Ethical Humanism

***“I am struck with how rare it is to find a few good friends on the path. It is easy to find people who simply want to sit and be entertained by teachers, or who want to sit and entertain by playing the role of teacher. In other words, the quest for affirmation often outweighs the quest for truth.*** ***Yet you may have one or two good friends, and definitely have one or two waiting to be discovered. Find them; be thankful.”*** ***— Shawn Nevins*** 'What will make me happy in life?' ... 'Am I my thoughts?' ... 'What is Enlightenment?' ... We meet every week to ask questions like these in the pursuit of Self-Knowledge and Truth. We are interested in topics like: Zen, stoicism, spirituality, psychology, mindfulness, Nisargadatta, non-violent communication, Socrates, existential philosophy, Alan Watts, taoism, Eckhart Tolle, meditation, Ramana Maharshi, etc. But we are not affiliated with any dogma, philosophy, or religion. Our goal each meeting is to serve as mirrors for one another using question-based inquiry in a safe environment. In a session, every participant takes turns discussing the week's question or topic, and the group asks reflective questions without any agenda besides trying to understand the person's beliefs. A few other guiding principles of our group: * No one is obligated to share * Be honest with yourself and others * Do not try to convince others to believe or think as you do * Keep the focus on the person being questioned We meet at the [Bethesda Library](https://maps.app.goo.gl/GWMozF8zpY1m1PY26) every Monday. The library is a 5 minute walk from the Bethesda Metro on the Red Line, approx 25 minute Metro ride from Metro Center and Gallery Place stations. The library has a a parking lot with metered parking for $1/hour. \*\*\* WE WILL BE IN MEETING ROOM 3 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ----- THE MEETING ROOM IS IN THE BACK OF THE LIBRARY \*\*\* Please contact us with any questions!

DISTANCE CLEARING SESSION: Developing Your Intuitive/Energy Skills Contents: Clearings, empath work, meditation, learning and enhancing energy work skills for working on self and others For further information, please contact Madhu 301-760-7491, info@stress-reliefcenter.com

**THE POWER OF THE SUBCONSCIOUS OVER YOU** You are welcome to arrive 15 minutes early for refreshments! At the lecture "The Power of the Subconscious", the speaker will clearly and understandably explain topics such as: What is the exact definition of the Subconscious Mind? How does it inflict unwanted feelings and anxiety in you? What determines how much pressure it exerts on a person? What exactly is the goal of the subconscious? This is not just a lecture where you sit quietly and listen. It's interactive and LIVE, so you can ask questions at any time. And the most important topic: **HOW DO YOU TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR SUBCOUNSCIOUS!** This group is sponsored by the Dianetics Life Improvement Center. CALL 202-797-9826 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION

Join us for a 5k run alternating between Harris Teeter/NIH loop and Chopt/Capital Crescent Trail.

Call 202 797 9826 for more information and to register. Walk-ins are welcome! Refreshments are served. Do you want more Self Confidence, less Self Doubt, more Happiness, less Anxiety, and more Love? This event is an introduction to how to handle irrational emotion. How often are yours or another's emotions out of control? What is that about??? I have asked these questions and after much search have found answers and am sharing. Maybe you have suffered a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? After that, you try to move on- you just can't. Possibly you have a thought or emotion that hangs around for days and you just can't shake it. What is all this stress, anxiety, depression, and self doubt? It's just crazy! It's not the real you. You can find out what is at the root of all this. This is an in-person class that can start you on the way to a better life, more confidence and less negativity. All the happiness you have lies within you. Let's find it! We only use natural proven techniques, Call 202 797 9826 for more information and to register. Walk-ins are welcome! Refreshments are served. This group is sponsored by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.

Welcome to our new home at the historic Tivoli Theater! Please check our details for access to the space on [our website](https://www.hacdc.org/visit/). Join the discord for questions / help getting in (use channel #let-me-in) [https://discord.gg/dNjuNhNmeT](https://discord.gg/dNjuNhNmeT)

Most ethical debates are about applied ethics. Applied ethics is about specific ethical questions. Most ethicist philosophers in contrast debate different ethical theories. But there is an even more esoteric question in ethics – what is the nature of ethic itself. This question is called meta ethics. Here is an excellent reference, which I am using as a template for how philosophers have debated meta ethics: [Metaethics - Philosophy A Level](https://philosophyalevel.com/aqa-philosophy-revision-notes/metaethics/) The two major questions in how meta-ethics is normally discussed are a) whether ethics is cognitive or non-cognitive, and b) whether ethics is real or not. There are also five most common views about meta ethics: 1) realist naturalism, 2) realist non-naturalism, 3) error theory, 4) emotivism, and 5) prescriptism. For realism, both naturalism and non-natural realism hold that statements about ethics or morality can be true or false, which makes them cognitive, and that they can also be true about the world. Error theory agrees that the way we use language, morality and ethics are treated as cognitive, but holds that there is no feature of our world that ever makes moral claims true, so all such claims are false. Prescriptivism and Emotivism hold that moral claims are not either true or false, as emotivism holds that moral statements are just assertions of one’s support or opposition to a position, similar to cheering or booing. Prescriptivism holds that moral claims are basically commands, power statements whose purpose is just to compel compliance. I will offer some rationales for each of these views, and come common critiques. Ethical Naturalism Ethical naturalists disagree with Hume’s often-quoted assertion that one cannot derive an ought from an is. One example of an ethical naturalist is John Stewart Mill, whose Utilitarianism asserts that the Good just IS pleasure, and the Bad just IS pain. Mill argued: * The only proof that something is desirable is that people desire it * No proof can be given why the general happiness is desirable other than that each person desires their own happiness * This desirability is “all the proof the case admits of” that happiness is a good thing * All our other values (e.g. truth, freedom, dignity) constitute what makes us happy * In other words, the reason we value these things is because they make us happy * So, not only is happiness good, it is the *only* good Among contemporary philosophers, Sam Harris is a leading advocate of Ethical Naturalism, and is also a utilitarian. One of the major critiques of pleasure Utilitarianism is that “happiness” or “pleasure” is a very shallow value, and welfare, or character growth are much more valuable goals, and . As neither character nor welfare are as clearly discernable or measurable – a modified utilitarianism is much less clearly “natural” than Mills’ version. A notable attack on ethical naturalism was made by the philosopher GE Moore, who claimed that any naturalist identity such as between pleasure and Good is a fallacious claim, as identity would make the relation a closed question, while it actually makes sense to ask if it is true or not. Moore’s critique was considered decisive for a half century, drastically reducing the number of advocates or ethical naturalism in the first half of the 20th century. However, under Popperian indirect realism, it appears to be a misunderstanding of naturalist thinking. Ethical naturalism has revived to become the second most popular view among philosophers. Ethical Non-Naturalism. Moore’s alternative realist view is intuitionist – that we humans have an intuitive ability to sense moral truths. But as this is a non-natural sense, evaluation of this intuition is not subject to scientific or rational evaluation. As all of our views, when we apply the “why think that” and then “why think the justification” then “”why think the next justification” in an infinite series, end up terminating in intuited assumptions, the fundamental inability to evaluate moral intuitions is in the end a feature of all of our views, so intuitionists do not consider it a failing. One of the problems with intuitionism, is that we DO do moral reasoning, hence while there may be SOME intuitions we have to accept as basic, it is not clear that this is true of all, or even most moral intuitions. Additionally, IF we have a reliable moral intuition, the large diversity of moral views between societies, and between individuals, is very surprising. Also, the ontic nature of moral facts would make them abstract objects, and most philosophers consider abstract objects to be non-causal – hence they would not be able to be sensed. Despite these three criticisms, ethical non-naturalism is the most common view among philosophers, although it is far from a majority. Error Theory A notable mid 20th century philosopher, JL Makie, was the leading advocate of error theory. He primarily cited the societal variations of morality, and the “queerness” of sensing moral abstractions as his reasons for thinking all moral claims must be wrong. Error theory suffers from the problem that almost everyone who makes moral claims seems to think they are NOT wrong, so a s an explanation of what we humans are thinking when we speak of ethics or morals, it seems not very credible. Error theory had a brief period of significant support among philosophers, but as an alternative to moral realism, it has lost almost all adherents among philosophers. Emotivism Emotivism says that moral judgments express (non-cognitive) *feelings* of approval or disapproval, rather than truth claims. This clearly is true of at least a fraction of or moral and ethical statements, and this makes emotivism a supported view. However, we also reason about moral and ethical question, and come up with moral and ethical theories – none of which could be true of an intrinsically non-cognitive subject. Prescriptism. Prescriptivism says that moral judgments express (non-cognitive) *instructions* that aim to guide behavior, so when someone says “murder is wrong!”, what they really *mean* is something like **“don’t murder people!” As with emotivism this IS true of a fair amount of our moral discourse, BUT likewise as with emotism, our use of moral reasoning does not cohere with this view.** **Moral relativists tend to adopt prescriptivist approaches to moral anti realism.** **Moral anti-realism is a significant minority view among philosophers, and emotivism and prescriptivism are roughtly equal in popularity for the anti-realists.** **Questions:** **\>\> What do you folks think of the two options\, realism/anti\-realism and cogntiivism/non\-cogntivism to sort meta ethics?** **\>\> What do you folks think of the arguments for and against Ethical Naturalism?** **\>\> What do you folks think of the arguments for and against Ethical Non\-Naturalism** **\>\> What do you folks think of the arguments for and against Error Theory?** **\>\> What do you folks think of the arguments for and against Emotivism?** **\>\> What do you folks think of the arguments for and against Prescriptivism?** **My alternatives. I do not find any of these meta-ethical views to be convincing, and consider a modification of their ontic assumptions to be more credible.** **IF one accepts that abstract objects can be causal, THEN Intuitionism becomes a far more credible worldview. If our intuitions are able to detect moral reality, then we can have weak intuitions that at least hint at truths about our world. Intuitionism would then become an ethical naturalism.** **Alternatively, if one treats norms as an emergent phenomena, THEN sociological prescriptivism can reflect an ontic battle between one societies norms vs. another AND then relativist prescriptivism likewise would become a version of ethical naturalism.** A third option I have thought of is a fusion of emergence and intuitionism. In one version of this humans as a species have a eusocial nature, which is intrinsically moral, and our intuitions are how we detect this intrinsic feature of humanity. In another version, the emergence is from all of life, which creates a moral reality as an outgrowth of Gaia, and again our intuitions detect this. As with the two prior options I outlined, morality would be a feature or our world, and therefore characterizing it would fall under ethical naturalism -- but it is a "naturalism" that uses a more complex ontology than reductive materialism. **\>\> What do you folks think of naturalist intuitionismtivism?** **\>\> What do you folks think of naturalist emergent relativist Prescriptivism?** \>\> What do you think of emergent naturalist intuitivism? \>\> Are there any other out of the box approaches to Meta Ethics anyone would like to offer? We meet in person and online. In person will be at the cafeteria of the applied physics lab. Snack and drinks are available for online purchase. Pizza will be provided as well at a price of $2/slice. Online will be: https://teams.live.com/meet/93583191724730?p=hY3jxVvnOciVl2aRn5 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

Since 1961, Amnesty International USA has fought to protect human rights as the world’s largest grassroots human rights organization. Our local group generally meets the second Wednesday of every month at the Cleveland Park Library. Each month, we do letter writing actions, discuss human rights issues in the news, and plan for hosting or participating in occasional events area events. For more information, email Mike Duffy at michaelbernardduffy@gmail.com.

**Looking to** \- Help out neighbors in the DC area? \- Support a secular charity? \- Connect with other atheists and humanists? Join Atheists Helping the Homeless DC at our monthly distribution event! Atheists Helping the Homeless is a 501(c)(3) charity that distributes items like backpacks, socks, gloves, and toiletries to people in need throughout the Washington, DC region. We meet up on the second Saturday of every month outside of a homeless shelter in Silver Spring, MD, called Progress Place, and pass out whatever items we have to whoever is there. Each month we serve between 60 - 100 people. Afterwards, we usually go out for breakfast. Our goal is to provide a way for people to help each other without affiliating with a religion. Our method is to go straight to those in need, and create a welcoming and fun atmosphere to effectively create an environment where secular community can grow and thrive. If this sounds fun, see you there!

How do we move from concern about society's challenges to meaningful action? In our final session, we will explore Sections III and IV of *A Common Endeavor: Realizing the Promise of America*. These sections examine the unique role each person can play in advancing the common good, the importance of meaningful conversations, and the practical questions communities must explore as they work toward greater unity, justice, and collective well-being. Our discussion will consider: • Why are conversations an essential form of social action? • How can we build genuine bonds of trust, concern, and collaboration across differences? • What role do youth, families, schools, faith communities, and civic institutions play in social transformation? • How can we foster a society where everyone's capacity to contribute is recognized and encouraged? Together, we will reflect on how ordinary people can participate in a common endeavor that strengthens both our local communities and the broader society. **Suggested Reading:** [Sections III and IV](https://www.acommonendeavor.org/) https://www.acommonendeavor.org/

**Join us in Falls Church for conversations that go beyond small talk.** Higher Grounds – Falls Church is where this growing network of gatherings began: a space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Falls Church who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

Please register at https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/greentara/mens-circle Authentic Relating Men's Circle is an opportunity for men to be their authentic selves in a confidential, nonjudgemental, and supportive environment. In our society, it is often be hard for men to express their emotions and tell their stories. Men's Circle supports intentional relating for the purpose of personal growth and collective transformation. By practicing self-awareness, empathy, and compassion, we empower each other to bring these qualities to our relationships, families, workplaces, and society as a whole. Join us in being open hearted as we explore our joys, challenges, and longings as men. **What Is Authentic Relating?** Authentic is being real, honest, revealed, and transparent, allowing others to see, hear, and know our inner world. Relating is welcoming the other person's authentic self and weaving their reality and experience with our own. Authenticity and vulnerability are possible in an environment absent of judgement where we are confident that we will be received with openness, empathy, and compassion. Authentic Relating is about intentionally creating a space of equity, belonging, and inclusion. In a world where we often wear a mask, presenting some aspects of ourselves and hiding others in order to be accepted, Authentic Relating invites us to show up as we are. All parts, dimensions, emotions, and aspects that make us human are welcome in this practice. When we share from our authentic selves, we create the opportunity for genuine connections and self-understanding. The result is often moving and therapeutic. **OTHER DETAILS** This event is open to men identifying individuals. All ages (18+), abilities, and sexual orientations welcome! Snacks will be provided and feel free to bring your own. Please arrive early so that we can start on time. Late arrivals jeopardize the emotional safety and flow of the event. While this event is therapeautic it is not a replacement for individual therapy. If you have serious mental health issues please consult a professional. **TESTIMONIALS** "Most social events are like fast food--stimulating but insubstantial. Authentic Relating feels like a carefully crafted and nutritious meal, made with love for you." "Clara is a warm and engaging facilitator who makes everyone feel welcome and comfortable to be their authentic selves." ### ABOUT THE ORGANIZER Clara Fang is the founder of Green Tara Consulting, a consulting firm that specializes in diversity, equity, and belonging. She has been working at the intersection of climate advocacy and racial justice for twenty years. She is an experienced facilitator of authentic relating, meditation, and ecstatic dance. She lives in Germantown, MD. bio.site/cfang To learn more about my approach to creating inclusive social gatherings, please read Creating Equitable and Inclusive Social Gatherings https://greentaraconsulting.com/blog/authentic-relating-update Please register at https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/greentara/mens-circle

* **Would you like to look deeper into the source of life?** * **Do you want to find your own answers to everyday questions?** * **Singing HU can bring you Love, Happiness, and Stability** **You’re warmly invited to join us at our** **Friday HU Chant at 7:00 pm** **You will be welcome to chant out loud or simply listen, whatever is right for you. The chant lasts about 20 minutes, followed by brief contemplative time and conversation with others of like heart.** **Join others for virtual participation at:** **The Maryland Eckankar Center** **1738 Elton Rd., Suite 104** **Silver Spring, MD 20903** **(Doors open at 6:30 pm.)** **Or attend online at the following link:** **[Friday HU Chant](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89597899210?pwd=reKwx1zJtFNylttx8N4LKs3zYJN7a3.1)** **Meeting ID: 895 9789 9210** **Password: 978196** **Dial-In: 301-715-8592** **For more information:** **Call or text: (301) 439-2120** **MEC@eckankarmaryland.org** **Presented by the DC & Maryland Satsang Societies, Inc. Chartered Affiliates of ECKANKAR.** **Copyright © 2025 ECKANKAR. The terms ECKANKAR, ECK, EK, MAHANTA, SOUL TRAVEL, and VAIRAGI, among others, are trademarks of ECKANKAR, PO Box 2000, Chanhassen, MN 55317-2000 U.S.A.**

This presentation will be by Ben Iten, humanist chaplain and HCCO Board Member. Speaking on expressing Humanism values in American democracy. This meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online. The formal presentation will start at noon. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC)

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

From the moment sin entered the world, death began. Adam and Eve were not stricken dead immediately, but the process by which none of us lives forever in health and wholeness in these earthly bodies started its inexorable march to the inevitable end—death. The Bible makes it clear that by one man’s sin, death came to all mankind, but that by the obedience of One Perfect Man, Jesus, many are made righteous (Romans 5:19). F.F. Bosworth recognized this truth; he also would have people consider that the God Who provided for our greatest need—salvation from eternal death—would also provide healing for the lesser, but still great needs, of health and healing from sickness, disease, and the consequences of sin that we encounter before we die. Join us as we examine the case for biblical healing in the book first published in 1924, ***Christ The Healer*. We meet at True Food Kitchen, Easton Town Center on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 6:30 pm.** Get your tickets on [EventBrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christ-the-healer-columbus-ohio-tickets-1989133215995)! Connect with us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/events/1495777228332299)! Check out our new website, [LocalCA](https://localca.org/)! Say hello on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/christianbookclubwellness/)!

Start your week the right way with Manic Mondays. Giving you an enjoyable Bachata lesson with a push of cool moves. The second hour has Beginner/Intermediate Salsa on 1. You must understand basic Salsa skills to participate. 730pm-830pm Bachata Cool Moves 830pm-930pm Salsa On 1 (Beginner/Intermediate) 15 for One Class 20 for Both Free Parking & Plenty of Dance Space. Viva Dance Columbus 2809 Festival Lane Dublin OH 43017

Interested? Contact Preston Moore k.preston.moore@gmail.com 614-300-5989 ———————————— Engaging in men’s work is the new way to forge friendships while being open-minded to personal growth. Many men experience healthier relationships, personally and professionally, by engaging in this work. Open Men’s Group is a container for men to share vulnerably without receiving judgment or feedback. We believe that emotionally mature, powerful, compassionate, and purpose-driven men will help heal some of society’s deepest wounds. We support the powerful brilliance of men and we are willing to look at, and take full responsibility for, the pain we are also capable of creating – and suffering. We care deeply about men, our families, communities, and the planet. Visit ManKind Project USA to discover more. https://mkpusa.org/