The Persistence of Ghosts
Hugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society From ancient Egypt to modern Halloween, humans have told stories about spirits that haunt our houses and fill our imaginations. Some, like Casper, are friendly and fun. Others threaten and terrorize. Why are ghosts so ubiquitous in culture? What purpose do they serve in our society and in our [...]
Book Discussion: The Humanist Way by Ed Ericson
PA, United StatesHugh Taft-Morales continues his group exploration of The Humanist Way, by Ethical Culture Leader Ed Ericson. On October 4 we’ll focus on chapter 3, about the forerunners of humanism. On October 18 we’ll delve into chapter 4, which looks at the more modern expressions of humanism that developed within Ethical Culture societies. If you are [...]
On Good Behavior
Join Hugh Taft-Morales and members of Friends in the City (FiTC) for another series of “On Good Behavior.” On October 5 we’ll discuss “Being Wrong: The Virtues of Humility and Doubt.” On October 19 the topic is “Being Mortal,” with wisdom drawn from Atul Gawande’s book of the same name. Join at www.tiny.cc/phillyethics
Book Discussion: Hottentot Venus
PA, United StatesJoin Hugh Taft-Morales for a discussion of Barbara Chase-Riboud’s novel Hottentot Venus. It’s the story of a resilient woman burdened by prejudices that follow her from a village in South Africa to a Europe that exoticizes and exploits her. As the Washington Post put it, Chase-Riboud “conjures the pain of some of the most sensitive and hurtful relations between [...]
Why Doesn’t Everyone Have a Bank Account?
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesLisa Servon University of Pennsylvania Nearly 28% of Americans have no bank account or use services such as payday lenders, pawn shops and check cashers, in addition to banks. Much energy has been expended trying to get these people to use banks exclusively without first understanding why they make the choices they do. Servon, chair [...]
Preventing Gun Violence Through Better News Reporting
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesJim MacMillan Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting Can changing the way journalists and news organizations report on gun violence prevent shootings and save lives? The Center for Gun Violence Reporting at Community College of Philadelphia was created to explore this question. The Center helps journalists find experts, data and other resources; pairs community reporters [...]
Book Discussion: Hottentot Venus
PA, United StatesJoin Hugh Taft-Morales for a discussion of Barbara Chase-Riboud’s novel Hottentot Venus. It’s the story of a resilient woman burdened by prejudices that follow her from a village in South Africa to a Europe that exoticizes and exploits her. As the Washington Post put it, Chase-Riboud “conjures the pain of some of the most sensitive and hurtful relations between [...]
Humanists and Prayer: Who Are You Talking To?
Hugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society Whether before a meal, in times of communal despair, or at the start of a new session of Congress, the words, “let us pray” often surprise non-theistic humanists. Many find calls for collective religious behavior difficult to navigate. The balance between respectful tolerance of group norms and hypocritical submission [...]
Book Discussion: The Humanist Way by Ed Ericson
PA, United StatesThe series continues with a Nov. 8 discussion of Chapters 5 and 6 on the values of Ethical Humanism and moral creativity. Chapters 7 and 8, which deal with inclusion and the ideal of Ethical Democracy, are the focus on Nov. 22. You are welcome to join even if you missed earlier meetings. If these [...]
Helping Immigrants and Refugees Build New Lives
Margaret O’Sullivan Director, Nationalities Service Center The Nationalities Service Center (NSC) provides comprehensive services to immigrants and refugees, whom it considers a critical part of the fabric of life in the United States. The NSC believes that all immigrants and refugees have the right to lives of dignity, safety, stability, sustainable opportunities, and meaningful connections [...]