Introduction to Stoicism

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Philadelphia Stoa, a philosophical community, will discuss Stoic basics, such as accepting what is outside your control, thinking rationally, and cultivating personal excellence or virtue. This coherent system of thought can help you achieve a happy, tranquil, and meaningful life.

The State of our Nation and Ethical Culture

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Hugh Taft-Morales, Leader Philadelphia Ethical Society The national Ethical Culture community and the United States, as a whole, face challenges about where to go from here. In order to bring out our best, we must overcome limited resources, mistrust, trauma, and burnout. People of goodwill are applying their time, energy, and skills to make that [...]

Ethical Culture Happy Hour

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Come to talk, to learn, and to raise a glass! Hugh will make a brief presentation about our humanist alternative to traditional religion: its history, values, and community. Snacks and drinks (both alcoholic and non-) will accompany the free-flowing conversation to follow. Both newcomers and members are welcome.

Peeling the Onion

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Get to know other members of the Ethical Society and our neighbors from Friends in the City through this fun activity. Participants share stories from their lives, creating opportunities for conversations and new friendships. Meet in the Leader’s Office. Space is limited, so RSVP to Hugh or to Woody Kardon, Peeling the Onion’s creator.   [...]

Lunch with Hugh

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Join Hugh in the Leader’s Office to share what kept you busy over the summer. Bring your lunch.

Reentry Simulation

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

People released from incarceration must navigate a bureaucratic labyrinth and overcome myriad practical obstacles in order to re- integrate into society. To educate the public about those challenges—which contribute to very high rates of recidivism—the Ethical Society, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, invites you to participate in a reentry [...]

What Will Ethical Culture Look Like in 25 Years?

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Christian Hayden, Ethical Culture Leader What might the Philadelphia Ethical Society and the Ethical Culture movement—in terms of service, leadership, and community—look like in the future? Christian will draw from Octavia Butler's novel Parable of the Sower and his own experience of—and subsequent changes to—humanist service in Ghana to lead this exercise in collective speculation. [...]

Cultivating Peace in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

What are the diverse ways that people and organizations are cultivating peace in Philly? What challenges have they faced, and what progress have they made toward greater understanding and unity in our city? What have been key elements of their successes, and what are their hopes for peacebuilding outcomes in the future? Networking, tabling and [...]

Stoicism and Peace

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Hugh Taft-Morales, Leader Philadelphia Ethical Society For more than a decade, Hugh has served on the core team of Peace Day Philly. This small, dedicated organization stresses the connection between inner and outer peace: a relationship also expressed in the philosophy of Stoicism. In this talk, Hugh will describe how Stoicism helps us nurture a [...]

Seminar: Ethical Culture and Stoicism

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

The Philadelphia Ethical Society and Philadelphia Stoa will host a series of four seminars exploring the similarities between Stoicism and Ethical Culture. Both philosophies emphasize human dignity, rationality, and lifelong moral development. Both advocate for individual and social responsibility through universal ethical principles. By rejecting materialism, they prioritize personal and societal growth through virtuous living. [...]