Embedded Values: AI, Ethics, and Politics
Chloe Bakalar Temple University Engineers are stereotyped as problem-solvers, not philosophers. But philosophy and engineering are deeply intertwined in artificial intelligence, which increasingly powers the world. Philosophy is necessary to understand the values embedded in AI tools and to push for desirable outcomes. Bakalar discusses the challenges of creating a values-based approach to AI, as [...]
Book Discussion (Zoom) – Behaving Decently: Kurt Vonnegut’s Humanism
PA, United StatesJoin Leader Hugh Taft-Morales for a discussion of a new Humanist Press book Behaving Decently: Kurt Vonnegut’s Humanism, by Wayne Laufert a former newspaper reporter/editor and member of the Baltimore Ethical Society. On Zoom: Saturday, October 22, 10:30AM-noon (joint session with the Baltimore Ethical Society) In person: Monday, October 24, 5:30-7:00PM Join online here at [...]
Fun!
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society For those who prefer ponderous and ethically dynamic topics on Sunday morning, the subject of “fun” may seem trivial. We often think of “having fun” as something childish, not something to be pursued by sober-minded adults. But author Catherine Price disagrees. Things that are “really fun” are not simple [...]
Book Discussion (In-Person) – Behaving Decently: Kurt Vonnegut’s Humanism
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesJoin Leader Hugh Taft-Morales for a discussion of a new Humanist Press book Behaving Decently: Kurt Vonnegut’s Humanism, by Wayne Laufert a former newspaper reporter/editor and member of the Baltimore Ethical Society. On Zoom: Saturday, October 22, 10:30AM-noon (joint session with the Baltimore Ethical Society) In person: Monday, October 24, 5:30-7:00PM Join online here at [...]
Work of the American Constitution Society
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesRuss Feingold former U.S. Senator Russ Feingold, a Democrat from Wisconsin, is perhaps best known for his sponsorship, with John McCain, of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002. He is now president of the American Constitution Society (ACS), a national, 250-chapter network of lawyers and law students. Feingold will explain how the ACS offers [...]
Book Discussion (Zoom) – The Water Defenders: How Ordinary People Saved a Country from Corporate Greed
In this inspiring tale of grassroots environmentalism, Broad and Cavanagh describe how El Salvador became the first country to ban the mining of metals. You have two chances to discuss the introduction and chapters 1-4. First on Zoom on Saturday, November 5, at 10:30 AM. Then in-person on Tuesday, November 8, at 5:30 PM. We [...]
Heartbreak and Healing
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society Caring deeply about other people, a community, or a project, is part of living a good life. But in our unpredictable world it also can lead to heartbreak, a form of suffering with distinctive mental, physical, and emotional characteristics. How is heartbreak framed in our relationships and in our [...]
Introduction to Ethical Humanism
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesAnyone can attend this Zoom and in-person about the Philadelphia Ethical Society, though it’s mainly geared to folks new to our special brand of humanism. After a short presentation, Hugh will take questions and coordinate a conversation. Those attending in person share refreshments – to folks on Zoom, sorry, but you’ll have to provide your [...]
Wisdom of East Meets West: Swami Vivekananda
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesSwami Vivekananda was a late 19th century Indian Hindu monk who taught about the nature of reality; the relationship between reason and religion; the paths of love and knowledge; the just division of labor; and the harmony of world religions. He influenced thinkers, including William James, Margaret Noble, Nikola Tesla, John D. Rockefeller, and W.E.B. [...]
Book Discussion (In-Person) – The Water Defenders: How Ordinary People Saved a Country from Corporate Greed
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesIn this inspiring tale of grassroots environmentalism, Broad and Cavanagh describe how El Salvador became the first country to ban the mining of metals. You have two chances to discuss the introduction and chapters 1-4. First on Zoom on Saturday, November 5, at 10:30 AM. Then in-person on Tuesday, November 8, at 5:30 PM. We [...]