Emily Allen-Hornblower Classics Professor, Rutgers University Emily Allen-Hornblower will moderate a public conversation with mass incarceration survivors Nafeesah Goldsmith and Marquis McCray. The program will include excerpts from Greek tragedies to ground the discussion about the role of the emotions in our lives, and the Humanity we all share. The ancient works will serve as [...]

As we face this historical moment, when cult thinking and fake news have fueled an attempted insurrection, yet grassroots organizing gives us hope in the future of multiracial democracy, we reflect on the intellectual traditions supporting a free society. What do our shared values lead us to do now in order to cultivate a world [...]

Hugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society Almost a year into our pandemic crisis, millions of Americans have responded by working harder than ever and putting themselves in harm’s way. They worked on the healthcare front line and on public transportation and as cashiers with minimal protection from a deadly virus. As one who remained safe [...]

Robin Kolodny Professor and Chair, Political Science at Temple University In the last two presidential elections (and nominating contests), money raised and spent on elections proved a poor indicator of candidate success. How can that be? This talk will explore the erosion of the campaign finance regulatory system, the emergence of low-cost communications technologies, and [...]

Hugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society The pandemic has affected our perception of time, but not all people experience the warping the same way. For some time has moved slowly, for others quickly, and many feel both ways! What makes the minute hand move like molasses? What makes the days fly by? Hugh Taft-Morales explores [...]

Rabbi Michael Pollack Executive Director, March on Harrisburg In a time when we are drowning in suffering and absurdity, the promises of democracy must be pursued and achieved. This discussion will explore the meanings of democracy and liberty, and provide structure and direction for our struggle toward our ideals. It will cover ongoing campaigns and [...]

Hugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society We all like to be right, but should we get more comfortable being wrong? So often we make truth claims and proceed to stake so much on them: our ego, our reputation, our power. Given that every person’s knowledge is limited, shouldn’t we let go of certainty and embrace [...]

Kermit Roosevelt Prof. of Law, UPenn; and Author Donald Trump is the only President to have been impeached twice. In each case, the charge was an improper attempt to influence his own reelection. What can we learn from the impeachment? And how does it relate to the prospects for democratic self-governance under our Constitution? Kermit [...]

Hugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society In honor of Women’s History Month, explore the life of freethinker and feminist Helen Hamilton Gardner. In partnership with freethinker Robert Ingersoll, Gardener railed against religious institutions that brutally oppressed women. Gardner became vice president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association and played an important role in bringing [...]

Rep. Jamie Raskin US Representative, Maryland's 8th District Congressman Jamie Raskin, (MD 8th District), recently won national acclaim for his role as lead impeachment manager for the 2nd impeachment of former President Trump, and as the primary author of the impeachment article which charged Trump with inciting an insurrection by sparking the storming of the [...]