Calendar of Events
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Why We Need the Peace Corps for Everyone
Why We Need the Peace Corps for Everyone
Jonathan Zimmerman Professor of the History of Education, University of Pennsylvania Americans live in an immensely polarized moment, lacking shared goals or even a shared narrative about who we are. Formal education has only made matters worse. Instead of uniting us, it has divided Americans into hostile camps, contends Jonathan Zimmerman, a former public school […]
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In Democracy We Trust?
In Democracy We Trust?
Hugh Taft-Morales, Leader Philadelphia Ethical Society In his first inaugural address, Ronald Reagan said, “Government is not the solution to our problem. Government is the problem.” That drumbeat of opposition has continued, from Newt Gingrich to the Tea Party to today’s MAGA movement. Is villainization of government a permanent trend? Can we rebuild trust in democracy? […]
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Book Discussion: On Freedom, by Timothy Snyder (in person)
Book Discussion: On Freedom, by Timothy Snyder (in person)
This award-winning historian helps put our current political situation in the context of our quest for freedom. The New York Times described this book—a follow-up to Snyder’s 2017 bestseller, On Tyranny—as “part memoir, part meditation, and part manifesto.” Snyder advocates striving for a freedom that is more positive (freedom to) than negative (freedom from). This first of […]
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Book Discussion: On Freedom, by Timothy Snyder (on Zoom)
Book Discussion: On Freedom, by Timothy Snyder (on Zoom)
Join Hugh in the Leader’s Office for our concluding discussion of Timothy Snyder’s new book, an exploration of what it will take to create a functioning, compassionate system of governance. Snyder challenges us to work towards not only a negative freedom—freedom from restraint—but also a “positive” freedom: one that offers opportunities to live full, rich, […]
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Resentment and Repair
Resentment and Repair
Sukaina Hirji, Professor of Philosophy University of Pennsylvania Anger keeps us safe. When someone treats us badly, anger reminds both us and the person who hurt us that we deserve better. But anger also gets in the way of love. If we’re angry at someone, then it is difficult to feel closeness or compassion towards […]
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Lunch with Hugh (on Zoom)
Lunch with Hugh (on Zoom)
Join Hugh for casual conversation. In honor of Women’s History Month, we will share thoughts and stories about our favorite women in history. Bring your own lunch.
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The Ethics of Star Trek, part 2
The Ethics of Star Trek, part 2
Star Trek, in its myriad iterations, challenges viewers to consider such subjects as virtue, self-determination, and individual responsibility. Join Julia and Stan in the Collier Room to watch two Star Trek episodes, followed by a discussion of their ethical themes.
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Confucianism and Ethical Culture
Confucianism and Ethical Culture
Hugh Taft-Morales, Leader Philadelphia Ethical Society There are historical and philosophical connections between Confucianism and Ethical Culture. Both philosophies are rooted in the secular world, defying the presumption that religion must involve supernatural powers. And both emphasize the importance of personal virtues and responsible relationships as a way to build a positive, flourishing society. Indeed, […]
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Our Society and the Larger Community: Looking to the Future (virtual)
Our Society and the Larger Community: Looking to the Future (virtual)
As the Philadelphia Ethical Society faces a period of transition, we invite our stakeholders—members, long-term and regular renters, residents of the Rittenhouse neighborhood, and allied organizations—to help us envision the future of those relationships. Link: tiny.cc/pesprograms
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Lunch with Hugh (in person)
Lunch with Hugh (in person)
Join Hugh in the Leader’s Office for casual conversation. In honor of Women’s History Month, we will share thoughts and stories about our favorite women in history. Bring your own lunch.
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Preserving Public Education in the Age of Trump
Preserving Public Education in the Age of Trump
Barbara Ferman, Professor of Political Science Temple University Public education has been under attack by promoters of privatization for many years. Labeled “education reform,” these attacks have come in the form of charter schools, school vouchers, and school closures. Now, the Trump administration has declared an all-out war on public education. What lessons have we […]
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The Brick Wall Brain: Why Facts (Usually) Don’t Change Minds
The Brick Wall Brain: Why Facts (Usually) Don’t Change Minds
AEU All-Society Program When presented with solid data, some people go blank, get angry, or walk out. Why isn't evidence breaking through? Seth Andrews, creator of The Thinking Atheist online community, discusses "identity beliefs" and suggests how to crack open the barriers they create and let in some light. (NOTE: Please use the AEU link […]