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…
Science and the Future of Humanism
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.
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…
Human Brain Evolution
How did a weak and fragile ape come to dominate the world today? One ingredient in that complex process was the evolution of our brains, especially toward learning from other people. This webinar will engage…
Art, Imagination, and Humanism–Humanitas
Jé Hooper, Director and Creator of “Humanitas: A Conscious Coloring of Kindness,” will discuss how his film aims to assist with developing strategies for reconciliation and restorative justice. Felix Adler (Ritchie Szoke), the founder and…
The Neuropsychology of Dogmatic Beliefs and Delusions
Novelists and historians have amply documented how humans become entangled in dogmas and delusions. Recent events have brought them to the front pages of our daily paper. While humanists decry such dogmas, we often struggle…