The Analytic Salon 8

Have you been a good person lately? Please do not answer yet.

The EIGHTH session of the Analytic Salon is coming up!

Our topic this time: ethics.

That's a big, huge topic. Arguably, one of the most paradigmatically *philosophical* areas of philosophy.

In our last session, we assumed free will and asked how to make rational choices. But we didn't quite touch on what might strike one as the most important bit: what are the right choices, morally speaking?

Modern life (indeed, human life) is rife with moral thinking: this is the right thing to do, that is the wrong thing to do, her action was good, his action was bad, she is evil, he is an angel. But also: that was a courageous deed; that was an imprudent act; elves are virtuous, while hobbits are wicked.

What does all of that mean anyway?

We have opinions and theories. We will say things like "deontology" and "consequentialism", but fear not --- we will explain it and give you the space to ask what the heck it all stands for. We will touch on virtue ethics too, a possibly more fashionable approach, and OF COURSE TROLLEY PROBLEMS.

This is pretty hilarious: [https://neal.fun/absurd-trolley-problems/](https://neal.fun/absurd-trolley-problems/)

You will not want to miss this session. It'll be fun (and far less formal than the last one.)

----

As always: No prior philosophy knowledge required. We will define all terms. Just come, uhm, as yourself, and we hope this conversation will change you. We will have philosophers on site guiding us through the questions and through some influential theories.

We were struck last time by the intelligence and thoughtfulness of the attendees. We fully expect another smart, vivid discussion.

Daily life offers few chances for discussion on deep topics we actually all have thoughts about. This is a space dedicated to that. Come meet new people, make friends, and share your smartest thoughts in a low-stakes environment. This is not a class!

We will have refreshments (wine, cheese and crackers, fruit).

As always, this event is 100% free. BUT --- our Center needs donations. Such donations can make sure the analytic salons keep running. Any and all amounts help. If you're so inclined, support us here (suggested donation of $5) --- it takes 30 seconds:

[https://www.givegab.com/campaigns/saul-kripke-center](https://www.givegab.com/campaigns/saul-kripke-center)

NOTE ON RSVP-ing: RSVP is *required*.

Our events fill up within hours and there is a significant waitlist. We can only accommodate about 30 people. If you are not reasonably confident you will attend, kindly put yourself on the waitlist/maybe-list and let someone else have the spot.

RSVP VIA:

Partiful here:

[https://partiful.com/e/wHuckaO5HW95q4w55SqD?c=wjSHkDm7](https://partiful.com/e/wHuckaO5HW95q4w55SqD?c=wjSHkDm7) OR

Google Forms here:

[https://forms.gle/HK9TKF9GHvnSdybF6](https://forms.gle/HK9TKF9GHvnSdybF6)

----

FOR THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW US YET:

The Analytic Salon is a series of philosophy gatherings where we crack the code of analytic philosophy. What is it? What is it for? And what is it all about? This is your chance to come meet real philosophers. We don't require ANY knowledge of analytic philosophy: this is meant to be a fun mini-lecture event followed by vivid (and respectful) discussion for non-specialists with sharp and curious minds. Let's chat. We believe quite strongly in logic, truth, rationality as a key to conversation and to intellectual exploration.

Come hang with us! We believe in spreading the word of analytic philosophy beyond the ivory tower.

For more info on The Analytic Salon, check out our website:

[https://analytic-salon-nyc.github.io/](https://analytic-salon-nyc.github.io/)

---

*The Analytic Salon is made possible by the Saul Kripke Center. Check out the work we do here: [www.gc.cuny.edu/saul-kripke-center](http://www.gc.cuny.edu/saul-kripke-center)*