Book Discussion – These Truths: A History of the United States (Ch. 13-16)

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

Join Hugh Taft-Morales for a discussion of Chapters 13-16 and the Epilogue of These Truths: A History of the United States by Jill Lepore. This final section covers selected historical themes between 1946-2016.

The Defining Tensions of Felix Adler, Founder of the First Ethical Society

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

Christian Hayden Ethical Culture Leader in Training Who was the person who started Ethical Humanism? What drove him to establish a community that functioned like a religion but is nontheistic? How did he go from radical to outdated in a few short years? What lasting tensions remain and shape Ethical Humanism? Christian Hayden views Felix Adler who founded [...]

Memorial Sunday – Gratitude for Those Gone

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

Hugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society On the first Sunday of each year we remember with gratitude the important life lessons and inspiring memories left to us by those who have died. Members of the audience are encouraged to share how those no longer with us continue to help us live more fully, joyfully, and [...]

Introduction to Ethical Humanism

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

Hugh Taft-Morales hosts a small group discussion of Ethical Humanism’s history, philosophy, and current manifestation here at 1906 S. Rittenhouse Square. After a 30-minute presentation, guests can ask questions and share their own efforts to live a life closer to their values.

Democracy and Truth in Crisis

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

Sophia Rosenfeld Walter H. Annenberg Professor of History, UPenn Sophia Rosenfeld, author of Democracy and Truth: A Short History (Penn Press, 2019) will explore why truth seems to be under siege in so much of the world today, how we got to this point, and what we might be able to do about it. Prior to [...]

Philadelphia Stoics

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

Join the Philadelphia Stoics on January 12 and 26. They will continue discussing “A Handbook for New Stoics.” Come explore the lessons and practical exercises in A Handbook for New Stoics: How to Thrive in a World Out of Your Control – 52 Week-by-Week Lessons by Massimo Pigliucci and Gregory Lopez.  In preparation for the meeting on [...]

“Somebodyness” and Inherent Worth

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

Hugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society In honor of Martin Luther King Jr., Hugh Taft-Morales explores “somebodyness” – a term that King used to ground his dedication to advancing civil and human rights. How is this concept similar to, and different from, other approaches to individual human beings? How does it compare to Ethical Humanism’s [...]

The Beginning of the End of Nuclear Weapons

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

This 56-minute documentary film about efforts to bring a nuclear weapon ban treaty into international law is told through the voices of leading activists. Come learn more about this humanitarian initiative that successfully challenged the dominant security narrative. It shows what can be done to help bring the treaty into force and eradicate nuclear weapons. [...]

Ethical Lunch – On Good Behavior

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

January’s topic: Manners and Morals Everyone is invited to bring a lunch and join Hugh Taft-Morales for a discussion of “manners and morals.” The philosopher and politician Edmund Burke defended manners as fundamental to our ethical lives. He claimed that, “Manners are of more importance than laws. Manners are what vex or soothe, corrupt or [...]

How Ethics and End Of Life Intersect

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

Laura L. Barry Visiting Nurse Association, Philadelphia, PA End of life may not be easy to embrace, yet the appropriate and timely use of hospice may minimize conflict and dilemmas. Hospice provides collaborative support, crucial conversations and guidelines enabling you and your loved ones to approach the end of life with grace and peace. Join [...]