Book Discussion: On Freedom, by Timothy Snyder (in person)
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesThis 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 [...]
Book Discussion: On Freedom, by Timothy Snyder (on Zoom)
On ZoomJoin 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, [...]
Lunch with Hugh (on Zoom)
On ZoomJoin 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.
The Ethics of Star Trek, part 2
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesAs 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.
Confucianism and Ethical Culture
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHugh 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, [...]
Our Society and the Larger Community: Looking to the Future
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesAs 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.
Our Society and the Larger Community: Looking to the Future (virtual)
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesAs 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
Lunch with Hugh (in person)
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesJoin 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.
Preserving Public Education in the Age of Trump
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesBarbara 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 [...]
The Brick Wall Brain: Why Facts (Usually) Don’t Change Minds
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesAEU 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 [...]