Stoicism and Peace

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Hugh Taft-Morales, Leader Philadelphia Ethical Society For more than a decade, Hugh has served on the core team of Peace Day Philly. This small, dedicated organization stresses the connection between inner and outer peace: a relationship also expressed in the philosophy of Stoicism. In this talk, Hugh will describe how Stoicism helps us nurture a [...]

Seminar: Ethical Culture and Stoicism

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

The Philadelphia Ethical Society and Philadelphia Stoa will host a series of four seminars exploring the similarities between Stoicism and Ethical Culture. Both philosophies emphasize human dignity, rationality, and lifelong moral development. Both advocate for individual and social responsibility through universal ethical principles. By rejecting materialism, they prioritize personal and societal growth through virtuous living. [...]

Lunch with Hugh (on Zoom)

On Zoom

Hugh will host a virtual lunch on zoom for members of the Philadelphia and Baltimore Ethical Societies. Come share what kept you busy over the summer. Bring your lunch.  

Dying to Vote

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Hugh Taft-Morales, Leader Philadelphia Ethical Society Voting is the most fundamental power in any real democracy. Yet Americans have been killed for using the vote to challenge systemic racism. Octavius Catto in 1871. Herbert Lee in 1961. Vernon Dahmer in 1966. To honor those slain activists, we must overcome voter suppression and apathy, demand greater [...]

Ethical Culture Happy Hour

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Come to talk, to learn, and to raise a glass! Hugh will make a brief presentation about our humanist alternative to traditional religion: its history, values, and community. Snacks and drinks (both alcoholic and non-) will accompany the free-flowing conversation to follow. Both newcomers and members are welcome.

Video Screening: Dying to Vote

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Hugh Taft-Morales hosts a screening of Dying to Vote, the latest documentary from Emmy-winning filmmaker Loki Mulholland, of the Joan Trumpauer Mulholland Foundation. This 30-minute film explores racism, violence, and vote suppression. A short discussion will follow. Meet in the Collier Room.

Peeling the Onion

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Get to know other members of the Ethical Society and our neighbors from Friends in the City through this fun activity. Participants share stories from their lives, creating opportunities for conversations and new friendships. Meet in the Leader’s Office. Space is limited, so RSVP to Hugh or to Woody Kardon, Peeling the Onion’s creator. EMAILS [...]

International Actors and Americans’ Trust in Elections

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Sarah Bush, Associate Professor of Political Science University of Pennsylvania Foreign influence on elections is widespread. Drawing on evidence from surveys of Americans and others over the past decade, Bush will explain how and why such outside interventions affect local trust. Bush’s research focuses on ways in which international actors try to aid democracy, promote [...]

Lunch with Hugh (on Zoom)

On Zoom

We’ll eat. We’ll talk. Bring your own lunch and a topic of conversation.  

Superstition

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Hugh Taft-Morales, Leader Philadelphia Ethical Society Almost a third of Americans admit to being at least somewhat superstitious. People knock on wood, throw salt over their shoulders, and avoid walking under ladders. Should we challenge such remnants of magical thinking, as Freethought Society founder Margaret Downey does at her Friday the 13th parties? Do superstitions [...]