First Coast Freethought Society, Inc.

Monday, February 20, 2012

"WHAT DOES EVOLUTION MEAN FOR ETHICS?"

Presenter:  Scott Kimbrough, Ph.D., Chair, Division of Humanities, Jacksonville University

Early attempts to base ethical conclusions on Darwin's theory of evolution did not go well, ending in the discredited social Darwinist and eugenics movements of the early 20th century.  Since the 1970s, new efforts have been made to base a universal, objective ethics in evolutionary biology.  Others have appealed to evolution to argue for moral skepticism.  This presentation will consider the case for each conclusion, asking whether evolution provides a new basis for ethical theory or instead proves ethics to be baseless.   

More information on meetings

Welcome to the First Coast Freethought Society.  Now in our fourteenth year!

Founded in 1998, we are a group of freethinkers dedicated to promoting science and reason over dogma, faith, and belief in the supernatural. Our purpose is to serve the needs of the nonreligious population of Northeast Florida, promoting secular humanism, a non-theistic outlook and approach to everyday life.

We provide a place where agnostics, atheists, freethinkers, and secular humanists can gather to hear speakers, discuss philosophy, science, and other topics of interest. We offer support to those who have rejected or are questioning their religious beliefs.

At our meetings, you will find a forum for individuals interested in learning more about humanism and freethought. Through lectures and informal discussions, we explore topics of interest and enjoy fellowship with like-minded people. Meetings are free and open to the public. We hope to see you there!

The First Coast Freethought Society is a non-profit, tax-exempt, educational organization under IRS Chapter 501(c)(3).

Regular Monthly Meetings

• When: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., the THIRD MONDAY of every month
• Where: The Unitarian Universalist Church of Jacksonville, 7405 Arlington Expressway, Jacksonville, FL 32211
• What: A formal program, usually a guest speaker, followed by questions and answers

Humanist Book Discussion Group

• When:  2:00 p.m., the FIRST SUNDAY of every month
• Where:  Books-A-Million, 9400 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32225
  What:  Follow the link above to see current book, as well as past books discussed. 

Monthly Social

• When: Drinks at 6:00 p.m., dinner at 7:00, the FOURTH TUESDAY of every month
• Where: Olive Garden Restaurant, 10144 Philips Highway, Jacksonville, FL 32256, across from The Avenues Mall Order from the menu.

Secular Sunday in the Park

• When: 10:00 a.m., the FOURTH SUNDAY of every month
• Where: Losco Regional Park, under the pavilion, 10851 Hood Road South, Jacksonville, FL 32257
  Conversation and coffee in the fresh air

Monthly Newsletter

• Everyone can receive The First Coast FreeThinker via e-mail or download it from our website. Members are entitled to receive the U.S. Mail hard-copy version.
• A trial subscription of the hard-copy version is available at no charge, following which you need to join to continue to receive it.

Yahoo! Group for Freethinkers

• Join the FCFS Yahoo! Group, Jaxfreethought, to exchange e-mail with other freethinkers. You need not be a member of the FCFS to participate.
• To subscribe, send a blank email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .