Talks / Ideas / Philosophy

One Death or Five: Could You Decide?

Various venues across London

Wed 21 Oct · 19:00 · £20.25

90m · Talk

About this event

"One Death or Five: Could You Decide?" with Ben Wilberforce-Ritchie Summary: Ethical decision-making is not reserved for compliance teams or senior leaders. Everyone in an organisation faces difficult dilemmas where the right choice is not always obvious. In this session, philosopher and ethics practitioner Ben Wilberforce Ritchie introduces ethics as a practical framework for navigating complex dilemmas with clarity, confidence, and accountability, especially in an era where businesses are increasingly expected to act with integrity and social responsibility, and yet fail to do so. Through engaging case studies and interactive exercises, participants are invited to reflect on the scenarios, revealing how different ethical perspectives can lead to very different conclusions. Ben uses these discussions to explore major ethical frameworks, including rule-based ethics, outcome-based thinking, care ethics, and character virtues. Participants then learn how to assess decisions through a four-box ethical decision-making model based on virtues, rules, ends, and care, strengthening their integrity and accountability in both personal and professional interactions. The model helps individuals adjust and strengthen decisions by considering all ethical dimensions rather than relying on instinct alone. Ben highlights the difference between ethics and law, explaining that legality does not always equal morality, and that ethical reasoning is essential for challenging flawed systems and improving organisational policies. Ben concludes by reinforcing that everyone can be an ethical leader, regardless of job title. The session closes with a reminder that ethical decision making requires curiosity, courage, and continuous practice, empowering individuals and organisations to act with integrity in an increasingly complex world. Bio: Ben is a philosopher, author, and founder of Phicilitate Ltd., an organisation helping leadership teams to reduce ethical risk and improve decision-making quality under pressure. With practical corporate experience as an Ethics Manager and Chief of Staff at the FTSE100 Aerospace & Defence firm BAE Systems, he’s worked inside complex, high-risk environments where ethical failure isn’t theoretical; it’s operational, reputational, and strategic. His approach combines a passion for ancient philosophical theory with corporate realism, and he is a guest lecturer at academic institutions such as Columbia University, Oxford University and Henley Business School. He is also undertaking a research PHD in Philosophy at the University of Bristol, specialising in business ethics. Ben is also a published author specialising in historical-fiction and queer romance. His first novel Furze: Sweethearts and Swan Songs was published in 2021, with two further novels due for publication in 2027. An enthusiastic hillwalker and waterpolo player, Ben is most at peace at the summit of a Munroe in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Venue: Big Penny 1 Priestley Way, London E17 6AL Event Running Time: (We recommend arriving at 6:30pm if you're eating, and 7pm if drinks only) Doors from 7pm Introduction: 7:25pm Lecture: 7:30pm Q&A: 8:10pm Finish: 8:30pm FAQs: What is Pints of Knowledge? Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond. What happens at Pints of Knowledge? At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting. What if I don't drink alcohol ? No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. Can I attend without a ticket? Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket. There is occasionally the option to purchase a ticket on the door for our sold-out events, but we cannot guarantee this. Is there food available? Yes, there is usually the option to purchase food at our events - please see each venue's menu on their website. If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts. In the unlikely event the kitchen isn't open, there will typically be an option to order in food from elsewhere or bring your own food. Can I get my ticket refunded? We issue full ticket refunds 24 hours before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser. Can I get my ticket exchanged? We issue full ticket exchanges if you have requested 48 hours before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser . Is the event pet/baby friendly? Yes, we allow pets and babies to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive. Is the venue accessible? All of our venues are accessible, besides the following: The Old Queen's Head, The Landor, The Alma, and The Morpeth Arms.