Cafe Inquiry

Cafe Inquiry is our monthly casual get-together to meet people and discuss topics of science and humanism.

Topic: Marriage

--How has marriage changed historically?

--Does the state have a legitimate interest in marriage? Should the state have any role in creating laws or incentives for marriage? Should marriage be solely a religious institution?

--Should married citizens receive benefits that single citizens do not such as tax benefits, insurance, pensions, etc.?

--What players benefit from a state or religious interest in marriage? What groups are diminished?

--Is monogamy an essential component to marriage? Should polygamous marriages be legal? Why or why not?

--Is marriage inherently patriarchal? Is egalitarian marriage possible? What factors inhibit or foster egalitarian marriage?

--Will the increasing acceptance of gay marriage change the character of marriage as an institution?

--How integral to society is marriage? Could we reorganize the functions that take place in the family without marriage?

--Is marriage the best institution to provide for the care and raising of children? What is the best way to foster a healthy environment for raising children?

Past Cafe Inquiry topics have included:

• What makes people more or less religious?

• Bullying

• Free speech

• Gun ownership

• Social and political change

• Prostitution

• Reason vs. emotion

• Democracy

• Overpopulation

• Inalienable rights

----------------------

No outside food or drink allowed. Free and open to the public.

We are also planning to go out for food and/or drinks afterwards. Free and open to the public.

Interested in leading a discussion or have someone to recommend? Please contact us at dc[at]centerforinquiry.net.

The venue is wheelchair accessible. People with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations or who have questions about physical access may email sdavis [at] centerforinquiry [dot] net in advance of the event.