Many humanists now feel that we should expand our circle of concern to include other sentient living beings and the ecosystems upon which we live. So we may ask about what is going on in…
The Minds of Animals
Critical Minds is an enrichment series with professors and adjunct faculty members. The content of this series provides information and an opportunity for dialogue on topics that may be of interest to the humanist community. Speakers are engaged for their knowledge and expertise on the topics covered in the series. The speakers’ views are not necessarily aligned with the AHA, its members, or the humanist community. This series was introduced in May 2020.
View recordings of previous events below and find upcoming Critical Minds events here.
A Conversation on “God: An Anatomy”
People around the world and across centuries have wondered and debated about God’s existence and appearance. In her book God: An Anatomy, ancient religions expert Francesca Stavrakopoulou provides a fascinating exploration of how the depictions of…
How to Nurture Curiosity & Critical Thinking Skills in Kids
J.R. Becker will discuss how to cultivate curiosity and healthy skepticism in children, why it is important, and how he implements these tactics in his children’s books on “big questions for little thinkers” in science…
Debunking Myths about Poverty in America
Few topics have as many myths, stereotypes, and misperceptions surrounding them as that of poverty in America. The poor have been badly misunderstood since the beginnings of the country, with the rhetoric intensifying in recent…
Science and the Future of Humanism
How might the flourishing life and human sciences change humanism? Looking back a century, the humanism of 1900 was an optimistic vision informed by the steady march of physical science and inspired vaguely by the…
UFOs Are All The Rage!
Sidewalk Science, a twice-monthly YouTube broadcast by the Prairie State Humanists Chicago Chapter of the AHA, will join Critical Minds to discuss the plausible earth-bound explanation for UFOs and space aliens visiting us. They will look…
Addressing Indigenous Health Disparities
Indigenous people experience disproportionately high rates of chronic diseases today. Addressing Indigenous health disparities requires a critical analysis of federal policies and actions historically and currently, as well as a move to privilege the voices,…
Intro to Reproductive Justice and Intersectionality
This session introduced attendees to an intersectional analysis of race, class, and gender politics. Using a human rights analysis, facilitators explained how reproductive justice differs from the pro-choice/anti-abortion framework. Attendees learned about the history of…
Taking a New Look at Gender Equality
Equal representation and equal pay are both good metrics and good goals as it comes to gender equality. Yet these markers exemplify a very limited view of the issue that is too often solely focused…
How America Lost its Mind: Can Science Shed Light on the Rise of Conspiracy Theories and Delusions?
The capitol riot on January 6 brought forcibly to our attention the surge in conspiracy theories and other delusions in the United States. Some of the blame surely lies with politicians who are cynically exploiting…