The Complexities of Child Welfare: The Importance and Challenges of Foster Parenting
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesLaurie Friedman LCSW, MPA, Assistant Professor of Instruction at Temple University School of Social Work Laurie Friedman’s dissertation focused on the experiences of prospective foster parents as they moved through the licensing process. She shares her perspective on the critical need for foster parents, focusing on the mixed messages they receive in terms of their [...]
Understanding and Applying Stoic Virtues
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesPhiladelphia Stoics Almost 2000 years before Spike Lee’s movie Do the Right Thing, the Emperor/Philosopher Marcus Aurelius said, “if it is not right, do not do it…” For the Stoics doing the right thing was guided by the four virtues of Practical Wisdom, Courage, Temperance, and Justice. We will discuss the virtues and their modern applications. Optional pre-reading: What [...]
Cultivating Character
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society The bylaws of the Philadelphia Ethical Society say we exist as an organization to “cultivate character”. To what degree are our efforts to “cultivate character” similar to those of farmers who decide what crops to plant? They, of course, are dependent on natural forces outside their control. What does [...]
Introduction to Ethical Humanism
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesDo you have friends curious about the Philadelphia Ethical Society? Bring them to the next Introduction to Ethical Humanism for an overview, great conversation, and snacks! Please RSVP to Hugh Taft-Morales at Leader@phillyethics.org.
Ethical Evolution
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesAre you striving to live closer to your ethical ideals? Do you want to express your values through action? Come to another “Ethical Evolution,” a support circle led by Hugh Taft-Morales that offers tools and support to help you bring out your ethical best. An Ethical Evolution introduction will occur from 6:00-7:00PM. If you have already come to an introduction [...]
Book Discussion – American Dialogue: The Founders and Us Pt. 2
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHugh Taft-Morales hosts a discussion of American Dialogue: The Founders and Us, by Joseph J. Ellis (2018). What is the answer to our many current cultural divides? Ellis suggests that the founding generation’s “greatest legacy is the recognition that argument itself is the answer.” Come join Hugh in this ongoing conversation between past and present. We will discuss Chapters [...]
What’s a Westerner to Do Now? Ethical Considerations in Responding to the Ebola Epidemic
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHannah Lawman Philadelphia Department of Public Health Over 10,000 West Africans lost their lives during the 2014-2015 Ebola epidemic, the largest in history. This talk will focus on ethical considerations of Western Intervention brought into sharper view by the Ebola epidemic. It will consider the economics of drug and diagnostics development and the role of [...]
Be Here Now
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society So much of our lives are lived in distraction. We are constantly reacting to the world around us. We get sucked into regrets of the past or anxiety about the future. We forget where we are in time and space. What if we accept some simple profound advice: be…here…now. [...]
Social Architecture for Resilient & Sustainable Communities
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesJerome Shabazz Executive Director, Overbrook Environmental Educational Center The Overbrook Environmental Education Center (OEEC) works to demonstrate strategies that promote healthier, more resilient communities in Philadelphia’s vulnerable neighborhoods with the use of sustainable practices. The OEEC has trained thousands of students on the Clean Water Act and Toxic Substances Control Act, and other topics that [...]
“Sing Out Louise!”
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesFacilitator: Robert Edwin (Steinfort) Professional musician and PES member Many of us know that famous line delivered by Mama Rose to her young daughter Louise in the Broadway musical, Gypsy. “Sing out, Louise!” will be the mantra for the June 2 summer platform as Robert Edwin (Steinfort), Director of The PES Pop-Up Chorus, will show [...]