Reason and Human Ethics (Monthly Lecture)

What is the proper basis of human ethics: relativism? religion? emotion? intuitive a priori rules? utilitarianism? evolutionary biology? virtue ethics? reason?

In this lecture, Alan E. Johnson discusses some of the key concepts in his recently published book Reason and Human Ethics. He argues that a secular, biological, teleological basis of human ethics exists and that reasoning and critical thinking about both ends and means are essential to human ethics. He examines how these principles apply in the contexts of individual ethics, social ethics, nonhuman animal ethics, environmental ethics, citizen ethics, media ethics, and political ethics.

Alan E. Johnson, a PFC member and retired lawyer, is an independent philosopher, historian, and legal scholar. His previous books include Free Will and Human Life, The First American Founder: Roger Williams and Freedom of Conscience, and The Electoral College: Failures of Original Intent and Proposed Constitutional and Statutory Changes for Direct Popular Vote, 2nd edition.

With a different topic and speaker every session, each lecture aims to bring someone thought provoking to our community to share their ideas and passions. Come learn something new with us, and get the chance to converse with some of the best minds in secularism, science, and reason.