Ethical Society of Northern Westchester

Bringing out the best in others and thereby ourselves

"Bringing out the best in others and thereby in ourselves." -Felix Adler
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Readings on selected topics with open roundtable discussion. The focus is on social, political and ethical issues emerging from recent discoveries and the promise of neuroscientific research. Open to members, friends, and guests.

The Brain Group meets on the first Sunday of the month, at 1 PM, after the 11 a.m. Platform meeting (and after some refreshments). The group is open to members and non-members. The Junior Brainiacs meet on the same day as part of the Sunday School program for children. Bring a friend – all children are welcomed.

Description and Purpose
Leading an ethical life involves interacting with, and having compassion for, others. Such a life is enriched with a better understanding of human nature, and today that understanding is enhanced by neuroscience – the study of the biological sources of human behavior. The objective of the Brain Group, started in January 2010, is to give its members a well-founded knowledge of this science, since popular media reports of breaking research can be misleading due to oversimplification and exaggeration. This is achieved through readings and discussion, with visits from practicing scientists. The group is led by Karin Krueger, M.A. in neuroscience. The curriculum has covered subjects such as behavior, consciousness, compassion, morality, religiosity, mental illness, neuroethics, genetics, and evolution.

For a list of books the group has read over the past years: Brain Group Reading List

Brain Group: “Who We Are and How We Got Here”

January 17, 2020 by Connor

Our next adventure in reading will take us away from neuroscience and into the realm of ancient human ancestry.  … [Read more...]

Brain Group December 15th at 1:00 PM: “The Nocturnal Brain: Nightmares, Neuroscience, and the Secret World of Sleep”

December 13, 2019 by Connor

The Brain Group will meet this month on the THIRD SUNDAY (December 15th) after the platform at 1 pm.  We will discuss … [Read more...]

Brain Group Jan. 6th

December 17, 2018 by Firefly

Dan Ariely's "Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces that Shape our Decisions" - we will continue our discussion at … [Read more...]

Brain Group books for October and November

August 16, 2018 by Firefly

The Brain group will discuss “The Strange Order of Things: Life, Feeling and Making of Cultures” by Antonio Damasio at … [Read more...]

Brain Group, Dec. 3rd, 1pm

November 28, 2017 by Firefly

We'll be discussing Sapolsky's "Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst" Chapters 7 & 8. … [Read more...]

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Upcoming Platform Talks & Events

View our full calendar here

News & Events

“AN ETHICAL ADVENTURE” ESNW Annual Children’s Program with Jillian Lopez, Curriculum Coordinator and ESNW Ethics for Children Students

May 25, 2025 By Robin

Attend In-Person at 108 Pinesbridge Road • Ossining, NY OR Click here to attend the platform … [Read More...]

“MANAGING THE DC CHAOS” with Dennis Parker Executive Director, National Center for Law and Economic Justice

May 23, 2025 By Robin

Attend In-Person at 108 Pinesbridge Road • Ossining, NY OR Click here to attend the platform … [Read More...]

“ECHOES OF FREEDOM: A JUNETEENTH JOURNEY” with Joyce Sharrock Cole, Ossining Village Historian

May 22, 2025 By Robin

Attend In-Person at 108 Pinesbridge Road • Ossining, NY OR Click here to attend the platform … [Read More...]

“SIMPLE GIFTS–Hearten and Encourage Us, Gladden Us, Give Us Strength and Joy and Gratitude” with Dr Robert Berson

May 17, 2025 By Robin

Watch the full platform here. Sunday, May 25th,2025  When we look at our world these troubling … [Read More...]

FIGHTING THE “GOOD” FIGHT AS A “GOOD” SOLDIER– With Ashley Choate, Cadet, U.S Military Academy at West Point

April 7, 2025 By Robin

Sunday, April 13, 2025 at 11:00 AM: What does it mean to be a good soldier—and how should such a … [Read More...]

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Quick Contact

Office Manager, Robin
914.941.3544
esnw@esnw.org

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108 Pinesbridge Road
Ossining, NY 10562

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