|
Date
|
Title
|
Speaker
|
Description
|
|
July 21, 2008 |
"Conflict Transformation" |
Casey Welch, Ph.D.,
Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of North Florida
|
Conflict is omnipresent. Responses to conflict can be highly
enlightening and valuable for all who are experiencing and managing them.
Want to learn more? |
|
June 16, 2008 |
"The Process is Due: Gitmo and America's Constitutional Values"
followed by Lively Q & A. |
Ken Hurley, Interim Director, ACLU of Florida, Northeast Regional Office |
What happened to due process? Which process is due? How can
people be detained for years without charges? How can the "War on
Terror" end? Are there really constitutional values? |
| May 19, 2008 |
"Why Religion Won't Go Away" |
John Anderson, Ph.D., Department of Chemistry and Physics, UNF |
The world's religions are not going to go away, but they could evolve. |
| April 21, 2008 |
"Psychoanalysis and Science" |
Erich Freiberger, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Philosophy, Jacksonville
University |
Dr. Freiberger will explore some of the basic assumptions we make when we
take up the quest to be scientific in relation to a field such as
psychoanalysis. |
| March 17, 2008 |
"Positive Humanism: How Humanism Fits into a Participatory Democracy"
|
Heather Wellman,
former Executive Director, Humanists of Florida Association |
Heather
is an experienced, entertaining and informative speaker. This is a
good time to bring friends! |
| Feb. 18, 2008 |
"What Genetics Tells Us about Evolution" |
Matthew Gilg, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, UNF |
Celebrate Darwin's birthday! Come to an overview of genetic data
and learn what it actually teaches us. |
| Jan. 21, 2008 |
"Crime
Perpetrated by Religious Groups Throughout History" |
David R. Simon, Ph.D., retired criminology professor, author. |
Can the "holy" perhaps not be so holy, after all? A real eye-opener! |
| Dec. 17, 2007 |
Fourth Annual "Human Light Celebration" |
Party! Installation of 2008 officers, 2007 awards. (No
educational program tonight.) |
Covered Dish Dinner to be held
downstairs in the Social Hall of the Unitarian Church,
Arlington Expressway. Gather at 6:00 p.m., dine at 7:00 p.m.,
ceremonies at 8:00 |
| Nov. 19, 2007 |
"Defining Atheism:
Exposing the Myths, Revealing the Taboos" |
Earl Coggins, Founder and Spokesperson for the FCFS |
Earl will define, dissect, explore, and examine atheism from many angles. |
| Oct. 15, 2007 |
"What is the future of secularism in the Middle East?" |
David Schwam-Baird, Ph.D., Professor,
Dept. of Political Science and Public Administration, UNF |
Dr. Schwam-Baird, a recognized expert in the politics of the Middle East
will examine the possibilities for secularism, there. |
| Sept. 17, 2007 |
"The
Pursuit of Happiness: A Humanist Mandate" |
Jennifer Hancock,
past Associate Director, Humanists of Florida Association; now writer and
humanist activist. |
To learn more, visit her
website,
http://www.sumogirl.com/ which contains the her thoughts, opinions, and
creative pursuits. Included on the site is her Humanist counter
to the advice given by televangelist Billy Graham! |
| Aug. 20, 2007 |
"Buy the Funeral You Want at a Reasonable Price:
Funeral industry secrets revealed" |
Hugo Borresen, Founder of the Funeral Consumers Alliance of Greater
Jacksonville |
Knowledge is the key to avoid being ripped off by the funeral industry in a
time of personal tragedy, stress, and distress. |
| July 16, 2007 |
"How Religion
is Approached/Treated in Academia." |
Satya Pachori, Ph.D.,
Ret., Professor of English, UNF; Editor Emeritus of the South Asian Review. |
Dr. Pachori will examine how the subject of religion is handled (approached,
discussed) in academia. |
| June 18, 2007 |
Top-down vs. Bottom-up Societal Structures: A Historical Perspective |
Frank P. Besag, Ph.D.,
Sociology Professor |
Dr. Besag's
own words, he will discuss the history, geography, economics, and religion
of slavery and "top-down" versus "bottom up" societal structures. |
| May 21, 2007 |
"The
Culture Wars: How Humanism Fits In" |
Heather Wellman, Executive Director, Humanists of Florida Association |
This new humanist leader will be discussing her view of the future of
humanism and the direction of the HFA |
| April 16, 2007 |
"Divine Command Theory"
Is all morality dependent upon the will of God? Come and find out!
|
Ellen Wagner, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Dept. of Philosophy, University of
North Florida |
This term can be used to refer to any one of a family of related ethical
theories which all take "God’s will" to be the foundation of ethics. |
| March 19, 2007 |
"Pasteur and Koch, Two Giants of the Scientific Method" |
Jim Strayer, retired biology techer from Ormond Beach, FL |
Get the real scoop on Science vs. Superstition! |
| Feb. 19, 2007 |
Florida Citizens for Science
-"Science's New Pep Squad in Florida" |
Joe Wolf,
President, Florida Citizens for Science. |
Florida Citizens for Science:
Their goals, achievements, and
aspirations. |
| Jan. 15, 2007 |
"Why
Bogus Therapies Often Seem to Work" |
Barry L. Beyerstein, Ph.D., professor of neuropsychology at Simon
Fraser University in Canada, and a leading skeptic. |
Video of presentation given at a recent conference of the Center for Inquiry
- Florida. (Note: "Genetic Engineering" by Dr. Judith D. Ochrietor will be
rescheduled.) |
| Dec.. 18, 2006 |
Third Annual "Human Light Celebration" |
Installation of 2007 officers, 2006 awards. (No formal
program tonight.) |
Covered Dish Dinner to be held
downstairs in the Social Hall of the Unitarian Church,
Arlington Expressway. |
| Nov. 20, 2006 |
"Is Freethought Really Free? It may be imprisoned by its need to be
free from all religion and spirituality.” |
Rev. John L. Young
is the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Jacksonville where
we meet. |
Dr. Young
will be discussing trends within Unitarian Universalism, the
relationships of Unitarian Universalism with secular humanism and
freethought, and our shared interests on many issues. |
| Nov.
13, 2006 |
"SCIENCE UNDER SIEGE:
The Attack on Evolution"
(Special event, co-sponsored by FCFS and UNF) |
Tony Rossi, Ph.D., Matthew Gilg, Ph.D., Jay Huebner, Ph.D. Gordon Rakita,
Ph.D Moderator: Ken Hurley. |
A panel discussion (also Q&A) stressing the importance of teaching
evolutionary theory in the classroom. To be held in the
University Center of UNF. Free parking - Event free. |
| Oct. 16, 2006 |
"Ra, Blue Blankies, Ghosts, Holy Ghosts, and Flying Spaghetti Monsters"
Should we tolerate the intolerable? |
Ken Hurley, President, Greater Jacksonville Chapter of the ACLU |
Ken is a
dynamic, entertaining speaker, always with a thought-provoking, worthwhile message.. |
| Sept. 18, 2006 |
"Philosophical Speculation: What it is, what it has achieved and
why we still need it." |
Erich Freiberger, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Philosophy, Jacksonville
University |
Dr. Freiberger maintains "it is the way of inquiry that leads to science."
He proposes that science needs such specula-tion if it is to progress into
new
domains. |
| August. 21, 2006 |
"Examining Crime from a Scientific Perspective" |
Christine Rasche, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, UNF |
Dr. Rasche is a leader in her field. She has developed numerous
programs, among them, the criminal justice program at UNF. |
| July 17, 2006 |
"Polishing our Crystal Ball" Planning the future of the FCFS |
Curtis Wolf, Chair, Long-Range Planning Committee; and Vice President,
FCFS |
A brainstorming, workshop-type session. Come and share your thoughts. |
| June 19, 2006 |
"Alternative Ethical Systems for Freethinkers" |
Ellen Wagner, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Dept. of Philosophy,
University of North Florida |
If
we do not base ethics on the Bible or any other
"sacred" text, on what do we base them? What alternative ethical systems are available to freethinkers? |
| May 15, 2006 |
"SOS, Sobriety without a Higher Power, The Humanist Path to Sober Living" |
Bob Stevenson, from the CFI Daytona |
SOS
(Secular Organizations for Sobriety) provide an alternative recovery method for alcoholics and drug addicts who
are not comfortable with the spiritual content of the12-Step
programs. |
| April 17, 2006 |
"What
the Founding Fathers Really Meant by Separation of Church and State" |
David Schwam-Baird, Ph.D., Political Science Professor, UNF |
An examination of the secular origins of the U.S. Constitution. Is the
U.S. a Christian nation, as many people claim? |
| March 20, 2006 |
"Crossed-Up in Starke" |
|
A discussion about efforts to remove a publicly funded cross from the water
tower in Starke, Florida. |
| Feb. 20, 2006 |
"The Study Circles Initiative and the Faith-Based Community" |
Charlene Taylor Hill, Executive Director, Jacksonville Human Rights
Commission; and Bill David, Program Manager |
Charlene and Bill will discuss the goals and plans of the Jacksonville Human
Rights Commission. |
| Jan. 16, 2006 |
"Examining Fundamentalism" |
Julie Ingersoll, Ph.D., Professor of Religious Studies, UNF |
Dr. Ingersoll will examine fundamentalism from all angles. |
| Dec. 19, 2005 |
Second Annual "Human
Light Celebration" |
A party -
no formal program tonight. |
Covered
Dish Dinner to be held in the Social Hall of the UUCJ. |
| Nov. 21, 2005 |
"Benefits
and Hazards of Atheism" |
Earl
Coggins, Moderator |
Come and
participate in a round table discussion on rejecting the supernatural. |
| Oct. 17, 2005 |
"Understanding the Fundamentalist Mind" |
Greg Warner |
Mr. Warner
is executive editor of the Associated Baptist Press news service. |
| Sept. 19,
2005 |
"Losing God
Saved My Life" |
Jay Mooney |
How an
ex-Congressional aide overcame addiction through Free Thought. |
| Aug. 15, 2005 |
"A
Double-Super-Secret No-Take-Backs Discussion" |
Ken Hurley,
President, Greater Jacksonville Chapter of the ACLU |
Ken is a
dynamic, entertaining speaker, always with a worthwhile message. |
| July 11, 2005 |
"Mom's
Funeral" |
Earl
Coggins, Founder, First Coast Freethought Society |
Come and
hear the first-person account of one atheist versus his Christian family. |
| June 13, 2005 |
"Social
Security Reform Examined" |
Bob
Childers, retired, having worked almost 40 years for the Social Security
Administration. |
Mr.
Childers is still active with the National Committee to Preserve SS &
Medicare. Come and learn the facts about Social Security Reform. |
| May 9, 2005 |
"Banned
Books" |
Rona
Brinlee |
Ms.
Brinlee, owner of the Bookmark Book Store at Atlantic Beach will be
discussing banned books. Some facts might surprise you! |
| April 11,
2005 |
“Let's Make
Humanism Matter” |
Jerry
Lieberman, President, Humanists of Florida Association |
Exploring
pathways for humanists to gain greater acceptance and influence in our
society. |
| March 14,
2005 |
"Global
Warming: Potential Shifts in Biological Processes" |
Anthony M.
Rossi, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology at UNF |
Dr. Rossi
will examine whether global warming is actually occurring, whether the
temperature increase is part of the natural weather cycle, etc. |
| Feb. 14, 2005 |
"The State
of Education in Duval County Public Schools" |
Laura Lane |
Laura Lane,
with the JCCI, will discuss studies and findings of the JCCI concerning
education in the public schools and mention some of the other JCCI projects
as well. |
| Jan. 10,
2005 |
"The Cost
of Free Speech, Pulpit Politics, Moral Values, Fishing, and the Big Lies" |
Ken Hurley,
ACLU |
Ken is
President, ACLU of Greater Jacksonville (including the counties of Baker,
Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. John’s). |
| Dec. 13, 2004 |
"Human
Light Celebration" |
Members and
Friends will discuss the past, present, and future of the FCFS. (No formal
program.) |
Covered
Dish Dinner to be held in the Social Hall of the Unitarian Church. For
further info, call Wilhelmina at 642-8798. |
| Nov. 8, 2004 |
"What I've
Discovered About the Roots of Our Country's Continual Involvement in Wars" |
David
Henderson, with the organization Wage Peace, Inc. |
Mr.
Henderson thinks that our getting out of Iraq is not enough; that stopping
our involvement in unnecessary wars should be our goal. |
| Oct. 11, 2004 |
"A Brief
History of Just War Theory" |
Erich
Freiberger, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Philosophy, JU |
Dr.
Freiberger will introduce Just War theory and discuss and explain Just War
Theory and show how it applies to Iraq, today. |
| Sept. 13,
2004 |
"Buddhism:
A Nontheistic Mystical Discipline" |
William A.
Mendoza, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at JU |
Dr. William
Mendoza currently teaches physics and engineering at JU but has degrees in
psychology and in rehabilitation services as well. He an avid student of
Eastern religions. |
| Aug. 9, 2004 |
"The Status
of Reproductive Health" |
Lauren
Jones, Coordinator of Public Policy, Health Educator, Planned Parenthood of
Northeast Florida |
Ms.
Jones will discuss the history and current status of reproductive health and
birth control under the Bush administration. |
| July 12, 2004 |
"There an Estuary Next Door" |
Maia
McGuire, Ph.D., University of Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent for Nassau,
Duval, St. Johns, and Flagler counties. |
Dr. McGuire will discuss the biology and ecology of estuaries as well
as human threats to estuaries and ways to minimize negative impact on coastal
environments. |
| June 14, 2004 |
"What Is
the Good Life?" |
Ellen Wagner, Ph.D., Asst. Professor of
Philosophy, UNF |
Dr. Wagner will discuss the ancient Greeks' concept (Aristotle's
in particular) of what it took to lead a good life. Different from today's
concept! |
| May 10, 2004 |
“The debate
between evolution and creation ‘science’.” |
Anthony M.
Rossi, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology at UNF |
Dr. Rossi will explain
evolution and explore the controversial debate between evolution and creation
'science'. |
| April 12,
2004 |
“The Schiavo Case: Moral Quandaries and Legal Pitfalls in Surrogate
Decision Making” |
Assya Pascalev, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Philosophy at UNF |
Dr. Pascalev's specialties include bioethics, ethics, social philosophy, and
aesthetics. She will be discussing the bioethics involving Terry Schiavo. |
| March 8, 2004 |
"Myths
About Crime and Criminal Justice" |
David Simon, Ph.D., Adjunct
Professor of Criminology and Social Justice, UNF |
Dr. Simon will examine how
images of crime, criminals, and criminal justice agencies are represented
unrealistically by the media. |
| Feb. 9, 2004 |
"Endowed by
their Creator. . . Considering the Origins of Civil Rights" |
Ken Hurley,
President, ACLU, Greater Jacksonville Chapter |
Ken will
explore the nature of “rights.” Are ‘rights’ God given? Are ‘rights’ discovered?
From whence do our ‘rights’ come? etc. |
| Jan. 12, 2004 |
"The Middle
East -- Right Now!?" |
David Schwam-Baird, Ph.D., Political
Science Professor at UNF |
Dr. Schwam-Baird will discuss developments in Iraq and
in Israel-Palestine which seem to be changing by the minute - changing on the
surface, at least. |
| Dec. 8, 2003 |
"The Humanist
Foundations of Progress" |
Jennifer
Hancock, Executive Director, Humanists of Florida Association |
Jennifer will discuss the
relationship between humanism and social progress and discuss how American
society is culturally humanist even if it does not embrace modern humanism. |
| Nov. 10, 2003 |
Agnosticism |
Erich Freiberger,
Ph.D. |
Some reflections on the nature of
human knowledge and our ability to know God in Plato, Epicurus, Kant, and
Kierkegaard. |
| Oct. 13, 2003 |
“That’s What
YOU Say!” |
Ellen Wagner, Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy, UNF |
A workshop. Learn more about how to critically analyze claims and arguments
someone makes. |
| Sept. 13, 2003 |
"Candidate Without a Prayer |
Herb Sliverman, President and Founder of the Secular Humanists of the
Lowcountry in South Carolina. |
Herb will recount his campaign for Governor of South Carolina, during which
he challenged a SC law requiring a religious belief in order to hold public
office in that state. |
| Sept. 8, 2003 |
The Baloney
Detection Kit |
Earl Coggins,
Founder. First Coast Freethought Society |
A critical thinking
skills guide to accurately distinguishing exposing pseudoscience from real
science. |
| Aug. 11, 2003 |
How Safe is
Safe Enough? |
Fred Altieri,
Ph.D. |
Will touch upon the
efficacy of the Homeland Security Office, examine the passing of laws
restricting civil rights of individual citizens supposedly to make investigation
and surveillance of suspicious people easier. |
| July 14, 2003 |
The Fate of
the Universe. |
Jay Huebner,
Ph.D. |
Recent observations with
some of the world's best telescopes indicate the expansion of the Universe
has been accelerating... |
| June 10, 2003 |
The History
of State and Church Separation, Part II |
Earl Coggins,
Founder |
America drifts from Jeffersonian and Madisonian
principles in the 19th
Century and the de facto Protestant Establishment. |
| May 12, 2003 |
Congress
Shall Make No Law Respecting an Establishment of Religion: A Brief History
of the Separation of State and Church. |
Earl Coggins,
Founder, First Coast Freethought Society |
Why
did our Founding Fathers place the religion clauses of our Bill of Rights at the
very beginning, in the First Amendment? Did they intend to create a secular
government, and if so, what lead them to believe it was the right thing to do? |
| April 14,
2003 |
Whoosh! Was
that our Constitution? The USA PATRIOT Act: Safety AND Freedom. |
Ken Hurley,
President, ACLU, Greater Jacksonville Chapter |
Ken will
examine the more troubling aspects and explain how the USA PATRIOT Act purports
to alter the meaning of our Bill of Rights. |
| March 10,
2003 |
Logical
Fallacies, and How to Make them Work for You |
Ellen Wagner,
Ph.D. |
Logical Fallacies, an interactive workshop. |
| Feb. 10, 2003 |
"Biological
Evolution" |
Hector
Harima, Ph.D. |
Dr. Harima, Professor of
Biology at FCCJ, will be discussing genetics and biological evolution. |
| Jan. 12, 2003 |
War with
Iraq? |
David Schwam-Baird,
Ph.D. |
The Clash of Irrational
Policies. |
First
Coast Freethought Society, Inc.
