tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44052471215386041872024-02-07T04:44:44.408+00:00Dorset Humanists websiteDorset Humanists websitecrabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.comBlogger520125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405247121538604187.post-64074868112176146812022-06-01T08:30:00.000+01:002020-02-23T09:36:19.164+00:00Welcome to Dorset Humanists Archive (pre-2020)This is the archived pre-2020 Dorset Humanists site. <b>For the NEW Dorset Humanists website from January 2020 click <a href="http://www.dorsethumanists.co.uk/">here</a>. </b><br />
<br />
Dorset Humanists are a local charity which exists to meet the diverse needs of people who identify as having 'no religion'. According to surveys, that's more than 50% of the UK population. <br />
<a name='more'></a>They may want to meet like-minded people, arrange a meaningful humanist ceremony for themselves or a loved one, learn more about science, make the world a better place, access non-religious pastoral support, reflect on the meaning of life, raise money for good causes, join a personal development course, join an interfaith dialogue group, go for walks in the wonderful Dorset countryside, arrange for someone to speak about Humanism in their child's school, oppose the proliferation of faith schools, have a barbecue on the beach, campaign for changes in the law, have a few beers and a laugh... the list is endless!<br />
<br />
Dorset Humanists have spoken to thousands of children about Humanism in local schools, we take part in the Bournemouth Remembrance Service and Holocaust Memorial Day every year, and we raise thousands of pounds for local charities through our Winter Appeal.<br />
<br />
If you would like to <a href="https://dorset-humanists1.blogspot.com/p/newsletters.html">receive our monthly Bulletin you can subscribe here</a>. If you want the non-religious 50% to have a stronger voice in society why not become a member of Dorset Humanists for just £15.00 a year? You can pick up a form at our meetings or <a href="https://dorset-humanists1.blogspot.com/p/join-us.html">join here</a>.<br />
<br />
Thank you for visiting and we hope to see you soon, either at a real event or online via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/">Meetup</a>. Our <a href="https://dorset-humanists1.blogspot.com/search/label/Events">main events are listed below </a>but to be notified about additional events please join our Meetup group.crabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405247121538604187.post-16728638765404666952019-10-04T04:40:00.001+01:002020-02-23T08:53:02.440+00:0070 years an Atheist - Geoff KirbyThis is Dorset Humanists pre-2020 archived website. <a href="https://dorset.humanist.org.uk/wp/">For our new website from 2020 click here.</a>
<b>When?</b> Wednesday 27th November 7.30pm<br />
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<b>What?</b> In 1951, Geoff Kirby had a ‘Road to Damascus’ experience – but in reverse – when he suddenly gave up all belief in gods. But the 1950s were no time for a pre-teenager to declare a disbelief in gods. He was once publicly reviled as the ‘sperm of the Devil’ and warned that he could be barred from many career options. In this talk, Geoff will explain why he became an atheist at such a young age, the problems this caused in the 1950s, and the basis for his confidence that science, not gods, can lead us to a good life as well as an understanding of our universe. Geoff has degrees in physics and environmental sciences and he is a member of West Dorset Humanists.<br />
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<b>Where?</b> Green House Hotel, Grove Road, BH1 3AX<br />
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crabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405247121538604187.post-81154744920256737582019-10-04T04:30:00.000+01:002019-10-04T04:30:24.001+01:00Modern Money Theory<b>When?</b> Saturday, November 9, 2019<br />
<br />
<b>What? </b>Changing the debate about our economy requires a better understanding of how money really works and is essential to delivering high-quality universal services and a Green New Deal. Speakers Prue Plumridge is a co-director of the Gower Initiative of Modern Money Studies and Deborah Harrington is a co-Director of Public Matters, an independent research and information partnership.<br />
<br />
<b>Where? </b>Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, BH9 1TBcrabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405247121538604187.post-35443979362083940442019-09-25T08:47:00.002+01:002019-09-25T08:47:37.181+01:00Dorset Humanists choirThe Dorset Humanists choir will commence rehearsals for its midwinter concert on Tuesday 1st October 2019 and each Tuesday thereafter. <br />
<br />
The concert of nine Secular Lessons and Carols will take place on Thursday 12th December.<br />
<br />
All members of Dorset Humanists are welcome to join the choir. Please contact Mike Goodman on mdgoodman@hotmail.co.uk.<br />
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<a href="https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/kfqbjryznbcb/">Meetup details</a>.<br />
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crabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405247121538604187.post-45905613673994366002019-08-30T13:11:00.002+01:002019-08-30T13:11:32.975+01:00Music: a Humanist Perspective by Teddy ProutWhen? Wednesday 23rd October 7.30pm<br />
Where? Green House Hotel, Grove Road, BH1 3AX<br />
<br />
Our speaker Teddy Prout is a classically trained musician and he was the director of performing arts at a large academy in West London for many years. He is now the Director of Community Services at Humanists UK, but continues to write and perform music. Teddy will be exploring the concepts of music, how it works, and how humans use it to create meaning in our lives. The talk will explore the common themes that music from a variety of cultures covers, and if there is such a thing as 'humanist music'. Using well known, and not so well known, examples of music, it is hoped the talk will be as entertaining as it will be informative.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TiM8WdrJFqE8vL8u2-55w9WnltJQKN8VlvGFPDrBEPrcS2IBbuq6VMbSs2cnWgvRz5kxvULlKYWAQufbOJ-TA2j5gkDpQe0Uf7irMzvafPkp6Hu4Z4PJGX32lHDebwI94cmygI7JQU4/s1600/Teddy-Prout-pic-768x768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TiM8WdrJFqE8vL8u2-55w9WnltJQKN8VlvGFPDrBEPrcS2IBbuq6VMbSs2cnWgvRz5kxvULlKYWAQufbOJ-TA2j5gkDpQe0Uf7irMzvafPkp6Hu4Z4PJGX32lHDebwI94cmygI7JQU4/s200/Teddy-Prout-pic-768x768.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teddy Prout</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Going? <a href="https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/264425933/">https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/264425933/</a>crabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405247121538604187.post-82522938319787868902019-08-30T12:59:00.002+01:002019-08-30T12:59:49.415+01:00Surveillance Capitalism – who owns our privacy? A talk by Henri Ruff. When? Saturday 12th October 2.00pm<br />
Where? Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, BH9 1TB<br />
<b><br /></b>
'Surveillance capitalism' may be the latest mutation in the evolution of capitalism in the digital age. It's a form of market capitalism that transforms human behaviour and experience into digital data which is then used as a free source of raw material for commercial exploitation. It raises a number of concerns:-<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The 'top-down' (rather than horizontal) nature of the surveillance, with the prospect of a high degree of centralisation and concentration of the digital data leading to monopolistic behaviour and the concentration of wealth in this form of capitalism</li>
<li>Increasingly, surveillance is surreptitious, unknown to those being monitored</li>
<li>Even where consent is obtained, it's coercive or based on the illusion of consent</li>
</ul>
<br />
Digital data is not merely a marketable product but arguably a manipulative tool to influence and even determine customers' behaviour. So who are the main players? What's new about surveillance capitalism and what's not? What's the problem and what are the possible solutions?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsYP2IvbAMXTSPTxji6G5CuCE_2ZiAnetomJOrNUqAOqDu_Jx2b7FQGQDaIDG4c1k_Pz7CHH_pMzwYOKNTZ91MktKy1yCYNYgID19VqEFPRPx4_5ocmWx8XMiV9KcRaxqU_tjnXbNB4Y/s1600/henri-ruff.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="107" data-original-width="97" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsYP2IvbAMXTSPTxji6G5CuCE_2ZiAnetomJOrNUqAOqDu_Jx2b7FQGQDaIDG4c1k_Pz7CHH_pMzwYOKNTZ91MktKy1yCYNYgID19VqEFPRPx4_5ocmWx8XMiV9KcRaxqU_tjnXbNB4Y/s200/henri-ruff.png" width="181" /></a></div>
<br />
Henri Ruff is an economist and a member of Dorset Humanists. He has worked as a tutor for the Open University Business School and since moving to Dorset he has been leading a weekly U3A discussion group on 'Everyday Economics'. This is his second very interesting talk for Dorset Humanists.<br />
<br />
Going? <a href="https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/264425787/">https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/264425787/</a><br />
<br />crabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405247121538604187.post-17772685586530929722019-08-30T12:42:00.002+01:002019-09-20T13:48:19.946+01:00Evolutionary Psychology and the Blank Slate. A talk by Johan NayarWhen? Wed Sept 25th 2019<br />
Where: Green House Hotel<br />
<br />
Continuing our series on the brain, evolutionary psychologists see the brain as an evolved entity that has been shaped over millennia but they have come into direct conflict with social scientists who believe that we are born as 'blank slates' and that all information about our minds is placed on us by our society. Cultural Marxists take this even further by stating that we are defined by our race, class, and gender, and that we must add up our 'oppressor points' and our 'victim points' to give us our place in society. Johan will explore how these ideas conflict, including the work of thinkers such as Steven Pinker and Jordan Peterson.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxohoWDzDY9WETYCWbWwl3AZaEF61AWfqHhCIPsaSpA1q-ELrW-w7MxgviCC5IPXLgsdVgFMNlesE23l5mCe_NJ_MntSyTpprzY8xopBSMbTj91v-lOvh5osM0p-OBubRd6lUNUUu3iWE/s1600/Johan+Nayar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxohoWDzDY9WETYCWbWwl3AZaEF61AWfqHhCIPsaSpA1q-ELrW-w7MxgviCC5IPXLgsdVgFMNlesE23l5mCe_NJ_MntSyTpprzY8xopBSMbTj91v-lOvh5osM0p-OBubRd6lUNUUu3iWE/s1600/Johan+Nayar.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Johan Nayar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Johan Nayar has a Masters in Evolutionary Psychology and he is the author of The Creativity Manual: The book for right-brained thinking in a left-brained world. Johan had a 'life-changing' backpacking trip to India at the age of nineteen. Since then, he has travelled extensively through South America and Asia and developed his skills as a writer and musician. This is his first talk for Dorset Humanists.<br />
<br />
Details? <a href="https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/264425471/?isFirstPublish=true">https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/264425471</a><br />
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crabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405247121538604187.post-36951686602428035592019-08-30T12:21:00.002+01:002019-08-30T12:22:22.790+01:00The Human Brain: Probably the most complex object in the universe Norman MacleanWhen? Saturday 14th September 2.00pm<br />
Where? Moordown<br />
<br />
What? The Human Brain: Probably the most complex object in the universe<br />
by Norman Maclean<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiufTJ6xV-arE27mynT_O3HTiQ7cYGdLKU89OW8_0tYWMjkZruiJlaCTEJVDBe1pVvCZBX_U9TO4-aWSBE-eZGO1cbUbJT-BgWiT9H_Wy5GgR-WUpo6SgRZ-arynKcdqFULyH2MDVICWb4/s1600/Blausen_0102_Brain_Motor%2526Sensory_%2528flipped%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="1425" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiufTJ6xV-arE27mynT_O3HTiQ7cYGdLKU89OW8_0tYWMjkZruiJlaCTEJVDBe1pVvCZBX_U9TO4-aWSBE-eZGO1cbUbJT-BgWiT9H_Wy5GgR-WUpo6SgRZ-arynKcdqFULyH2MDVICWb4/s400/Blausen_0102_Brain_Motor%2526Sensory_%2528flipped%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
With over 100 billion nerve cells, each with between 1,000 and<br />
10,000 interconnections, the Human brain is the most complex<br />
structure in the universe. In this talk, Norman Maclean will discuss its<br />
structure, the different functions of its distinct parts, the roles of the<br />
left and right hemispheres, and how it performs in sleep. He will also<br />
talk about brain operations by neurological surgeons, and what goes<br />
wrong in diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, and<br />
brain tumours.<br />
<br />
Norman Maclean is Emeritus Professor in Genetics at Southampton<br />
University and a Patron of Humanists UK. He has written or edited a number of books including Silent Summer: The State of Wildlife in Britain and Ireland (2010) Cambridge University Press. Norman has given us fascinating talks in the past including evolution and animal rights.<br />
<br />
Details? <a href="https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/264425116/">https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/264425116/</a><br />
<br />
Photo By BruceBlaus. Blausen.com staff (2014). "Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014". WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2). DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 2002-4436. - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=60100749crabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405247121538604187.post-30126117022626828272019-07-10T19:26:00.002+01:002019-07-11T14:59:24.934+01:00Join Dorset Humanists this year at Bourne Free<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuux2mspY4y6A5ULuWvT3YC1eGGx6_k4bkssZ6KBPoxkkF0Kxz23yxr30_bK2T5v2xo4XpLbVPpMi1UX5XLguPsHcqOtLirpRtGm8rGOgGX-qnw_SwmxgBqwvOn-I593tgl15Q2qRbjY/s1600/dh-pride.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="905" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuux2mspY4y6A5ULuWvT3YC1eGGx6_k4bkssZ6KBPoxkkF0Kxz23yxr30_bK2T5v2xo4XpLbVPpMi1UX5XLguPsHcqOtLirpRtGm8rGOgGX-qnw_SwmxgBqwvOn-I593tgl15Q2qRbjY/s400/dh-pride.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>When:</b> Sat, Jul 13, 2019<br />
<br />
<b>Where: </b>Meet at Dorset Humanists tent in the lower gardens at 10am. Text David to let him know you're coming 07910 886629.<br />
<br />
Bourne Free is one of the opportunities we have each year to express solidarity with communities that have come under increasing threat around the world. LGBT is a human rights issue and Humanism has always been at the forefront of promoting human rights. We invite all of our members and supporters, regardless of sexual orientation or gender, to consider joining us on the march this year. It’s colourful, it’s fun, and it shows Bournemouth that humanists support human rights for all. We will be marching behind the official LGBT Humanists UK banner this year as featured in our July Bulletin (out soon).<br />
<br />
<b>Meetup</b>: <a href="https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/262505304/">https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/262505304/</a>crabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405247121538604187.post-70403735878336747902019-06-27T16:41:00.000+01:002019-06-27T16:41:14.274+01:00Dorset Humanists Science CourseYou don’t have to be an Einstein to enjoy this course. It has been designed to make science accessible to anyone with an enquiring mind. One of the aims of Dorset Humanists is to promote the public understanding of science. This course does exactly that.<br />
<br />
Our course leaders are our own members: Chris Street has a master’s degree in medicinal chemistry and is a science tutor, Phil Butcher studied physics at Cambridge and has had a career in the nuclear industry, Greg Atkins has doctorates in genetics and virology, subjects he taught at Trinity College Dublin and Graham Marshall studied physics at Birmingham and Nottingham universities and had a career in science.<br />
<br />
1.Mon 2nd Sept: Scientific Method & Pseudoscience - Phil<br />
2.Mon 9th Sept: A Universe From Nothing? - Graham and/or Chris<br />
3.Mon 16th Sept: How Did Life Begin? - Chris<br />
4.Mon 23rd Sept: Why Evolution is True - Chris<br />
5.Mon 30th Sept: Quantum Physics & Relativity Made Relatively Simple - Phil<br />
6.Mon 7th Oct: Atoms & Chemicals - Phil<br />
7.Mon 14th Oct: How to Catch a Virus - Greg<br />
8.Mon 21st Oct: Emerging Infectious Diseases - Greg<br />
9.Mon 28th Oct: Our Last Century? The Future of Science - TBC<br />
<br />
All sessions 7.30pm – 9.15pm at Moordown Community Centre Coronation Avenue, Moordown BH9 1TW.<br />
<br />
£30 for nonmembers; £20 for paid-up DH members. Concessions available for students and unwaged. Pay cash on the first night. Figures quoted are the total amount for the whole course. Book early to avoid disappointment – a limited number of places.<br />
<br />
Contact: chairman@dorsethumanists.co.uk ? 07910 886629crabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405247121538604187.post-28538872808235839192019-06-27T16:26:00.001+01:002019-06-27T16:26:39.528+01:00Belief: How should we regard it? by John Richards <b>When: </b>7.30pm on Wed, Aug 28, 2019<br />
<b>Where: </b>Green House Hotel, 4 Grove Road · Bournemouth BH1 3AX<br />
<br />
<b>What:</b> Belief: How should we regard it?<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9s35tJ8zro8L67KVURtYJcHG0dD4QcufD2W4zLDnDvWHMck4iF_wgK3x7GkTymbL3bNCXt01Bz9bHvK1yybwX7_W5q4xz5yp1raMiCCQSxAyxXFrr47P9uoU7Tg92bW3Jc38UUBdCYw/s1600/johnRichards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9s35tJ8zro8L67KVURtYJcHG0dD4QcufD2W4zLDnDvWHMck4iF_wgK3x7GkTymbL3bNCXt01Bz9bHvK1yybwX7_W5q4xz5yp1raMiCCQSxAyxXFrr47P9uoU7Tg92bW3Jc38UUBdCYw/s1600/johnRichards.jpg" /></a></div>
In this talk, John Richards will argue that we need to re-evaluate the concept of 'belief' today. He will delve into the history of how the concept of belief has been used in the past and contend that definitions of belief place an unreasonable emphasis on its association with the truth.<br />
<br />
John Richards is chair of Worthing Skeptics in the Pub and publications director for Atheist Alliance International. He is also a former science teacher and politician, and an experienced campaigner for critical thinking<br />
<br />
RSVP on Meetup: <a href="https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/262673955/">https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/262673955/</a>crabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405247121538604187.post-90592533695807894162019-06-27T15:24:00.000+01:002019-06-27T15:24:51.225+01:00Secularism: politics, religion and freedom by Andrew Copson<b>When:</b> Saturday, August 10, 2019<br />
<b>Where:</b> Moordown Community Centre, Bournemouth<br />
<br />
<b>What:</b> Secularism: politics, religion and freedom. A talk by Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47WzE3qWNUoPDXBOCJTpPEc6ITttRFG6vr3iR-DwCFG6fLFVf4JCq5d1GtWx2AMBozDrX-jHMTA-vBBHjefB7GPU41v4BalL6HzhMA9Q95F-6mC7lc1xACvDUQgtKVxd72IDFANbUI74/s1600/andrew-copson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47WzE3qWNUoPDXBOCJTpPEc6ITttRFG6vr3iR-DwCFG6fLFVf4JCq5d1GtWx2AMBozDrX-jHMTA-vBBHjefB7GPU41v4BalL6HzhMA9Q95F-6mC7lc1xACvDUQgtKVxd72IDFANbUI74/s320/andrew-copson.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
In this talk for Dorset Humanists, Andrew Copson will explain that secularism is an increasingly hot topic in public, political, and religious debate across the globe.<br />
<br />
In his new book, Secularism: Politics, Religion, and Freedom, Andrew tells the story of secularism, taking in momentous episodes in world history, such as the great transition of Europe from religious orthodoxy to pluralism, the global struggle for human rights and democracy, and the origins of modernity.<br />
<br />
Andrew is Chief Executive of Humanists UK and President of Humanists International.<br />
<br />
This event will also include a performance by Dorset Humanists Choir and a Summer Cream Tea.<br />
<br />
<b>Meetup RSVP: </b><a href="https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/262672269/">https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/262672269/</a>crabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405247121538604187.post-3189170823842503282019-06-27T15:05:00.002+01:002019-06-27T15:05:48.280+01:00Living a Humanist Life by Philip Nathan<b>When:</b> Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at 7.30pm<br />
<b>Where:</b> Green House Hotel, 4 Grove Road · Bournemouth BH1 3AX<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MPdlS19fqq19cBkes-5pNUj3vVLlccqTPZgEdlWQ3pWOCSJ5FboKAtM4CWYJKeKnMGz2JJJBfFoNvojqTbszVgS7_JSOthnLS73ZC-nZ_n7-QiVEWK1qlqfAbTvFryp43J6KwyyRito/s1600/9781789010169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MPdlS19fqq19cBkes-5pNUj3vVLlccqTPZgEdlWQ3pWOCSJ5FboKAtM4CWYJKeKnMGz2JJJBfFoNvojqTbszVgS7_JSOthnLS73ZC-nZ_n7-QiVEWK1qlqfAbTvFryp43J6KwyyRito/s320/9781789010169.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
<b>What:</b> In this talk, Philip Nathan will discuss the key relevance of Humanism and Humanist ideas to our everyday lives, what it means to live a Humanist life and what it means to live in a manner consistent with Humanism values and Humanist thinking.<br />
<br />
Philip is the author of Living Humanism, a guide to Humanist personal conduct and action, Parts 1 and 2 (published September 2018).<br />
<br />
He is a former chair, media and education officer for North East Humanists. Philip started his professional career as a research biochemist/molecular biologist but shifted profession to teaching and the area of applied linguistics. He is currently Head of Master's programmes at Durham University's Centre for Academic Development.<br />
<br />
Meetup to RSVP: <a href="https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/262672042/">https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/262672042/</a>crabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405247121538604187.post-31328992895923957202019-06-21T12:01:00.002+01:002019-06-21T12:12:52.773+01:00Humanists International crowd-funds for persecuted humanists<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOLWcNun39lcEjbz3OsYPLxILdQTDWIvl6OXbpZ-4B5lC9pQryi4TvoKNoMmW637qMsO99bSedCIrFcxJ-BCdcSS5puUHy7U3Pwg9kAl-KXggWVJrWhnZvx3uAkqtbSz1SXVjrndpVmA/s1600/world-humanist-day.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="237" data-original-width="570" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOLWcNun39lcEjbz3OsYPLxILdQTDWIvl6OXbpZ-4B5lC9pQryi4TvoKNoMmW637qMsO99bSedCIrFcxJ-BCdcSS5puUHy7U3Pwg9kAl-KXggWVJrWhnZvx3uAkqtbSz1SXVjrndpVmA/s400/world-humanist-day.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Dorset Humanists is a partner of Humanists UK and Humanists International.<br />
<br />
Humanists International, the worldwide membership body for humanist and secular groups, has launched the Protect Humanists At Risk crowd-funding campaign for 2019.<br />
<br />
Our work with "humanists at risk" encompasses:<br />
<ul>
<li>people accused of 'blasphemy' and 'apostasy'</li>
<li>people facing direct threats to their lives or security</li>
<li>human rights defenders facing harassment or prosecution</li>
</ul>
The <a href="https://gofundme.com/humanists2019">campaign</a> launches today, 21 June 2019, to coincide with the annual World Humanist Day.<br />
<br />
Chief Executive of Humanists International, Gary McLelland, comments:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“The appeal to Protect Humanists at Risk raises money for some of the most important parts of our work. In particular, it supports our work with individuals who get in touch with us almost every day needing advice or support, in some cases needing urgent security or help with relocation. Our team is continually advocating on behalf of persecuted humanists, atheists and freethinkers, supporting asylum claims where necessary, and sometimes giving emergency grant-funding to people at immediate risk. I urge humanists wherever you are around the world to support this work if you can by donating and sharing the campaign for others to see.”</blockquote>
Last year the campaign raised just over £20,000.<br />
<br />
As the <a href="https://gofundme.com/humanists2019">campaign page</a> says:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"We are contacted all the time by humanists facing prejudice or even threats to their life and liberty from their own families; humanists who want to speak out but fear reprisal; and those who have spoken out and now face death threats from extremists or prosecution as "blasphemers".</blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJnafuVBvwpx6QjYDsnOa-X1HcDfBlclzKvghl049tna2QrYQrgBbTaeBFdspbYgPK6rnLLvzDUlIlK5WhA_gJ-xqrSlsdmmSMJir1IdWDYRFqeMK1O-9mrT_hpD3-GPoWuCqLxJeXmU/s1600/somalia.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="570" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJnafuVBvwpx6QjYDsnOa-X1HcDfBlclzKvghl049tna2QrYQrgBbTaeBFdspbYgPK6rnLLvzDUlIlK5WhA_gJ-xqrSlsdmmSMJir1IdWDYRFqeMK1O-9mrT_hpD3-GPoWuCqLxJeXmU/s400/somalia.png" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
In 12 countries atheists can be sentenced to death under "apostasy" laws.<br />
<br />
In over 70 countries, criticism of religion can be prosecuted as "blasphemy", sometimes leading to prosecution for speaking out about human rights issues and or promoting "liberal" or "humanist" values.<br />
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<br />
Humanists International is working to change this.<br />
<ul>
<li>We advise and directly support individual humanists at verified risk, from countries where prosecution or violence threaten their fundamental human rights.</li>
<li>We promote human rights, and highlight cases where humanists have been persecuted or prosecuted, at the United Nations Human Rights Council and other international forums.</li>
<li>We research, record and monitor discrimination and persecution against the non-religious in our ground-breaking <a href="https://fot.humanists.international/">Freedom of Thought Report</a>.</li>
<li>And with the support of our Member Organizations around the world, we unite the global humanist movement: providing information, sharing best practice and acting as a hub and support network for humanists everywhere."</li>
</ul>
<div>
<h3>
Your part in this</h3>
<div>
Please support Humanists International and the "Protect Humanists at Risk" campaign with a donation today. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Your gift could help support and maybe save the life of a humanist at risk in some of the countries that most persecute the non-religious.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We are a registered non-profit organization and NGO (non-government organization). All donations will go toward delivering our work: protecting those most at risk, and changing the world to prevent the deterioration of human rights for all.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
You can donate at <a href="https://gofundme.com/humanists2019">https://gofundme.com/humanists2019</a>.crabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405247121538604187.post-79222298105249790862019-06-05T11:23:00.001+01:002019-06-05T11:35:23.731+01:00Is religion really the reason for the problems in Northern Ireland?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1A7QH0ygMMQamcnFCbrAwS076Vc5q7rroUrV55z2cPtxwgZ9kv_keMhPCycokiziR7estzef8L-EqAvtXc-k8bTB5YmkOKGvwVtAWSSii0g6Nw_0bjZz2eKjXv_OV-mYYZRvqcvXv4KA/s1600/Unionist_mural%252C_Shankill_-_panoramio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1A7QH0ygMMQamcnFCbrAwS076Vc5q7rroUrV55z2cPtxwgZ9kv_keMhPCycokiziR7estzef8L-EqAvtXc-k8bTB5YmkOKGvwVtAWSSii0g6Nw_0bjZz2eKjXv_OV-mYYZRvqcvXv4KA/s320/Unionist_mural%252C_Shankill_-_panoramio.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/00/<br />Unionist_mural%2C_Shankill_-_panoramio.jpg</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When: Wednesday 26th June 7.30pm<br />
Where: Green House Hotel, Grove Road, BH1 3AX<br />
<br />
Is religion really the reason for the problems in Northern Ireland? Gerard O’Boyle was raised in Northern Ireland and after graduating in Irish Studies and History he voted with his feet to leave this troubled province. Since then he has lived and worked in four countries on three continents and is now able to view the Irish situation dispassionately. Having spent several years in the Irish Republic and England he can see it through the lenses of all the participants. He will explain the history in an engaging and intelligible way. Before moving to Barton-on-Sea, Gerard was a member of North Devon Humanists.crabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405247121538604187.post-65840153263885501752019-05-13T09:14:00.001+01:002019-06-26T16:09:57.925+01:00'Science as King' - Prof. Peter Atkins<br />
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<br />
‘Science as King’ – a talk by Emeritus Professor and Vice-President of Humanists UK Peter Atkins.<br />
<br />
In this talk, Peter Atkins will explore whether science can provide answers to all the great questions. That task involves deciding which great questions are real questions and which are merely projections of human angst. He will then consider the answers that science provides and is likely to provide to the real questions, arguing that it is the only reliable way forward and that its power is unbounded.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Peter Atkins is an emeritus professor of physical chemistry at the University of Oxford and a fellow of Lincoln College. He is the author of over 70 books, which include university-level textbooks and books on science for the general reader, including On Being and (most recently) Conjuring the Universe: The Origins of the Laws of Nature. He is a patron of Humanists UK.<br />
<br />
<b>When:</b> Saturday, 8th June 2019 at 2pm (doors open 1.30pm).<br />
<b>Where: </b>Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Bournemouth, BH9 1TB<br />
<br />
See <a href="https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/261417052/">Meetup</a> for details.crabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405247121538604187.post-84649164433819625012019-05-07T09:32:00.000+01:002019-05-07T09:32:33.124+01:00Transforming the FutuRE - a talk by Dave Francis<b>When:</b> Wednesday 22nd May 7.30pm<br />
<b>Where:</b> Green House Hotel, Grove Road, BH1 3AX<br />
<br />
<b>Transforming the FutuRE</b><br />
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A talk by Dave Francis who is Deputy Chair of the Religious Education Council of England and Wales and a RE Adviser. This presentation will focus on three projects of interest to humanists: the Commission on Religious Education, ‘Big Ideas’ for Religious Education, and ‘Solarity’ - a resource for out-of-school-hours religion and philosophy clubs. Dave will show why humanists should be interested in, and excited by, these projects and how things might be developed – with humanist involvement – in the future.crabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405247121538604187.post-69487516121885387732019-04-17T16:06:00.002+01:002019-04-17T16:08:12.349+01:00Erasmus Darwin and the Lunar Men - Talk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>When: </b>Saturday, May 11, 2019, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM</div>
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<b>What: </b>A talk by David Croman. This fully illustrated talk will start with the life of the extraordinary physician, innovative inventor, botanist, scientist, engineer, poet, evolutionist, and grandfather of Charles Darwin. Erasmus Darwin was a leading member of a group of key pioneers including Josiah Wedgwood and James Watt. They shared their ideas and informed and challenged each other at regular meetings of the Lunar Society. David Croman is a former Secretary of Dorset Humanists.</div>
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<b>Where: </b>Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, BH9 1TW</div>
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Tell us you are coming! Meetup: <a href="https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/260674790/">https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/260674790/</a></div>
<br />crabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405247121538604187.post-457315885205633182019-03-07T00:30:00.000+00:002019-05-22T08:41:48.663+01:00The Good Delusion: What’s The Closest We Can Get to Objective Ethics? A talk by Alex O'Connor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFR0Y4m8XfFLfrBuHuU0p_uYUCpJUm3BL5rbu1-21Hft9ZquTyIf10rPtBREij7Vd916rZX_QXounLlJ0bbB-oSxcOhiKp_Gas0iECfSwdsoa5_UEJXohAIkRXtPCgEV-z7VGr0tV4l9o/s1600/Alex_J_O%2527Connor_2018-crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFR0Y4m8XfFLfrBuHuU0p_uYUCpJUm3BL5rbu1-21Hft9ZquTyIf10rPtBREij7Vd916rZX_QXounLlJ0bbB-oSxcOhiKp_Gas0iECfSwdsoa5_UEJXohAIkRXtPCgEV-z7VGr0tV4l9o/s320/Alex_J_O%2527Connor_2018-crop.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
<h3>
When</h3>
Saturday 13th April 2.00pm<br />
<h3>
Where</h3>
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Bournemouth BH9 1TB<br />
<h3>
Detail</h3>
In this brand new talk for Dorset Humanists, Alex J. O'Connor offers a means to ground ethics in a way that allows us to determine what people should and shouldn’t do as a matter of fact, whilst dispensing with terms like ‘good’ and ‘bad.’ The concept of good may be delusory, but ethics does not have to be.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Alex is the owner of the Cosmic Skeptic Blog and YouTube channel. He is an ex-Catholic, atheist, science enthusiast and an advocate for political and educational secularism. His YouTube channel currently has more than 240,000 subscribers and he is a first year student at the University of Oxford, reading theology and philosophy.crabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405247121538604187.post-44753173738091196382019-03-06T15:28:00.001+00:002019-03-06T17:40:40.725+00:00'(Almost) Seventy Years an Atheist'. A talk by Geoff Kirby.<h3>
When</h3>
<div>
<div>
Wednesday 3rd April 7.30pm 2019</div>
</div>
<h3>
Where</h3>
Dorset Room, Colliton Club, Colliton Park, Dorchester DT1 1XJ.<br />
<h3>
Details</h3>
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West Dorset Humanists present: (Almost) Seventy Years an Atheist. A talk by Geoff Kirby. In 1951, Geoff had a ‘Road to Damascus’ moment – but in reverse – when he suddenly gave up all belief in gods. But the 1950s was not a time for a pre-teenager to publically declare his disbelief in gods. Geoff has degrees in physics and environmental sciences.<br />
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https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/259530896/?isFirstPublish=truecrabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405247121538604187.post-15289471245327352032019-03-06T12:30:00.000+00:002019-03-20T10:42:35.004+00:00Being Present: How to cultivate a peaceful mind<h3>
When</h3>
Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at 7.30pm<br />
<br />
<h3>
Where</h3>
Green House Hotel, 4 Grove Road · Bournemouth BH1 3AX<br />
<h3>
Details</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7VOuVpcC5_uVbqsetrdArFnBJpMXZ0uOqTpwNsvgtnDZEmeandngO7CfmkeHF2y8e2R1wfYII4-gmlQ4UE5yENZVWdaoxBuptGOiCeffsMgHOQJN9AkLhg7mA8e1_Ls066DmhqW_nYY/s1600/darren-peaceful.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="737" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7VOuVpcC5_uVbqsetrdArFnBJpMXZ0uOqTpwNsvgtnDZEmeandngO7CfmkeHF2y8e2R1wfYII4-gmlQ4UE5yENZVWdaoxBuptGOiCeffsMgHOQJN9AkLhg7mA8e1_Ls066DmhqW_nYY/s320/darren-peaceful.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Author and speaker Darren Cockburn provides practical insight into how to cultivate a peaceful mind, live skilfully, and nurture a connection through the power of the present moment. Darren will explain how simplifying life, where possible, will also bring a better understanding of all types of existing addictions, including harmful thought patterns, providing precious breathing space for our overly busy minds. In addition, he shows how the stable practice of mindful presence can enhance the quality of communication with others, be it with family, with friends, or at work. www.darrencockburn.com www.facebook.com/darrencockburnauthor<br />
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https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/259478884/crabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405247121538604187.post-38995253000876891382019-03-05T12:28:00.000+00:002019-05-22T08:46:05.791+01:00Short Talks: Jordan Peterson and the Perils of Political Correctness<h3>
When</h3>
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Tuesday, March 19, 2019, 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM</div>
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Where</h3>
Green House Hotel, 4 Grove Road · Bournemouth BH1 3AX<br />
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<h3>
Details</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SLq1rwZNuDK0mRxMD3_h4-pLONVIb009Vc_1g2lgUQjhbpf_-4d0Siu0zRU-fVznXdo1jTEHJmrpWjCmUDnXBpQv1-Vd8PzeV0qW9zH-T3cg45WxNeOTzsMZQ8XyLLAyehrJh8aJdNM/s1600/shorttalks.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="949" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SLq1rwZNuDK0mRxMD3_h4-pLONVIb009Vc_1g2lgUQjhbpf_-4d0Siu0zRU-fVznXdo1jTEHJmrpWjCmUDnXBpQv1-Vd8PzeV0qW9zH-T3cg45WxNeOTzsMZQ8XyLLAyehrJh8aJdNM/s320/shorttalks.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt30_YNRs0cwzSJ6-V0oW035IIXzAUi90ogAEtH37UJNboW7wHdZikmzZk5-G01ZLKB51li5nlvrZPV9AX0vR-lY-b6uAyMrWzGDv9bxO7t7gCnFHmuqnQ05UgYnlfeskR7c2TEs5035Q/s1600/Jordan_Peterson_June_2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1141" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt30_YNRs0cwzSJ6-V0oW035IIXzAUi90ogAEtH37UJNboW7wHdZikmzZk5-G01ZLKB51li5nlvrZPV9AX0vR-lY-b6uAyMrWzGDv9bxO7t7gCnFHmuqnQ05UgYnlfeskR7c2TEs5035Q/s320/Jordan_Peterson_June_2018.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
Love him or hate him, Jordan Peterson has made a name for himself as a ‘global intellectual’ with millions of followers on YouTube and as the author of a best-selling book ’12 Rules for Life’. Peterson excoriates what he describes as ‘postmodern neo-Marxism’ and he has a lot to say about the so-called crisis of masculinity in the modern world.<br />
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Simon Whipple and David Warden will present their short talks on Jordan Peterson with a particular emphasis on political correctness, feminism, and gender roles.<br />
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Each talk/presentation will be around 20 minutes followed by questions and discussion.<br />
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Please contact me if you have any topic on which you would like to contribute a short talk. It can be about some experience you have had, some work that you do, or perhaps something you have read or seen. We'd all like to hear about it and discuss it! Experience of preparing or giving presentations is not essential - we can help.<br />
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We would like to cover our venue costs for this event and so request a (voluntary) contribution of about £2 or 3 please on the night.<br />
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Phil Butcher<br />
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phil@dorsethumanists.co.uk<br />
07817260498<br />
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https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/259291011/crabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405247121538604187.post-71539869094177488912019-03-05T12:19:00.000+00:002019-03-06T17:39:42.246+00:00Members' Lunch and Annual Meeting<h3>
When</h3>
Saturday, March 9, 2019, 1:15 PM to 4:15 PM<br />
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<h3>
Where</h3>
Mooredown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Bournemouth<br />
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Details</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOhjjT4PER56ytxGSXODVmZTzUYkYGpKhx48j2xgvSu90TV4HmB6LHwDyhHpw_NPOMwt6gm_Z1vGW6-Ncxbo2rtzrOy6QriRAMFagJ00m0-dKWX8As9qktmPagLIeN2DRl3A6BpvvqQE/s1600/shappi-DH.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="959" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOhjjT4PER56ytxGSXODVmZTzUYkYGpKhx48j2xgvSu90TV4HmB6LHwDyhHpw_NPOMwt6gm_Z1vGW6-Ncxbo2rtzrOy6QriRAMFagJ00m0-dKWX8As9qktmPagLIeN2DRl3A6BpvvqQE/s400/shappi-DH.png" width="400" /></a></div>
Members, guests, and supporters are warmly invited to our annual lunch (1.15pm) and general meeting (2.15 - 4.30pm). If you are a paid-up member of Dorset Humanists lunch is free. If you are not a paid-up member we invite a contribution towards lunch or you can join Dorset Humanists and start reaping the benefits! Our annual meeting is always sociable, friendly, interesting, and sometimes controversial. The Chairman awards the Humanist of the Year award - a closely guarded secret! This year, we also have reports from our new Young Humanists Ambassador for Dorset, from the Chair of the South Central England Humanists Network, and a round up of reports from our own team. We hope you will join us. Lunch options are chicken curry, vegan curry, and chicken and mushroom casserole.<br />
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https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/259477456/crabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405247121538604187.post-76884273587235940902019-02-08T08:41:00.000+00:002019-05-22T08:47:54.950+01:00The Art of Reality Bending by James Brown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0suDACX7rXB5py-OTjqZ0hBfsl8L3uIQoXRUAMByZdJfhu4TF8h5uR_sUxQjQJnMoETkva_g_k0P8BrtlnJ6Dp5uJYHXwG_O6c9ZRiDx2Cr8LhHr-hmPfiNIv5wYh9xsmPvYQRRtcMQ/s1600/tI5PJ82wRCagXCIYrQVb_realitybending720-edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0suDACX7rXB5py-OTjqZ0hBfsl8L3uIQoXRUAMByZdJfhu4TF8h5uR_sUxQjQJnMoETkva_g_k0P8BrtlnJ6Dp5uJYHXwG_O6c9ZRiDx2Cr8LhHr-hmPfiNIv5wYh9xsmPvYQRRtcMQ/s400/tI5PJ82wRCagXCIYrQVb_realitybending720-edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>When?</b> Wednesday, February 27, 2019, 7.30pm<br />
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<b>Where?</b> Green House Hotel, 4 Grove Road, Bournemouth BH1 3AX<br />
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In this talk, James Brown will argue that we all begin our lives with a falsehood: the belief that we can perceive reality objectively. The truth is we can’t – we only have access to what he calls a ‘metareality’ which consists of our perceptions of reality, not reality itself.<br />
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He will demonstrate how easily these perceptions can be manipulated not only by demagogues, evangelists, and professional tricksters but also by ourselves.<br />
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James describes himself as a ‘professional opportunist’. He is a magician, pickpocket, hypnotist, lecturer, and corporate trainer.<br />
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"The world famous Magic Circle awarded him the title of 'The Best Close Up Magician in the UK', a trophy he is quietly very proud of." http://www.penguinmagic.com/p/7345<br />
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<a href="https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/258785117/">Tell Dorset Humanists you are going on Meetup!</a><br />
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<br />crabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405247121538604187.post-36058111658806814282019-01-14T08:54:00.000+00:002019-05-22T08:49:49.803+01:00'The Evolution of Human Morality’ - Darwin Day speaker - Diana Fleischman The 2019 Darwin Day Celebration Lunch on Saturday 9th February at 12.00pm followed by a talk at 2.00pm at the Bournemouth International Centre. Info also on <a href="https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/258059219/">Meetup</a>.<br />
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‘The Evolution of Human Morality’<br />
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Our Darwin Day guest speaker is Diana Fleischman who grew up in in the Southern United States in a religious and conservative area where evolution was not taught in school. At the age of twelve, she was called ‘monkey girl’ for endorsing evolution. Her sceptical perspective on religion was reinforced by attending both church and synagogue. During a formative year at the London School of Economics, shortly after the September 11th attacks, Diana read Richard Dawkins and other evolutionists and this stimulated her interest in atheism and evolutionary psychology.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQuOqx1jmjz6wlvzb5pmflXdEKV9e-SqRS9WCnsk_3580RCwxWdbOLAmiTrIHzk22a4ddS8g9IvilWEXhPLt7xkozGmqm8NgbPTuacVKU4QZFgLyUGY5JBaPz7oqlhOkTMbldZfWyNTE/s1600/darwinDay-Fleischman-crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="768" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQuOqx1jmjz6wlvzb5pmflXdEKV9e-SqRS9WCnsk_3580RCwxWdbOLAmiTrIHzk22a4ddS8g9IvilWEXhPLt7xkozGmqm8NgbPTuacVKU4QZFgLyUGY5JBaPz7oqlhOkTMbldZfWyNTE/s320/darwinDay-Fleischman-crop.jpg" width="320" /></a>In this talk, Diana will explain that human morality developed in small face-to-face groups in which humans lived for hundreds of thousands of years. Survivors protected themselves against hostile out-groups, butchered animals, prioritized the welfare of themselves and their kin and somehow managed to maintain a moral reputation whilst exploiting opportunities for cheating.<br />
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Our world is very different. Today we are aware of the suffering of billions of strangers and trillions of animals, our moral inconsistencies are magnified by surveillance, and we must prevent artificial agents developing a morality completely antithetical to our survival. How does our evolved morality cope with this novel ethical landscape and will we allow ourselves moral enhancement?<br />
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Diana is an evolutionary psychologist (Senior Lecturer / Associate Professor) at the University of Portsmouth.<br />
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Lunch & Talk Ticket (12.00pm start): £22 Members / £25 non-members including a welcoming glass of wine or soft drink, followed by a 2-course Italian buffet lunch & coffee. Talk only Ticket (2.00pm start): £4.00 includes coffee or tea on arrival. Bookings: Lyn Glass 01202 767323 lyn.glass@btinternet.comcrabsalloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05310281888611427075noreply@blogger.com0