EthicalStL.org

The question has been the source of endless speculation by human beings for millennia: Is there intelligent life on other worlds beyond our own, or are we alone in the universe? The answer would have profound consequences for humankind, both scientific and ethical, for if we discover we are not alone, what does that tell us about ourselves?

An update on exciting new developments in our Uganda Humanist Schools Project, and some of the cosmic questions raised when we contemplate the different circumstances of people around the world.

Photos (pdf) to accompany the presentation.

When refugees arrive in America, they frequently come with little more than the clothes on their backs. Staff of sponsoring agencies, including the International Institute of St. Louis, meet refugees at the airport, take them to housing that has been obtained for them, provide orientation, and help them begin the process of building a new life in America. The International Institute immerses refugees and immigrants in a variety of social and educational services designed to accelerate their settlement in St. Louis. Services in the Individuals and Families Division focus on initial adjustment services to newcomers and their families with a goal to help raise newcomers out of poverty.

Carl Sagan is one of the most famous Humanists in history; a shining example of an individual celebrated for their commitment to scientific and humanitarian ideals. This week, to celebrate Carl Sagan Day, we examine his commitment to science through an unusual lens, exploring his belief that science can not only help us understand nature, but also show us who we are and where we come from. Science, Sagan believed, can be a source of spiritual wonder.

As people prepare to cast ballots on Election Day, in a year when many people are not thrilled about their choices, what general values should we choose as guides? When we vote, how should we weigh our individual or immediate interests, our membership in different communities, and our concern for communities beyond our circle?

The function of skin-color variation in humans is biological and integral to the survival of our species. In America, skin-color variation has become integral to the formation of one’s identity as well. This talk will take an anthropological approach to explore aspects of each in an attempt to create an entirely different conversation regarding the subject of human skin and its social implications. This presentation is designed to be interactive and introspective. I encourage the audience to think about their own place in a social context as well as to bring a greater understanding of how others place themselves using some of the latest scientific information.

Joan Hoscher is coordinator for the University of Missouri-St. Louis's Connecting Human Origin and Cultural Diversity (CHOCD) outreach program.

People often feel that their religious perspective to be an important part of their identity: to be a Christian, Jew, or Muslim can give someone a strong sense of group membership. But what is the Ethical Humanist identity, and how does being an Ethical Humanist change our sense of ourselves?

We learn in school that Columbus discovered America in 1492. However, there were populations of American Indians here for the past 12-15,000 years. Everyone knows this. The ethical issues surrounding the decimation of these populations are not as well known. Addressing some of these issues will be Dr. Carol Diaz-Granádos, Research Associate in the Department of Anthropology, Washington University, and Jim Duncan, former Director of the Missouri State Museum and Exhibits Director for the Missouri Department of Conservation.

The label “nerd” used to be almost purely pejorative. Today, more people are flying their nerd flags proudly. But what is nerdiness, what are its positive and negative aspects, and how can embracing our inner (and outer) nerd help us live more authentic, joyful, and ethical lives?

How do we know who we are? Each of us has a unique identity which develops through our lives. We are each unique individuals. Yet sometimes we wonder "Who am I, really?" What does that question mean, and how do we "find ourselves"?