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 April 2nd

March 29, 2017 by Firefly

Join us at 1 pm to discuss Robert Sapolsky's "Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers".  This thoroughly enjoyable read is also … [Read more...]

Brain Group Meets This Sunday

March 1, 2017 by Firefly

The Brain Group will meet this Sunday, March 5th, at 1 PM to discuss narcissism and empathy, group thinking, and "How to … [Read more...]

Brain Group book for Feb.

February 1, 2017 by Firefly

Feb 5th, we will discuss "Not by Genes Alone: How Culture Transformed Human Evolution" by Peter Richerson and Robert … [Read more...]

Brain Group Dec. readings

November 15, 2016 by Firefly

Sunday Dec. 4th we will have a special guest, Dr. Leslie Henderson, Dept. of Psychology & Neurobiology, Dartmouth, … [Read more...]

Brain Group Nov. Discussion

September 7, 2016 by Firefly

Sunday, Nov. 6th: Continuing on Edward O. Wilson's "The Social Conquest of Earth" Through the history of human … [Read more...]

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Upcoming Platform Talks & Events

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News & Events

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...]

ESNW ANNUAL “POETRY MATTERS” with Your Host Suzi Gallagher

April 6, 2025 By Robin

  Sunday, April 20, 2025   ESNW's Poetry Sunday is a Society tradition. Our … [Read More...]

“SERVING ON A MORAL MAJORITY” with Courtney Morris, Professor of Philosophy

April 5, 2025 By Robin

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

“COMING CLEAN, WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP FOR PROGRESSIVES” – with Eric Heinze, Professor of Law & Humanities, Director, Centre for Law, Democracy, and Society School of Law, Queen Mary, University of London

April 5, 2025 By Robin

Watch the full platform here. Sunday, April 27, 2025  Leftists have long taught that people … [Read More...]

“WHAT WOULD FELIX ADLER SAY… AND HOW MIGHT IT HELP?” with Lizette Aguilar, ESNW Member

April 4, 2025 By Robin

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

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Office Manager, Robin
914.941.3544
esnw@esnw.org

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