Camp Linden celebrates the New Year of the Trees!
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesCamp Linden celebrates this ecological awareness holiday with a feast of fruity food and drink. Dance to klezmer music and start seeds to be replanted in the camp’s garden. The event will take place in the Auditorium. Cost is $15, or $10 if you bring a dish to share. RSVP here or by emailing [...]
Darwin Day
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHugh hosts this fun blast from the Ethical Society’s past: a Darwin Day Party! We’ll start with a potluck dinner, then move on to a silly Darwin quiz, followed by a video about the naturalist’s life, and conclude by singing Darwin carols. Please email Hugh if you plan to attend and let him know what [...]
Evolution Revolution
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHugh 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 [...]
Beyond Stoicism: Ancient Philosophies for Modern Times
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesJoin the Philadelphia Ethical Society and Philadelphia Stoa as we explore existential questions through ancient philosophical perspectives. Dr. Amjol Shrestha, from Rowan University, leads this discussion about navigating life's complexities, with a focus on themes of pleasure, virtue, and doubt. Copies of Beyond Stoicism: A Guide to the Good Life with Stoics, Skeptics, Epicureans, and [...]
Book Discussion: On Freedom, by Timothy Snyder
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 ZoomThis 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 [...]
Why We Need the Peace Corps for Everyone
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesJonathan 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 [...]
In Democracy We Trust?
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHugh 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? [...]
Remembering Bob Bueding
On ZoomMembers of the Philadelphia Ethical Society will hold a memorial celebrating the life of Bob Bueding, who passed away in December. Bob served as President of the Society for five years and volunteered in many other capacities. His steady hand and gentle, kind demeanor are greatly missed.
Forsaking Reason: The Perils of Following the Mob
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesStoicism advises us to be wary of crowds, whose influence can erode or disrupt our judgment. How can we engage in public spaces and collective dynamics without compromising personal virtue and integrity? Join members of the Ethical Society and Philadelphia Stoa to examine the corrupting power of crowds and learn how Stoics maintain inner strength [...]