Why Everyone Should be a Feminist

Wednesday 24^th May 7.30pm
The Green House Hotel,  4 Grove Road, Bournemouth BH1 3AX

Bournemouth University lecturer Frances Hawkhead

Men and women should have equal rights and opportunities, yet women still earn less than men in Britain and are grossly underrepresented in our company boardrooms. Is this because women naturally prefer the roles which attract less pay, or does our social structure still privilege men? Should we support positive discrimination to increase the number of women in key business and civic roles, or is equal opportunity enough? Do existing cultural gender stereotypes harm men as well as women?

Via a brief history of feminism and an exploration of gender in society, Frances Hawkhead will provide some thought-provoking answers to these and other questions, and will invite us all to become feminists.

Frances Hawkhead  is a lecturer in English, Communication & Media at Bournemouth University.

“Join us for a thought-provoking evening as we discover why we should all be feminists”

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

(The Green House Hotel can also be accessed via its rear entrance in Gervis Road. The hotel has a small onsite car park, and roadside parking is also available in Gervis Road).

Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:

http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/

You can also help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

Science Without Pedestals

Saturday 11^th February 12.00pm/2.00pm 
Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH

A Darwin Day Celebration with Philosopher Julian Baggini

Celebrate Darwin Day in style with a delicious three course buffet lunch in Bournemouth International Centre’s (BIC) Purbeck Lounge, followed by a fascinating talk from our special guest Julian Baggini.

Humanists and free-thinkers rightly celebrate the many achievements of science, however some go too far in their admiration, and make science the model for all reason. Julian will argue that the scientific method cannot provide the template for reason, partly because there is no such thing as the scientific method, and most importantly, science cannot be the source of ethics nor can it debunk it. By challenging the pretensions of those who elevate science too high, we can better appreciate it for what it really is and more fully understand what it means to value reason and rationality.

Please note that entry to this event requires you to have a ticket. For booking information, see below.

Julian Baggini is a philosopher, journalist, author, and editor and co-founder of The Philosophers' Magazine. His books include: The Edge of Reason, Atheism: A Very Short Introduction, and The Pig That Wants to be Eaten.

	Booking Information Italian buffet lunch and presentation (12:00pm start): £25 per person Presentation only (2:00pm start): £3 per person (inc tea/coffee) For tickets, please see Lyn Glass at one of our meetings, or phone 01202 767323, or email lyn.glass@btinternet.com (Please book lunches by 30th January at the latest).

Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:

http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/

You can also help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

Libertarianism

Saturday 14^th January 2017 2.00pm 
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown Bournemouth BH9 1TW
With Senior Lecturer in Philosophy Arif Ahmed



The libertarian philosophy associated with F. A. Hayek, has its philosophical roots in the classical liberalism of the nineteenth century and in the philosophical views of Hume, Smith and Tocqueville. Libertarians emphasise freedom of the individual and the rule of law, preferring limited government and a small state. They tend to oppose welfare because they claim the poor are better served by high-growth economies than with handouts. However, their detractors suggest libertarians are indifferent to community needs and the suffering of the poor, and that they protect big business and those who aim to enrich themselves with little concern for others.
In contrast to the claims of the critics, philosopher Arif Ahmed, a self-described libertarian, believes that libertarian ideas can contribute to a good society, and he will help us gain a fuller and more nuanced understanding of libertarianism, focusing on the philosophical basis of these ideas and their relevance to a range of modern-day ethical, political and economic issues such as immigration, taxation, euthanasia, drug control, gay marriage, government surveillance, and free speech.
Arif Ahmed is a senior lecturer in philosophy at the University of Cambridge. He studied mathematics at Oxford University, and Philosophy at Sussex and Cambridge. He has worked at Birmingham University and held visiting
positions at Sydney University, Central China Normal University, the Australian National University and the Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa.
He is now Reader Philosophy at Cambridge and a fellow of Gonville and Caius College. He writes mainly on rational choice, but also has an interest in religion and has debated the subject against William Lane Craig, Tariq Ramadan, Rowan Williams and others. He is an atheist and a libertarian and his personal philosophical outlook is most closely allied with those of David Hume and Friedrich Hayek


“Join us for a thought-provoking examination of Libertarianism”
Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!
Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:
http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/
You can also help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.
Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

Filling the Void

Wednesday 23^rd November 7.30pm
The Green House Hotel,  4 Grove Road, Bournemouth BH1 3AX

Incorporating Dorset Humanists’ 20^th Anniversary!

With special guests Jonathan MS Pearce, Gareth Howells and Louis Howells

Join us for an inspirational evening of poetry and music with our special guests Jonathan MS Pearce, who has edited a volume of poetry for humanists and atheists called ‘Filling the Void’, and Gareth Howells of award-winning folk band Bemis, with his son Louis.

There is often thought to be a God-shaped void in humanist and atheist lives, but that is far from the truth and our lives can be filled with meaning and purpose. ‘Filling the Void’ helps to document this with a wide variety of thought-provoking and emotional poems. Jonathan and Gareth will deliver an eclectic selection of their favourite poems from the book, and Gareth and Louis will be providing some appropriately themed musical entertainment.

David Warden will bring the evening to a close with a brief review of some of the highlights of Dorset Humanists over the past 20 years, and remember those who made it possible. Wine and light refreshments will be available.

Jonathan Pearce is a Hampshire-based philosopher who has written and edited many books that will be of interest to humanists and atheists, including ‘Free Will?’ , ‘The Little Book of Unholy Questions’, ‘The Nativity: A Critical Examination’, and ‘Filling The Void: A Selection Of Humanist And Atheist Poetry’. He also writes the popular ‘A Tippling Philosopher’ blog for the Patheos blog network.

“Join us for an inspiring celebration of creating meaning, purpose and community in a life without gods”

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

(The Green House Hotel can also be accessed via its rear entrance in Gervis Road. The hotel has a small onsite car park, and roadside parking is also available in Gervis Road).

Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:

http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/

You can also help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

The God Confusion

Saturday 11^th June 2.00pm 
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown Bournemouth BH9 1TW

With Philosopher Dr Gary Cox

What is God? Does he exist? Can we know?

How we answer these questions has enormous implications for our understanding of the universe, our purpose in life, and our morality, but throughout history our best philosophers have failed to reach agreement.

In this presentation, Gary Cox will be exploring various conceptions of God, and the arguments for and against their existence, in an entertaining yet objective manner, and he will demonstrate why he believes it is logically impossible for us to move beyond speculation to proof.

If we must reject the idea of inner religious certainty, can living as though a moral God exists still be a worthwhile enterprise? You may be surprised by Gary’s answer!

Gary Cox is a philosopher and the author of several books on general philosophy, Sartre, and existentialism including ‘The God Confusion: Why Nobody Knows the Answer to the Ultimate Question’, and ‘The Existentialist’s Guide to Death, the Universe and Nothingness’. He is an honorary research fellow of The University of Birmingham, UK.

“Join us for an entertaining examination of the God Confusion”

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:

http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/

You can also help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

Ancient Stoicism and Modern Humanism

Saturday 14^th May 2.00pm 
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown Bournemouth BH9 1TW

With Emeritus Professor of Ancient Thought Christopher Gill.

Is Stoicism compatible with a modern humanistic outlook, and can it help us live better, happier lives today?

In the popular imagination, a Stoic is someone who represses their emotions, but Stoic philosophy is much richer than this misconception suggests. Believing that material things alone are insufficient to guarantee happiness, the Stoics placed great value on wisdom, justice, moderation, courage, and living in harmony with our communities and the natural world around us.

Christopher Gill will outline the Stoics’ key ideas on virtue, happiness, and social development, and explain how Stoic practices can improve our life satisfaction, and help us flourish as human beings.

Christopher Gill is Emeritus Professor of Ancient Thought at the University of Exeter, and has played a leading role in ‘Stoicism Today’ which presents Stoicism to a modern audience as an aid to human flourishing. His publications related to Stoicism include a translation with introduction and commentary of Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations Books 1-6, and a complete modern translation with commentary of Epictetus’s Discourses entitled Epictetus: Discourses, Fragments, Handbook

“Join us for a stimulating exploration of Stoic principles and practices, and learn how they can help us live better, happier lives”

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:

http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/

You can also help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

The Heart of Humanism: Thinking Clearly about Ethics & Human Flourishing

Wednesday 27^th April 7.30pm
The Green House Hotel,  4 Grove Road, Bournemouth BH1 3AX

With Estelle Goldie

What does it mean to live a good fulfilling life?

What makes something right or wrong, and how do we as humanists derive our morality without religious dogma to guide us?

Accepting that this life is the only life we know we have, and that we need to determine our own purpose and meaning throughout our lives, offers us both enhanced freedom and a responsibility to use our limited existence wisely. Drawing inspiration from a rich tradition of secular thinking, Estelle Goldie will help us to think through important ethical questions, and discover how our shared human values can enable us to flourish within our communities while celebrating the things that make life beautiful and satisfying. Estelle has taught philosophy for many years.

“Join us for a fascinating journey to the heart of humanism”

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

(The Green House Hotel can also be accessed via its rear entrance in Gervis Road. The hotel has a small onsite car park, and roadside parking is also available in Gervis Road).

Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:

http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/

You can also help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

The Consciousness Conundrum

Saturday 10^th October 2.00pm 
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown Bournemouth BH9 1TW

With Senior Lecturer in Cognitive Psychology Dr Peter Naish

What is consciousness, and how do physical processes in the brain give rise to the sub­jective life of a conscious mind?

Simple animals like the amoeba presumably have no such experience, since they have no brain or nervous system, yet they can react to their surroundings well enough to survive without it. Many of our own cognitive functions such as perceiving objects, making decisions, and even performing apparently voluntary actions can take place without consciousness intervening, but if we can function without conscious awareness, why should consciousness be there at all? Is consciousness just an accidental by-product of having a large brain, or has it been selected for by evolution because creatures with consciousness have improved prospects for survival?

Historically, questions about the ‘hard problem’ of consciousness have primarily been a topic for philosophers, but advances in neuroscience are bringing us closer to a scientific understanding. Peter Naish, a senior lecturer in cognitive psychology at The Open University, will be revealing many of the latest developments in our efforts to unravel the mysteries of consciousness.

“A fascinating exploration of the mysteries of consciousness”

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:

http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/

You can also help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

The Happiness Course

September/October 2015. All sessions: 7.30pm to 9.30pm
The Green House Hotel, 4 Grove Road, Bournemouth BH1 3AX

Happiness is good for you and good for society, but what makes some people happier than others?

Is it possible to attain greater happiness in life and sustain it without dramatically changing our personal circumstances?

Scientific studies by experimental psychologists have revealed that around half of your happiness level is determined by your genetic inheritance and a surprisingly small 10% reflects your life circumstances. While there may be limitations to how much you can alter your circumstances, the great news is that around 40% of your happiness level can be directly affected by simple daily activities and the conscious choices you make.

This enjoyable six-week course will enable you to explore the philosophy, psychology and science of happiness, while learning how to make the changes that will improve your own personal happiness level. We’ll also look at some common causes of unhappiness, and discover how changing your thinking and doing some basic practical activities can help you experience a happier life.

There will be a small charge for this course to help cover venue hire and expenses. All sessions: 7.30pm – 9.30pm at The Green House Hotel, Grove Road, Bournemouth BH1 3AX.

Session schedule:

1. Big questions about life; introduction to positive and humanistic psychology: Tuesday September 8^th 2015

2. Foundations for happiness – social and environmental factors:.Monday September 14^th 2015

(No meeting in 3^rd week of September)

3. Supporting your happiness system – physical and neurological factors: Tuesday September 29^th 2015

4. Happiness habits – proven techniques to increase your level of wellbeing: Tuesday October 6^th 2015

5. The science of happiness – looking at further research findings: Monday October 12^th 2015

6. Pulling it all together and living your one life: Tuesday October 20^th 2015

Total Course cost: £24 for non-members, or £18 for members of Dorset Humanists, or £6 for students

(Note: The total course cost is the same regardless of how many sessions you choose to attend. i.e if you are a non-member, a single upfront payment of £24 works out at only £4 per session if you choose to attend all six of them)

Ways to book:
1. See a committee member at a Dorset Humanists meeting and pay with cash or a cheque. Please make cheques payable to 'David Warden'.
2. Email David Warden at chairman@dorsethumanists.co.uk and request our bank details to arrange a BACS payment.
3. Phone David Warden on 07910 886629 for BACS details
4. Contact us via the contact form on our website for our BACS details
5. Contact us in one the above ways and request a mailing address to post a cheque. This address will be David's or Simon’s home address.

Please book early to avoid disappointment due to a limited number of places!

Course leaders: David Warden BA (Hons), MA, Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, is Chair of Dorset Humanists. Phil James BSc(Hons), MSc is a Member of the British Psychological Society and currently a PhD researcher at Bournemouth University.

(The Green House Hotel can also be accessed by car and on foot via its rear entrance in Gervis Road. The hotel has a small onsite car park, and roadside parking is also available in Gervis Road).

Click here to view details of forthcoming and recent Dorset Humanists events on this website.

 

The Difference that Darwin has Made

Thursday 12^th February 5.30pm 
Bournemouth Natural Science Society, 39 Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth BH1 3NS

A Darwin Day Celebration with Professor A. C. Grayling

Join us for a Darwin Day celebration with renowned humanist philosopher A.C.Grayling. Professor Grayling will be explaining how Darwin’s theory of evolution represented a new paradigm in human history, radically changing our understanding of our place in the universe, and that Darwin’s discoveries continue to have a huge impact on our lives due to their ongoing influence on a multitude of scientific disciplines. His talk will be followed by light refreshments.

Note that this is one of a very limited number of ticketed events organised by Dorset Humanists, so please be aware that that you will need a ticket to attend, and availability is limited.

***Update: Please note that all tickets for this event have now been sold***

Booking Information and Ticket Prices

Advanced Booking: Members: £2 per person; Non-members: £4 per person; On the door (if any seats are still available): £5 per person. To check ticket availability and/or purchase tickets please contact Lyn Glass on 01202 558763, or email lyn.glass(at)btinternet.com.

A C Grayling MA, DPhil (Oxon) FRSL, FRSA is Master of the New College of the Humanities, and a Supernumerary Fellow of St Anne's College, Oxford. Until 2011 he was Professor of Philosophy at Birkbeck College, University of London. He has written and edited over thirty books on philosophy and other subjects; among his most recent are "The Good Book", "Ideas That Matter", "Liberty in the Age of Terror" and "To Set Prometheus Free". He is a frequent contributor to the Literary Review, Observer, Independent on Sunday, Times Literary Supplement, Index on Censorship and New Statesman, and is an equally frequent broadcaster on BBC Radios 4, 3 and the World Service. In addition he sits on the editorial boards of several academic journals, and for nearly ten years was the Honorary Secretary of the principal British philosophical association, the Aristotelian Society. He is a past chairman of June Fourth, a human rights group concerned with China, and is a representative to the UN Human Rights Council for the International Humanist and Ethical Union. He is a Vice President of the British Humanist Association, the Patron of the United Kingdom Armed Forces Humanist Association, a patron of Dignity in Dying, and an Honorary Associate of the National Secular Society. Anthony Grayling was a Fellow of the World Economic Forum for several years, and a member of its C-100 group on relations between the West and the Islamic world. His latest books are "The God Argument" (March 2013) and "Friendship" (September 2013).    Anthony Grayling's new book, "The Challenge of Things" will be published in March 2015.

Please help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:

http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

‘One Life’ Course: Exploring Humanism and Atheism

October/November 2014. All sessions: 7.30pm to 9:30pmThe Green House Hotel, 4 Grove Road, Bournemouth BH1 3AX

The ‘One Life’ Course: A six week introduction to Humanism and Atheism (Course Tutor: Chair of Dorset Humanists, David Warden)
This popular and enlightening course is intended for everybody who is interested in Humanism and wishes to discover more about its principles and the activities of Humanists. It's a great opportunity to explore life's big questions from a non-religious perspective, while meeting and interacting with interesting new people in a positive friendly environment.
During the course we’ll discover how Humanism provides a rational, non-religious way of approaching life’s ‘big questions’, and how it offers values that help us to live happy, worthwhile and fulfilled lives.
Session schedule:
   1. Humanist Beliefs and History: Tuesday October 7^th 2014
   2. The God Debate: Monday October 13^th 2014
   3. Secularism and Religious Privilege: Tuesday October 21^st 2014
   4. Ethics & Morality without Religion: Tuesday Nov 4^th 2014
   5. Prospects for Happiness: Tuesday November 11^th 2014
   6. Possibilities for a Good Society Tuesday November 18^th 2014
   (No meeting on 28^th October due to half-term break).
There will be a small charge for this course to help cover venue hire. All sessions 7.30pm – 9.30pm at The Green House Hotel, Grove Road, Bournemouth BH1 3AX.
Total Course cost (The total course cost is the same regardless of how many sessions you choose to attend)
   · £15 for non-members, or £12 for members of Dorset Humanists.
   · Early booking discount: £2 off members’ and non-members’ prices if booked before 15^th Sept.
   · Flat rate of £5 for students (whenever booked).
Please make cheques payable to ‘Dorset Humanists’, or contact us for BACS payment details.
Please book early to avoid disappointment due to a limited number of places

Some feedback from previous ‘One Life’ courses:
· “An amazing course – it’s been fantastic!”
· “Just what we need to introduce people to Humanism”
· “As a Christian I felt at ease and accepted by those present.”
· “My mind continues to buzz about many issues arising from the course”
Course Tutor: David Warden BA, MA, Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Chair of Dorset Humanists.
For further information, email David Warden at chairman@dorsethumanists.co.uk or phone 07910 886629, or talk to us at one of our meetings.
(The Green House Hotel can also be accessed via its rear entrance in Gervis Road. The hotel has a small onsite car park, and roadside parking is also available in Gervis Road).
Click here to view details of forthcoming and recent Dorset Humanists events on this website.

God on Trial: The Case for God Examined

Thursday 10th October 7.30pm

Barnes Lecture Theatre, Poole House, Talbot Campus, Bournemouth University. BH12 5BB

by author, educator, and philosopher Jonathan Pearce

Bournemouth Student Humanists and Atheists Society have kindly invited us to a retitled repeat of author, blogger and philosopher Jonathan Pearce's entertaining and thought-provoking 'Unholy Questions' presentation. If you missed it last time, or would enjoy experiencing it again, this is an excellent opportunity to hear this popular speaker in action, and gain some new insights on the question of God's existence.

Jonathan will be skilfully guiding us through a range of arguments for and against the existence of God. He will also offer some novel arguments that challenge the concept of an omniscient, omnipotent, omni-benevolent God. With Bournemouth University having quite an active Christian Union, we're expecting a robust Q&A session after Jonathan's presentation, so this should be a really enjoyable evening for everyone with an interest in the God debate.

Jonathan is a teacher and author from South Hampshire, who has dedicated many years of his life to all manner of things philosophical and theological. He is the author of several popular books including ‘The Nativity: A Critical Examination’, ‘Free Will? An investigation into whether we have free will, or whether I was always going to write this book’, and ‘The Little Book of Unholy Questions’. As an interlude from writing about philosophy and theology, he has also written a book of advice for dads of twins; Twins: A Survival Guide for Dads. He is a founder member of the Tippling Philosophers, a friendly group of disparate believers and non-believers based in Hampshire, and is also a founder author for the Skeptic Ink Network (SIN), an online community of skeptic writers, bloggers, academics, thinkers and activists. Check out their blog at http://skepticink.com/tippling/ and their facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Skeptic-Ink

Everyone welcome!
Free entry (voluntary donations appreciated from any non-students attending)

[If you aren't familiar with the university layout, just enter via the main Talbot Campus entrance, head to the reception desk and they will direct you to the Barnes Lecture Theatre].

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

Unholy Questions: The “Case for God” on Trial

Wednesday 24^th July 7.30pm 
The Green House Hotel,  4 Grove Road, Bournemouth BH1 3AX

In this entertaining and thought-provoking presentation, author, blogger and ‘tippling philosopher’ Jonathan Pearce will skilfully guide us through the maze of arguments for and against the existence of God. He will be explaining the best arguments from both sides of the God debate in plain English and critically examining their pros and cons.

Jonathan is a teacher and author from South Hampshire, who has dedicated many years of his life to all manner of things philosophical and theological. He is currently studying for a Masters in Philosophy, and is a founder member of the Tippling Philosophers, a friendly group of disparate believers and non-believers based in Hampshire. He is the author of several popular books including ‘The Nativity: A Critical Examination’, ‘Free Will? An investigation into whether we have free will, or whether I was always going to write this book’, and ‘The Little Book of Unholy Questions’. As an interlude from writing about philosophy and theology, he has also written a book of advice for dads of twins; Twins: A Survival Guide for Dads. He is also a founder author for the Skeptic Ink Network (SIN), an online community of skeptic writers, bloggers, academics, thinkers and activists. Check out their blog at http://skepticink.com/tippling/ and their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Skeptic-Ink

“Join us for an enjoyable discussion of the best arguments from both sides of the God debate”

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

(The Green House Hotel can also be accessed from Gervis Road, which is better lit and has roadside parking).

Please help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

West Dorset Humanists April meeting

The next West Dorset Humanists meeting will take place at Wessex Royale Hotel, 32 High St West, Dorchester DT1 1UP at 7.30 on Tuesday, 23rd April. 

In ‘Filmosophy’, Mat Cousell will be talking to us about moral and ethical dilemmas in modern films - a Humanist take on Hollywood!

Entry is free but we would appreciate a voluntary donation of £2.

 

Free Will?

Thursday 28^th March 7.30pm
The Green House Hotel,  4 Grove Road, Bournemouth BH1 3AX

“An entertaining introduction to the age-old philosophical debate on whether we have free will or whether we live predetermined lives”

Do we have free will, or are our ‘choices’ determined by our environment and past experience?

Author and educator, Jonathan M.S.Pearce offers an entertaining introduction to the debate, and explains how new developments in brain science have influenced philosophers.

We will also consider the impact of free will and determinism on Christianity’s concept of a judgmental God, and the implications for our justice system if we don’t have free will.

Jonathan is a teacher and author from South Hampshire, who has dedicated many years of his life to all manner of things philosophical and theological. He is currently studying for a Masters in Philosophy, and is a founder member of the Tippling Philosophers, a friendly group of disparate believers and non-believers based in Hampshire.

The Nativity: A Critical Examination is his fourth book, and follows Free Will? An investigation into whether we have free will, or whether I was always going to write this book, a popular philosophy, science and theology book that examines the free will vs. determinism debate. He has also written The Little Book of Unholy Questions, which looks to show the incoherence of the idea of an all-loving, all-knowing and all-powerful God. As an interlude from writing about philosophy and theology, he has branched out by writing a book of advice for dads of twins; Twins: A Survival Guide for Dads.

He is a founder author for the Skeptic Ink Network (SIN), an online community of skeptic writers, bloggers, academics, thinkers and activists. Check out their blog at http://skepticink.com/tippling/ and their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Skeptic-Ink

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

(The Green House Hotel can also be accessed from Gervis Road, which is better lit and has roadside parking).

Please help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

The Nativity: A Critical Examination

Tuesday 18^th December 7.30pm
The Green House Hotel,  4 Grove Road, Bournemouth BH1 3AX

The nativity of Jesus carries much cultural recognition, but does the Biblical narrative command much support in the academic world? Is it a story which holds much historical truth, or were the Biblical accounts of the birth of Jesus simply an opportunity for the authors to impart their theological beliefs?

In this presentation, based on his most recent book, teacher, author, blogger and philosopher, Jonathan M.S. Pearce will be setting out the main problems with the historical reliability of the two infancy narratives, and building a cumulative case for objecting to the historicity of the Gospel’s nativity accounts.

“Join us for a fascinating investigation of this iconic story”

Jonathan is a teacher and author from South Hampshire, who has dedicated many years of his life to all manner of things philosophical and theological. He is currently studying for a Masters in Philosophy, and is a founder member of the Tippling Philosophers, a friendly group of disparate believers and non-believers based in Hampshire. The Nativity: A Critical Examination is his fourth book, and follows Free Will? An investigation into whether we have free will, or whether I was always going to write this book, a popular philosophy, science and theology book looking into the age-old free will vs. determinism debate. He has also written The Little Book of Unholy Questions, which looks to show the incoherence of the idea of an all-loving, all-knowing and all-powerful God. As an interlude from writing about philosophy and theology, he has branched out by writing a book of advice for dads of twins; Twins: A Survival Guide for Dads. He is a founder author for the Skeptic Ink Network (SIN), an online community of skeptic writers, bloggers, academics, thinkers and activists. Check out his blog at http://skepticink.com/tippling/. Their facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Skeptic-Ink

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

(The Green House Hotel can also be accessed from Gervis Road, which is better lit and has roadside parking).

Please help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

Good without God: Thinking about Right and Wrong

Saturday 10^th November 2.00pm 
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown Bournemouth BH9 1TW

A presentation and discussion led by former Emeritus Professor of Moral Philosophy, Richard Norman

• · How do non-religious people determine ‘right’ from ‘wrong’?
• · Do we need a moral theory, or a set of moral rules or principles?
• · If so, where do we get them from?
• · Is it all “just a matter of personal opinion” (relativism)?

Distinguished philosopher and author, Richard Norman will attempt to answer these questions and offer suggestions for a rational approach to morality without God.

“A great opportunity to open our minds to different ways of approaching this often controversial subject”

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

Please help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

Philosophy Gym for Humanists and Atheists

Thursday 27^th September 7.30pm
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown, Bournemouth BH9 1TW

With ever-increasing scientific knowledge, much of which contradicts historic religious claims, many evangelists have realised that faith alone is no longer enough to attract new converts. In response, a new wave of Christian philosophers are attempting to build a more credible case for Christianity.

In this ‘post-holiday workout for your grey matter’, we consider their claims and discuss effective counter-arguments for Humanists and atheists to use in debate.

‘Join us for what promises to be a lively and enjoyable discussion’

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

Please help us promote this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download a copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF copy.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

Filmosophy II

Thursday 23^rd August 7.30pm
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown, Bournemouth BH9 1TW

An evening of short discussions inspired by ethical dilemmas from the movies.

Would you entrust the security and fate of the human race to a single world government; or maybe you’d prefer an artificial intelligence specifically designed to act as a protective dictator? (Inspired by I, Robot)

A gang leader is held by an isolated police station, awaiting transfer and trial, when his gang make an all out assault, in order to free him. Should the gang leader be released to save the lives of the police officers, or should he be held and brought to justice, no matter what the cost? (Inspired by Assault on Precinct 13)

Join us at the second of our popular ‘Filmosophy’ evenings to debate these and many other moral dilemmas arising from the world of film. Don’t worry if you’re not a movie buff, as we’ve prepared a set of handy plot summaries to ensure we can all participate.

‘An enjoyable approach to debating some big questions’

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

Please help us promote this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download a copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF copy.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

Religion for Atheists

Thursday 26^th July 7.30pm
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown, Bournemouth BH9 1TW

In his latest book, Religion for Atheists, Alain de Botton argues that the supernatural claims of religion are entirely false, yet he also claims religions still offer a wealth of ideas that can help the non-religious to:

• - Build a sense of community
• - Strengthen our relationships
• - Improve our appreciation of the arts

David Warden will outline De Botton’s key suggestions, and we’ll discuss how the non-religious might benefit from adopting the best bits of religion into our lives.

Come and join us for a thought-provoking evening, as we discuss this “beautifully written book”

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

If you can help us promote this event by displaying an A4 poster, please email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF copy.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.