Lunise Jules, Economic-Development Expert Talie, Musician Lunise Jules, a native of Haiti and an economic development specialist, will discuss her efforts to implement humanitarian programs for vulnerable populations in Central America and the Caribbean. Jules’s newsletters and success stories promoting social and economic justice have inspired others. They also led her back to her first [...]

Hugh Taft-Morales, Leader Philadelphia Ethical Society The theory of evolution fundamentally changed western paradigms about the universe. No longer were human beings viewed as the pinnacle of life, divinely created as part of a master plan to serve an invisible, all-powerful creator. Suddenly we were the product of random mutations and interactions with the environment [...]

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 [...]

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? [...]

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, [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]