Lift Every Voice and Sing – Virtual Platform
Hugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society Hugh Taft-Morales remembers how conscious he was of racial identity the first time he was in a multiracial group singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing”. Nicknamed “The Black National Anthem,” the song prompted most Black singers to tilt up their heads and sing loud and proud, while white singers [...]
Rediscovering Our Humanity: Reading the Classics Behind Bars
Emily Allen-Hornblower Classics Professor, Rutgers University Emily Allen-Hornblower will moderate a public conversation with mass incarceration survivors Nafeesah Goldsmith and Marquis McCray. The program will include excerpts from Greek tragedies to ground the discussion about the role of the emotions in our lives, and the Humanity we all share. The ancient works will serve as [...]
Book Discussion – Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye
PA, United StatesJoin Hugh for the first of his twelve 2021 book discussions of books by women writers. In January, Hugh will lead a dialogue about The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison. This 1970 classic generated many book banning controversies. Read the book and join our discussion to find out why! RSVP to LeaderHugh@phillyethics.org.
Replacing Magical Thinking with Rational Discourse: How can freethinkers help restore democracy?
As we face this historical moment, when cult thinking and fake news have fueled an attempted insurrection, yet grassroots organizing gives us hope in the future of multiracial democracy, we reflect on the intellectual traditions supporting a free society. What do our shared values lead us to do now in order to cultivate a world [...]
Thanks to Pandemic Responders
Hugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society Almost a year into our pandemic crisis, millions of Americans have responded by working harder than ever and putting themselves in harm’s way. They worked on the healthcare front line and on public transportation and as cashiers with minimal protection from a deadly virus. As one who remained safe [...]
Introduction to Ethical Humanism
Hugh Taft-Morales will offer another Intro to Ethical Humanism. This is particularly for newcomers, but all are welcome! Please RSVP to LeaderHugh@phillyethics.org and join here online at the scheduled time.
Does Money Matter in American Elections?
Robin Kolodny Professor and Chair, Political Science at Temple University In the last two presidential elections (and nominating contests), money raised and spent on elections proved a poor indicator of candidate success. How can that be? This talk will explore the erosion of the campaign finance regulatory system, the emergence of low-cost communications technologies, and [...]
(Virtual) Lunch with Leader Hugh – “The Magic of Humanism”
PA, United States“Lunch with Hugh” will begin featuring a new brochure entitled, “The Magic of Humanism.” Written by James Croft, Leader of the Ethical Society of St. Louis, it explores six values central to humanism: truth, nature, community, growth, goodness, and justice. After a brief go-round, we’ll share our thoughts on the first of these accessible 300-word [...]
Book Discussion – Caste by Isabel Wilkerson
PA, United StatesHugh Taft-Morales and members of the Philadelphia and Baltimore Ethical Societies will discuss this important new book. We will address the first half (Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4, pp. 3-260) on Thursday, Feb. 18, at 5:30. We will discuss the rest of the book at 5:30PM on March 18th. Get your copy now! RSVP [...]
Time Warps: The pandemic’s effect on our sense of duration
Hugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society The pandemic has affected our perception of time, but not all people experience the warping the same way. For some time has moved slowly, for others quickly, and many feel both ways! What makes the minute hand move like molasses? What makes the days fly by? Hugh Taft-Morales explores [...]