- Cafe Inquiry
This month's discussion topic: Heroes and Villains
Literature, myths, and folklore are replete with characters that act as heroes and as villains. In myth and classical literature, heroes were often depicted as warriors who died in the quest for honor. Villains were often the structural opposition to heroes. Villains were defined by selfishness, arrogance, cruelty, and evil.
Real-life also includes countless stories of people who are considered heroes or villains, but extend to more than simply warriors in battle pursuing honor. In some ways we consider medics, teachers, and firefighters heroes, either because of the service they provide or the danger they face. Our villains, in contrast, seem to feed on the worst of our society and amplify it.
However, our real heroes and villains are rarely so clean as myths. Humans are messy, with conflicting impulses. Aung San Suu Kyi, in Myanmar, has acted as both an advocate for freedom in a military dictatorship and a defender, or at least passive observer, of the Rohingya genocide. On the one hand she has demonstrated bravery and persistence in pushing her country towards democracy, but on the other has acted to defend genocide and abuse by the military against a minority in her country.
We also don't always agree on who is hero, and who is villain. The goals of an activist may be admirable to one person, but may be villainous and a hallmark of civilizational decline to another person with different values and priorities. Abraham Lincoln is almost universally lauded as a U.S. president now, but during his lifetime he certainly was not so universally hailed as a hero of the country.
What are the hallmarks of a hero or villain? How much do a person's goals influence our judgment of a hero (or villain)? How much do their specific actions in the face of danger? How much do a person's methods influence our perception of them as a hero or villain? Must a person face danger, or long odds of success, to be a hero? Do you have a hero, if so who?
- Dane
- J F.
- Kevin G.
- 4 attendees
- Dane
- CFI - Drinking Skeptically DC
*** We need a host/organizer for Drinking Skeptically DC. ***
I can't participate this spring/summer, but please let me know if you would like to act as host (event organizer) for Drinking Skeptically DC. This mainly involves making the restaurant reservation, adjusting it depending on signups, arriving a bit early to secure the table, ensuring that we get separate checks, and greeting people. Please send me a message on the website or app if you're willing to take this on. Until someone volunteers we remain on standby, so the meeting dates and description are just for reference. Hope to resume soon. Best regards.
-Jim
Please join CFI for Drinking Skeptically DC on TUESDAY evening, 6:30 PM, at Sushi Aoi, 1100 New York Ave NW, Washington DC, which is at the corner of 11th & I Streets (one block north of Capitol City Brewing, where we used to meet).
We will be out on the corner patio. Please look for the 'CFI' sign on the table or ask the host for the 'CFI' or 'Drinking Skeptically' group. See you there!
We will be meeting outside, and if it rains the event will be cancelled. You must be fully vaccinated to attend (or wear a mask over your nose and mouth, but that's impractical if you plan to eat or drink).
There are separate CFI DC and Drinking Skeptically DC Meetup groups, and Drinking Skeptically DC events are listed under both groups; so this page won't show all responses. To help manage the reservation, we would appreciate a status update if you can't make it; but it's fine if you're not sure until the last minute, and walk-ins are always welcome.
Drinking Skeptically DC is an informal social event designed to promote fellowship among skeptics, humanists, and like-minded individuals. Drinking Skeptically provides an opportunity for skeptics, humanists, secularists, and others to talk, share ideas, and, yes, drink in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. We discuss science, history, philosophy, politics, or whatever is on our minds.
The mission of the Center for Inquiry is to foster a secular society based on reason, science, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values. To learn more about CFI and CFI-DC, please see http://www.centerforinquiry.net and http://www.centerforinquiry.net/dc . Please consider joining CFI (but if you just want to drink with us then that’s fine too).
Drinking Skeptically DC currently meets on the SECOND TUESDAY of each month at Sushi Aoi, 11th & I Streets NW, Washington DC, which is two blocks from Metro Center (11th Street exit) and near the 30, 32, 36, 42, 52, 54, 63, 64, 80, D6, G8, P6, S2, S4, X2, and Circulator Yellow and Blue bus lines. (The map shows the main building entrance at 1100 NY Avenue, but the patio is actually on 11th Street at the corner of I Street.)
The CAFE INQUIRY discussion group also meets (currently online) on the LAST Tuesday of each month. Also please check the CFI DC Meetup group and the CFI-DC website for other events in the DC area. Our friends at the American Humanist Association (AHA) also have a DC social events on the 1st Wednesday of each month. And look for other events in the DC area that are sponsored by CFI, AHA, Washington Area Secular Humanists (WASH), and others.
CFI encourages people with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing accommodations or have questions about physical access please post a comment and the event leader will email you.
Don't drink? Don't let that stop you from joining us! Some of the world's most famous skeptics are teetotalers, and we are happy to have you!
The venue has no age restriction for the duration of our event.
Drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. Science and personal experience teach us about the effects of alcohol on the human body. This is especially relevant if you will be driving back home, so public transport is encouraged.
We get separate checks but the restaurant may add a fixed gratuity charge for groups. Please assume about 30% in tax and tips above menu prices for your food and drink. You may pay by cash or credit card but you may need a credit card in order to run a tab.
- Center for Inquiry D.
- Jim F.
- Kevin G.
- 3 attendees
- Center for Inquiry D.