POWER at the Intersection of Ethical Culture
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesKate Esposito Co-Chair, POWER Economic Dignity Team Ethical Culture has a long tradition of social justice activism. Founder Felix Adler was involved in establishing free kindergartens, settlement houses, and visiting nurses in New York City. In these urgent times, how can we leverage our power to have maximum impact on important issues like poverty, racial [...]
Is Civility Always Good?
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society In today’s tempestuous times, commentators bemoan the apparent loss of civility in social discourse. On TV, radio, and on-line, sometimes it seems that people are competing to be rude. Discussion of “hot button issues,” like politics, religion, and the #MeToo movement, often provoke mean-spirited shouting matches. Can we revive [...]
Introduction to Ethical Humanism
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesPeople new to Ethical Culture are encouraged to attend an Introduction to Ethical Humanism. Hugh Taft-Morales will explore ethical pride and shame, both within the Ethical Culture movement and our personal lives. How does commitment to honor the inherent worth of every person, a cornerstone of Ethical Culture, affect how we judge our own ethical [...]
The Value of Other Cultures
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesSponsored by the Greater Philadelphia Thinking Society and the Philadelphia Ethical Society and hosted by C.J. Fearnley and Hugh Taft-Morales. What is culture? What makes other cultures different from ours? What is the value of other cultures? Are they just quaint exotic peoples destined to fade away, eclipsed by the modern world? Or do they [...]
More than just business as usual: The psychological effects of the Zero Tolerance Policy on the children themselves and on us as witnesses
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesDana Sinopoli Psychologist When the Zero Tolerance Policy came out in May, the response was primarily focused on its policy aspects and what this said about the current administration. In this address, psychologist Dana Sinopoli will focus on the direct and long-lasting psychological effects of this policy on the children themselves and the intergenerational transmission [...]
What’s Wrong with Selfishness?
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society People scold children for being selfish, and yet children are constantly encouraged to excel, win, and “be #1”. Besides confusing our kids, what’s wrong with selfishness? For traditional religions selfishness is often caused by one of the deadly sins, like lust, greed, gluttony. From an Ethical Humanist perspective selfishness [...]
Book Discussion: More Civility
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesFor those unable to attend September’s session, Hugh Taft-Morales will host another informal book discussion of Choosing Civility, by P. M. Forni. In these days of discord, is there still room for civility in social interactions? You can read his short book or, for more information, visit his Civility Web Site, hosted by Johns Hopkins [...]
The Increasingly United States
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesDaniel J. Hopkins Political Scientist In a campaign for state or local office these days, you’re as likely today to hear accusations that an opponent advanced Obamacare or supported Donald Trump as you are to hear about issues affecting the state or local community. This is because American political behavior has become substantially more nationalized. [...]
Anger: Women, Men, and Me Too
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society There’s a lot of anger in America these days, from the anger that fueled Trump’s election to the anger of the #MeToo movement to the anger of street protests. Where does this anger come from? Where will it take us? What do you do with it? Reflecting on Rebecca [...]
Introduction to Ethical Humanism
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHugh Taft-Morales hosts another Introduction to Ethical Culture. After Hugh offers a 20-minute overview of Ethical Culture and how it fits into the broad history of humanism, we will share wine, cheese, and conversation. RSVP to LeaderHugh@phillyethics.org.