Sunday Platform – Michael Thompson – Humanism Contra Nihilism: Reclaiming Ethical Life in the Cybernetic Society

As our society becomes increasingly dominated by technology, market logics, and commodified culture, what has happened the ideals of humanism, democracy and equality? Although some see the concept of humanism as looking backward and marked by identity politics and Euro-centrism, I will defend a modern concept of humanism, one that can serve to transvalue our existing values and defend a more humane form of ethical life.

Michael J. Thompson is Professor of Political Theory in the Dept. Political Science, William Paterson University. He is the Founding Editor of the quarterly journal Logos: A Journal of Modern Society & Culture. He is also the author of The Politics of Inequality (Columbia, 2007), The Domestication of Critical Theory (Rowman and Littlefield, 2016) and the forthcoming The Specter of Babel: A Reconstruction of Political Judgment (SUNY Press, 2020). This talk is based on the book he is currently writing, The Disenchantment of the Good: Ethical Life in an Age of Nihilism.

Shared Charity: Social Service Board

Presider: Maggie Determann

FREE and open to the public.

Sunday Platform is our most important and long-standing community event. These gatherings educate, stimulate personal growth, inspire reflection and action, and strengthen our community. Sunday meetings usually begin with music, followed by greetings and a talk given by a Society Leader, member, or guest.  Platforms cover a variety of topics that reflect current events, pressing social issues, and Ethical Culture philosophy. A collection basket is passed and money is shared between the Society and a charity selected for that day.  While contributions are always appreciated, Sunday meetings are free and open to the public.  Each Sunday meeting is followed by a luncheon and social hour.

To view previous Sunday Platform addresses and interviews, visit the Ethical NYC YouTube channel.