Philosophy   

"Let him that would move the world first move himself." Socrates helped others examine their lives, and thinking, by asking questions. Participants in Socrates & More examine their ideas, opinions and dogmas on a variety of topics.

Dialogue is stimulated by TEDx talks, participant's suggestions and current events. Differing ideas, and opinions are expected and welcome. No topic/subject is off-limits. Dialogue is dynamic and always respectful. By participating in this experience, we have the opportunity to become more thoughtful, tolerant and rational.

In his essay, Creative Democracy, philosopher John Dewey wrote, "I am inclined to believe that the heart and final guarantee of democracy is in free gatherings of neighbors on the street corner to discuss back and forth what is read in uncensored news of the day, and in gatherings of friends, to converse freely with one another. Intolerance, abuse, calling of names because of differences of opinion about religion or politics or business, as well as because of differences of race, color, wealth or degree of culture are treason to the democratic way of life."

Note: Out of fairness to all participants and due to the nature of this course, the instructor asks that those who choose to register commit to and attend the majority of classes. Any class absence should be communicated to the instructor.

Limited to 12 participants, this group will choose books that have something to say--make us think--and promote a spirited discussion. Much like the Humanists group and Socrates & More, this class is intended to challenge with the goal of understanding others and ideas better.

This semester's books:

July 24 -The Gray Lady Winked: How the New York Times's Misreporting, Distortions & Fabrications Radically Alter History, by Ashley Rindberg.

August 22 - Dream Hoarders: How the American Upper Middle Class is Leaving Everyone Else in the Dust. Why that is a Problem, and What to do About it, by Richard V. Reeves

September 26 - Super Abundance: The Story of Population Growth, Innovation, and Human Flourishing on an Infinitely Bountiful Planet, by Gale Pooley & Marian Tupy

October 23 - Reimagining Chronic Illness, by Meghan O'Rourke 

November 28 - Participants share information about a book they believe will be of interest to the group. 

Some still assert the Constitution's Establishment Clause only prohibits an official state religion. David will be presenting remotely. He will explain how that flawed interpretation is playing out in America today and the harm being done to the religious minorities that the Clause is intended to protect. Q&A after the program.
David Williamson is co-founder of the Central Florida Freethought Community (CFFC), an organization of atheists and Humanists focused on the separation of state and building a thriving secular community in the Greater Orlando area. Locally, he is a member of the Central Florida Commission on Religious Freedom, is Secretary of the Florida Humanist Association, and is co-coordinator of the organization’s conference FREEFLO. David serves 2 national organizations. He is on the Advisory Board of the Freethought Equality Fund and a Florida State Representative for the Freedom From Religion Foundation.
 

Language is a powerful tool for directing and manifesting energy into form. You can change your life in a matter of moments by changing your thoughts and the words you speak. Words are powerful, so powerful that they create our reality. Words can be used to build or destroy, to heal or to harm. Enroll in this class and learn how to be more conscious of the thoughts you think and the words you speak.

What do we (or our loved ones) do with our bodies after we are deceased? In past generations, it was a no-brainer: "pick out a coffin, headstone, and plot, and bury 'em 6 feet under." These days there are lots of post-mortem possibilities. Some deadly serious, others humorous. Come gain information and inspiration to help you in making this decision.         

Dr. Rod Broker is a retired academic and clergyperson with a background in communications, counseling, and non-profit management. He is a former resident of Stone Creek and now resides in Leesburg. He and his wife Doris have traveled extensively by RV in the US and via cruise ships to the shores of much of the rest of the world. Rod’s other interests include lifelong learning, website development, and the Chicago Cubs.

An eight-week, non-sectarian short-course designed to introduce the philosophical foundations of moral/ethical reasoning. Particular attention will be given to:

1.          Virtue Ethics; the contributions of Aristotle
2.          Deontology; the contributions of Immanuel Kant
3.          Consequentialism/Utilitarianism; the contributions of John Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham
4.          Moral/Ethical Development; the contributions of Jean Piaget and Lawrence Kohlberg
5.          Applied Ethics; the contributions of Peter Singer
6.          General Discussion

Note: There is a $5 materials fee payable to the instructor the first day of class for handouts.

This course is being taught at the Ocala Tree of Life Sanctuary in the Music Room: 6140 Southwest 78th Avenue Road, Ocala, Florida 34474

An introduction to the history of secular Humanism, the "why" and the application of Humanism for the speaker.

Ms. Williamson is a university business instructor. Prior to working in education, she worked in international marketing.  After living and working in Denmark, Japan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cypress she settled in Central Florida.  She is a lifelong Humanist and serves as the President of the Florida Humanist Association.   She is co-founder of the Central Florida Freethought Community (CFFC). a 501©3 nonprofit organization of freethinkers, Humanists, atheists, and secularists. She enjoys kayaking, gardening, and all things related to science fiction, the arts, and politics.