-10pm. **Where:** Lord Of Life Lutheran Church: 2480 W Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43235 To become a full member of The Alliance, we welcome you to start by visiting us for a few rehearsals to experience the group and sing with us! Then, you may begin the 2-part audition process for membership: the assessement, and audition. We strive to make our auditions as stress-free as possible to help you let your best singing self shine.

Why are we unhappy? Where does emotional pain come from? Studies show that people who suffer from long-term emotional pain have painful experiences in their lives that were never fully resolved in their mind. In other words, there were issues in the past that were not completely dealt with. This can include abuse in childhood, breakups, divorce, death of a loved one, to name a few. How do you know whether you have gotten over something painful? Here is an easy test: Do you still have attention on what had happened to you? For instance, do you still find yourself thinking about something painful that you went through? If you are, then you are not over it. In fact, in severe cases, people find themselves playing a "tape" in their mind over and over again. So how do you heal from your past? How do you stop the "tape" playing in your mind? In this meeting, you will learn a technique to help you with that. Come join us! Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics and Scientology life improvement center.

We will have our certified mediums available and you can receive 3 10-minute readings for $20. To keep you safe, we will be following all CDC and Health Dept. guidelines at our psychic fair today. Sitters and readers required to wear a mask. We will maintain a minimum of 6 foot physical distance during readings. Please, if you can, bring your own portable chair to use during your readings. Please note that we are at our wonderful new home at Unity of Columbus, 4211 Maize Road, Columbus, OH

This is an in-person meeting. At this meeting you will get answers to depression and anxiety. Find out the source of them and how to get rid of them. Did you know that unwanted emotions like anxiety, depression, unhappiness, loneliness, hopelessness, anger, fear, or feelings of irritation don’t just fall on you for no reason. They are not random occurrences that simply happen to people's minds. They are definitely not due to a chemical imbalance in your brain from some nebulous chemical reaction "by chance". Your negative emotions are the symptoms of the painful experiences that you have which are not healed, and which are still affecting you. The effects of these painful experiences are exacerbated by the pressures or difficulties of the other problems in your life. Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation of Central Ohio and Church of Scientology of Central Ohio.

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

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?