Achieving Personal Excellence and Tranquility: The Discipline of Action
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesJoin the Philadelphia Ethical Society and Philadelphia Stoa for the second of three enriching seminars focused on practical exercises that will enable you to cultivate personal virtue and achieve excellence. Engage with the enduring wisdom of Stoicism and Ethical Culture, two philosophical traditions that champion rationality, ethical living, and the pursuit of moral virtues. This [...]
Community Discussions about Leadership Transition (Zoom)
Join us on zoom to continue our discussion about how the Philadelphia Ethical Society will move forward after Hugh’s retirement. Learn about the formation of a search committee. Talk about President Mike’s call for “pre-hab” by revitalizing our Ethical Action, Community, and Education missions. Share your ideas! Step up to help! Join on Zoom via [...]
Addressing Deep Poverty and Homelessness Through Urban Faith Communities
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesRev. John Gardner Co-Rector, Church of the Holy Trinity Rev. Gardner will talk about Holy Trinity's efforts to support people living in deep poverty in Center City, including providing nutritious food and weather appropriate clothing, and creating opportunities for fellowship and community. He will also tell the story of how the church engaged the support [...]
Fiction: Lies that Tell Truth
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHugh Taft-Morales, Leader Philadelphia Ethical Society Near the end of his life, the novelist Abraham Rothberg said that "fiction is a lie that tells the truth." Unlike so many politicians who lie to distort the truth and gain power, fiction only deceives us temporarily in order to share larger truths. It helps us suspend our disbelief so that we can imagine a world [...]
Exploring Stoicism and Ethical Culture in Modern Society
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesWhat does it mean to be a citizen of the world? We'll continue to compare Stoicism and Ethical Culture by exploring public works, inclusivity, internationalism, cosmopolitanism, and continuous ethical improvement. We'll meet on the second floor of the Ethical Society building.
Ethical Culture Happy Hour
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesCome for conversation and a brief presentation about our alternative to traditional religion. Hugh Taft-Morales will share his perspective on our humanist history, values, and community. Snacks and beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, provided.
Living on the Edge: Precarity
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesJennifer Morton, Professor of Philosophy University of Pennsylvania Rapid changes in work, housing, health care, and community have contributed to widespread feelings of instability and insecurity. For many, the future feels precarious. As Hobbes understood, it is times like these when authoritarianism can seem most appealing. Critiquing both authoritarian and liberal solutions, Morton argues that [...]
Lunch with Hugh (on Zoom)
On ZoomLet’s connect online for lunch and conversation about our favorite winter traditions. Join the conversation here.
Winter Solstice
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHugh Taft-Morales, Leader Philadelphia Ethical Society In these dark days of winter, we gather to celebrate our community. We’ll all hold candles representing the goodness we hope to nurture in others and in ourselves. Readings and music will gird us for the cold weather we’ll endure as we look forward to spring. Members attending in [...]
Embracing Awe: A Humanist Journey into Wonder
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesLouise Jett, Ethical Culture Leader Wonder is the magical feeling of awe that connects us to the world and to each other. It reignites our curiosity, inspires deeper empathy, and enriches our lives with meaning. Jett invites us to explore the profound role of wonder in everyday life and reminds us to cherish the mysteries [...]