MEDIA ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 4, 2013 Astrophysicist Stuart Jordan to Discuss the Ongoing Relevance of the Scientific Enlightenment to Contemporary Political Concerns Dr. Stuart Jordan, president of the Institute for Science and Human Values (ISHV), will deliver a lecture as part of the “Science, Religion, and Reason Forum” at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, Virginia on November 10, 2013. Dr. Jordan’s talk, "The Enlightenment Vision," will emphasize how tolerant members from both the secular and religious community can and should work together on progressive measures leading to a general improvement in society. Jordan will explore topics such as the value of neuroscience in gaining a better understanding of humanity, the need to further address the underlying causes of war, and the importance of achieving full equal rights for woman everywhere. A robust discussion between speaker and audience will follow Jordan’s presentation. Dr. Stuart Jordan is a retired emeritus senior staff scientist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center where he formerly led the solar physics program. He is currently president and board member of the Institute for Science and Human Values (ISHV). He holds a doctorate in physics and astrophysics and is a Rhodes scholar. His book, The Enlightenment Vision — Science, Reason, and the Promise of a Better Future, was published by Prometheus Books this year. ******** What: Stuart Jordan: "The Enlightenment Vision" lecture presentation. When: Sunday, November 10, 2013, 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. Where: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton, VA 22124 Phone: 703-281-4230 ### The Institute for Science and Human Values (ISHV) is a research and advocacy organization founded by secular humanist visionary Paul Kurtz. It is committed to the enhancement of human values and scientific inquiry through the application of humanist ethics in all areas of human life on a planetary scale. The Institute publishes a quarterly journal called The Human Prospect. Jonathan Kurtz is the organization’s chairman. ISHV's Website can be found at, http://www.instituteforscienceandhumanvalues.net
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release June 29, 2013 ISHV Welcomes New Board Member Marcia Cohen The Institute for Science and Human Values (ISHV) is pleased to announce that Marcia Cohen, JD, has been elected to join its Board of Directors. Marcia Cohen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Roosevelt University of Chicago, a Masters degree in Music Composition from Northwestern University, and received her Juris Doctor degree from Stetson University College of Law in 1984. She is currently Legal Counsel for both ISHV and the Florida National Organization for Women. As a part-time resident of Paris, France, Ms. Cohen has spoken there on equal opportunity and the promotion of diversity. She has been a guest lecturer on U.S. civil rights and employment discrimination law at the University of Paris at Nanterre, and is of counsel to Cabinet Cimadevilla, a Paris law firm specializing in international law. Ms. Cohen is a member of the Legal Panel of the Pinellas County Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, was the recipient of its 2007 Gardner Beckett Civil Rights Award, and has been an advocate for the "I am delighted to join the Board of the Institute for Science and Human Values in addition to serving as its Pro Bono Counsel,” commented Ms. Cohen. “Its emphasis on viewing the human lifetime as an opportunity to seek meaning and enlightenment in a secular context is one with which I am truly in harmony." Stuart Jordan, president of ISHV, said, “We are pleased to welcome Ms. Marcia Cohen to our Board of Directors. Marcia is a lawyer in the State of Florida with experience in local, national, and international legal issues, including those involving human rights in general and women's rights in particular. She has served ISHV since 2011 as our pro bono legal counsel, and we are fortunate to now have Ms. Cohen as a member of our Board of Directors.” ### The Institute for Science and Human Values (ISHV) is a research and advocacy organization founded by secular humanist visionary Paul Kurtz. It is committed to the enhancement of human values and scientific inquiry through the application of humanist ethics in all areas of human life on a planetary scale. The Institute publishes a quarterly journal called The Human Prospect. ISHV's Website can be found at http://www.instituteforscienceandhumanvalues.net
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release April 02, 2013 An Open Letter to the Secular Community It is an amazing time to be part of the secular movement. We are growing, attracting new people, and drawing more attention than ever before. A big part of that growth is thanks to our large and dynamic online community. Online secular communities have helped people encounter new ideas, deepen and broaden their thinking, and even change their minds. A Problem with Online Communication At the same time, the fact that so much of our community is online brings with it certain challenges. Communicating primarily online can make it difficult to recognize each other’s humanity. Online we don’t have the same vocal and physical cues to tell us what another person means by his or her comments, so it’s easier for misunderstandings to develop. The instantaneous and impersonal nature of online communication also makes it much easier for these misunderstandings to escalate, or for civil arguments to turn into bitter fights. Like many online communities, our comment and forum threads all too often become places for name calling and even threats, rather than honest dialogue based on mutual respect. Between the small but vocal number of abusive participants (often called “trolls”) who hurl threats and insults, and the overheated rhetoric of some ordinarily friendly and reasonable people, our online environment is in danger of turning toxic. Fortunately, our secular values of reason and compassion give us tools to rise above the lowest common denominator of online communication. (Read More)
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release February 27, 2013 ISHV Board of Directors Elects Jonathan Kurtz as New Chairman (Amherst, NY)—The Institute for Science and Human Values (ISHV) is pleased to announce that Jonathan Kurtz has been elected to serve as its new Chairman of the Board, a position that became vacant after the recent death of the organization’s founder and former chairman Paul Kurtz (on October 20, 2012). Kurtz was appointed to the position on January 12, 2013 during ISHV’s recent Board of Directors meeting in Tampa, Florida. He has been a member of the ISHV Board since the organization’s inception in 2010. “As a member of the ISHV Board from the beginning, I have been impressed with the important work being done to further my father’s vision in a world badly in need of its message of constructive and pragmatic action in the name of positive scientific, ethical, and humanistic values and principles,” said Kurtz. “I look forward to working with the organization’s dedicated and talented team in building upon past achievements so that we can expand the reach and influence of ISHV’s vital mission and see our efforts in the interest of science and humanism resonate with ever-increasing numbers of people.” Stuart Jordan, president of ISHV and author of the new book The Enlightenment Vision: Science, Reason, and the Promise of a Better Future said, “With Jonathan Kurtz assuming the position as Chairman of the Board of ISHV, we have further confidence that ISHV will continue in the spirit of ethical secular humanism articulated so well by his father, now further expanded to reach out to a world needing ethical science-based answers to many emerging new problems.” Jonathan Kurtz served previously on the Boards of the Center for Inquiry, the Council for Secular Humanism, and the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry for over ten years, during which time Paul Kurtz (the founder of all three organizations) was chairman. He is president of Prometheus Books. ### The Institute for Science and Human Values (ISHV) is a research and advocacy organization founded by secular humanist visionary Paul Kurtz. It is committed to the enhancement of human values and scientific inquiry through the application of humanist ethics in all areas of human life on a planetary scale. The Institute publishes a quarterly journal called The Human Prospect. ISHV's Website can be found at http://www.instituteforscienceandhumanvalues.net
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release February 23, 2013 Diverse Set of Thinkers to Ponder Ethics, Science, Secularism, and the Human Future at ISHV’s 2013 Columbia University Symposium The Institute for Science and Human Values (ISHV) will convene its Third Annual Symposium at Columbia University in New York City on April 12- 13, 2013. The theme for this year’s event is “The Human Prospect and the Fate of Our Planetary Civilization: Science, Humanism, Ethics, and the Task Before Us." A distinguished cast of scientists, scholars and authors will assemble for an interdisciplinary examination of pressing issues at the forefront of humanism and society today. Discussions will center on how organized secular humanism can be translated into an effective public philosophy of pragmatic action and persuasion. Featured prominently will be Dr. Philip Kitcher, author of Living with Darwin and John Dewey Professor of Philosophy at Columbia, who will be fresh from delivering the prestigious 2013 Terry Lectures at Yale University on the topic of “Secular Humanism.” Also among the powerful roster of speakers will be Rebecca Goldstein, Ronald Aronson, Susan Jacoby, James Giordano, Lindsay Beyerstein, John Shook, Toni Van Pelt, Terry O'Neill, Dr. Ron Miller, Bob Bindschadler, Stuart Jordan, Nel Noddings, Larry Hickman, Jacques Berlinerblau, Barry Kosmin, Anthony Pinn, and Linda LaScola. “The overall theme of this event, our third yearly symposium, was conceived by our founder and former chairman, Paul Kurtz. Indeed, helping us plan for this was one of the final projects undertaken by Paul,” said Stuart Jordan, president of ISHV. “We are sorry that he didn’t live long enough to attend this special gathering, but we are happy to announce that the entire event will dedicated to his memory, and quite appropriately so, as Columbia was his alma mater.” Topics to be addressed include: § Advancing political secularism; humanism and the “religiously unaffiliated” § Reaching out to Non-Believing Clergy § Ethics as a human project § Secular Humanism beyond unbelief § Making Science and Humanism better bedfellows § The intersection of Humanism and Feminism § Keeping our laws and our ethics in pace with rapid technological change and growth § The ethical imperative of responding to climate change § Humanism and Progressivism The full symposium program can be viewed online at, http://instituteforscienceandhumanvalues.net/articles/symposiums-conferences/symposium- programs.htm Registration is $175 for the general public and $60 for students (valid student ID required at door and limited to 25 students). The symposium will commence on Friday evening, April 12 and run from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The all-day Saturday session on April 13 will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 6:00 p.m. What: ISHV Third Annual Symposium: “The Human Prospect and the Fate of Our Planetary Civilization.” Where: Columbia University, Faculty House, 64 Morningside Drive, New York, NY 10027 When: April 12-13, 2013 Registration and more information: http://instituteforscienceandhumanvalues.net/articles/symposiums-conferences/symposium-columbia.htm The Institute for Science and Human Values (ISHV) is a research and advocacy organization founded by secular humanist visionary Paul Kurtz. It is committed to the enhancement of human values and scientific inquiry through the application of humanist ethics in all areas of human life on a planetary scale. The Institute publishes a quarterly journal called The Human Prospect. Jonathan Kurtz is the organization’s chairman. ISHV's Website can be found at, http://www.instituteforscienceandhumanvalues.net
Announcing the sad death of our ISHV Founder, Professor Paul Kurtz 1925 - 2012 It is with great sadness that I announce to all of you the death of our ISHV Founder, Professor Paul Kurtz. Paul died in his home on October 20 at the age of 86 of causes still to be determined, but likely to be associated with progressive cardiac failure. Some of you may have heard this news already, for the passing of any figure as prominent as Paul invariably reaches many ears immediately, and numerous unofficial obituaries and other memorials have been issued. I'm sure I speak for all of us in offering condolences to Paul's wife Claudine, his son Jonathan, also on the ISHV Board, and to all other members of Paul's family. This is a difficult time of trial for all of them, and ISHV offers whatever help we can give to ease the adjustment this period entails. It is impossible to summarize in a few words all of Paul's achievements as an international humanist leader. Many of these achievements will no doubt be noted when an appropriate memorial is held to honor his memory. It is not an exaggeration to say that Paul was the most prominent and effective leader of the global - Paul would have preferred "planetary" - secular humanist movement since the time of John Dewey; and Paul was a far more effective organizer than even Dewey. People often fail to realize what a profound impact a great public figure has had until that figure is gone. The spontaneous outpouring of tributes to Paul during the first two days following his demise speak volumes to that. From us in ISHV we can now say, "Thank you Paul for what you have done for us, for your vision and your passion, and for advancing the freethought movement that we all cherish. We will always remember you, honor you, and stay true to the vision for a better, more humanistic world for people that you always defended. You will be long remembered and greatly missed." Stuart Jordan president of ISHV
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Brain Science Experts to Examine Issues at the Intersection of Neuroscience and Morality Special One-Day Symposium Will Address Fundamental Human Questions The Institute for Science and Human Values (ISHV), in partnership with the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, will sponsor a one-day symposium entitled "Neuroscience and Neuroethics: Considering Nature, Nurture and Norms" on Friday, March 16, 2012. The program will run from 8am-6pm at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, 901 North Stuart Street, Suite 200, Arlington, VA, 20003. This special event will bring together outstanding scholars to examine ways in which neuroscience can inform contemporary discussions about human nature, the human condition, and human relationships. Speakers will also address questions of how the neurosciences might influence these discussions in the coming decades. While providing some answers, brain science may actually foster other, more profound questions about what we are, what we know and do not know, and the ways we regard and treat ourselves and other species. “We are proud to be co-sponsoring this event with the Potomac Institute and their Center for Neurotechnology Studies,” said Paul Kurtz, chairman and founder of ISHV. “This meeting promises to make a valuable contribution the cultural conversation surrounding neuroscience and human well-being. Our plan is to disseminate the fruits of this gathering to all educated laypersons with an interest in the topic.” With this goal in mind, the meeting will be broadcast via Internet streaming, and selected material from the symposium will be published in The Human Prospect, the quarterly journal of the Institute for Sciences and Human Values. The Symposium will take a pragmatic view of the capabilities, limitations, potential and problems of neuroscience in describing, defining and shaping the human condition and predicament. While of high scholarly quality, the aim is to create a forum of multi-disciplinary discourse that is open and accessible to professionals and students from the sciences and humanities, as well as to the general public. Featured speakers will include: · Paul Kurtz, PhD, Institute for Science and Human Values. Special Symposium Introduction · Gregory Berns, PhD Emory University "Neural Mechanisms of Values" · William Casebeer, PhD Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency "Will, Narrative and Personal Responsibility" · Patricia Churchland, PhD University of California San Diego "What Neuroscience Tells Us about Morality" · James Giordano, PhD Center for Neurotechnology Studies, Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, University of New Mexico, University of Oxford, Symposium Chair "Neuroethics as Meta-ethics: Avoiding Icarus' Folly" · Eric Racine, PhD Neuroethics Research Unit , Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) "Neuroimaging and the Values of Neuroscience" · John Shook, PhD University of Buffalo "The New Ethics of Neuroethics" A Continental breakfast will be served at 8 am and lunch will be served. There is a wine and cheese reception 5-6 pm. Admission is free of charge, but RSVP is required. For more details please visit www.nelsi-4.com. To register, please contact Laurie Kinney at lkinney@potomacinstitute.org. The Institute for Science and Human Values (ISHV) is a research and advocacy organization founded by secular humanist visionary Paul Kurtz. It is committed to the enhancement of human values and scientific inquiry through the application of humanist ethics in all areas of human life on a planetary scale. The Institute publishes a quarterly journal called The Human Prospect. ISHV's Website can be found at http://www.instituteforscienceandhumanvalues.net ###
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Humanist Group Calls Attention to the Dangers of Nigerian Witch Hunter Helen Ukpabio The Institute for Science and Human Values (ISHV), an organization committed to advancing humanist ethics, is standing up for children and against dangerous superstition. The Institute has expressed concern that the controversial Nigerian witch hunter Helen Ukpabio is returning to the United States (Houston) to raise money for her work in Nigeria. Ukpabio heads the Liberty Gospel Church. Much of her ministry is focused on identifying, harassing, ostracizing and persecuting alleged child witches and wizards. Though witch hunts died out in the West centuries ago, they are widespread in Africa, Saudi Arabia, India and other parts of the world. In many cases, religious fanatics torture and kill children accused of practicing sorcery “It is appalling to learn that someone like Ukpabio could bring her act to this country and get any support,” says Norm Allen, director of the Institute’s international outreach program. “What is even more disturbing is that these dangerous and irrational beliefs and practices could once again become accepted in this nation.” Ukpabio has tried unsuccessfully to silence her critics in Nigeria. In 2009, Leo Igwe of the Nigerian Humanist Movement (NHM), an affiliate of the Institute, participated in a local seminar on witchcraft and the rights of the child, organized by the NHM and the child rights organization Stepping Stones Nigeria (SSN). Members of Ukpabio’s church disrupted the meeting, physically assaulted Igwe, and stole his personal items. Amazingly, Ukpabio and members of her church sued Igwe and SSN for millions of dollars, claiming that they were deprived of their right to believe in witchcraft. The Liberty Gospel Church lost the case and Igwe and SSN continue to rescue and defend alleged witches and wizards. Allen not only opposes the persecution and killing of children, but the very belief in the power o witchcraft. “If people did not believe in the witches and wizards to begin with, there would be no basis for harming these young victims,” he said. ISHV calls upon all of those concerned with the protection of children to protest against Helen Ukpabio’s event sponsored by Glorious Praise Ministries in Houston March 14-25, 2012. Emails may be sent to gloriouspraiseministry@yahoo.com. They may be visited at http://gloriouspraiseministry.com. They may be reached by phone at (713) 530-2080, or (713) 370-2587 ###
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release July 08, 2010 Humanists announce formation of new institute dedicated to ethics Brandishing a statement of "Neo-Humanist" values, a group of leaders in the humanist movement has established a new non- profit aiming to re-humanize secularism. “We aim to be inclusive and to work with religious and non-religious groups to help solve common problems facing the Planetary community,” Paul Kurtz, chairman of the new Institute for Science and Human Values (ISHV), said. Kurtz also said the group will promote scientific inquiry and critical thinking in evaluating claims and "develop values that are naturalistic and humanistic in character and appropriate to the 21st century." He said religion is often at the root of society's ethical values, and that ISHV wants to reevaluate them on rational grounds. “We’re going to enlist the brightest scientists and scholars, and not just in the United States but everywhere there are humanists,” Kurtz said. “We want to find out how to better develop the common moral virtues that we share as human beings.” Kurtz is an emeritus professor of philosophy and has been involved in humanist, skeptical, and secularist movements for more than 30 years. In 1991 he brought together two organizations, one focused on skepticism and the other on humanism, to form the Center for Inquiry (CFI). Kurtz resigned from CFI’s board in May of this year. "The secularist garden doesn't necessarily produce humanist blooms," Kurtz said. “The questions we want to answer are, how do you develop among secularists a personal morality? How does one develop empathy? How can we motivate morality? It’s a common belief that morality can only come from religion. Well, I have known scores of excellent human beings who behave very morally and yet do not subscribe to religious belief systems.” Kurtz, with input from other prominent humanists, has composed a "Neo-Humanist Statement of Secular Principles and Values" that will help guide the new organization's activities. It is the latest public declaration of a humanist movement that has been punctuated by similar documents in 1933, 1973, and 2003. The Statement is signed by more than 100 prominent Humanists including Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker, former Congresswoman Patricia Schroeder, and writer Ann Druyan, wife of the late Carl Sagan. The Statement lays out 16 "recommendations" that emphasize the development of a positive ethical system in order to help the humanist movement better understand and express what it is for. "We've never had a problem expressing what we're against," Kurtz said. "Humanists have always been critical of theism. But as our movement matures politically and socially, it will be beneficial to express our positive values, like ethical values based on reason and support for critical thinking as a way to solve public problems." The Statement also includes some decidedly liberal ideas, including support for the rights of "women, racial, ethnic, and sexual minorities," and for "education, health care, gainful employment, and other social benefits." Other recommendations support democracy, a "green economy," population restraint, and "progressive positions on the economy." Toni Van Pelt, former director of CFI's lobbying arm the Office of Public Policy, said that humanism had significant accomplishments petitioning Congress over the last several years. "We had great success, to the point where several members accepted our Science and Reason award and even spoke in our D.C. office, which was just a short walk from the Capitol," Van Pelt said. Van Pelt, who signed the new Statement, said part of ISHV’s mission would be to fill the lobbying gap left by the effective closure of CFI’s Office of Public Policy. Retired NASA astrophysicist Stuart Jordan is also among ISHV’s organizers. He said ethics would take priority in ISHV’s activities. “Science and reason are the means to achieving the ethical goals, which were and are the ultimate goals of the Enlightenment that helped jump start our country,” he said. “The overriding goal was and still is a better world for all humanity.” Kurtz said what he sees as a crisis in secularism prompted him to form the ISHV. “It is becoming obvious to an increasing number of secularists that to be disaffected from religion doesn’t bestow moral or ethical superiority,” he said. “For example, Ayn Rand and her ideological heirs promote freedom, but don’t consider the virtue in selflessness and cooperation. We want to investigate whether there is a moral framework reinforced by reason that non-theists can embrace.” ### Paul Kurtz is the author of more than 50 books and is a Professor Emeritus at the State University of New York at Buffalo. To schedule an interview with him, please contact Jesse Christopherson at (480) 882-8370 or jchristopherson@ishv.net. For additional information see the attached “Neo-Humanist Statement of Secular Principles and Values” and visit: · · http://www.instituteforscienceandhumanvalues.net/ · · http://www.facebook.com/scienceandvalues
PRESS RELEASE April 12, 2012 For Immediate Release PARANORMAL INVESTIGATOR THREATENED WITH ARREST IN INDIA On March 10th, Sanal Edamaruku, President of the Rationalist International, headquartered in India, investigated a reported miracle of a religious nature in Mumbai. Droplets of water were found trickling from the feet of Jesus on a crucifix in front of the Church of Our Lady of Velankanni. Hundreds of people had come to the site to place some of the supposed holy water in bottles and other vessels. According to Edamaruku, there was no miracle. He said that the water was drained from a source near a washing room, and that the water arrived at Jesus’ feet via a tube. Local church leaders that observed the investigation were angered by Edamaruku’s findings. Edamaruku explained his findings on a live television program and said that Catholic Church officials were guilty of miracle mongering for claiming that a miracle had occurred. Some religious leaders demanded an apology from Edamaruku for his remarks. The rationalist declined, and some religious leaders brought a blasphemy case against him. The Mumbai police have threatened to arrest him for allegedly offending the religious sensibilities of a religious community. The Institute for Science and Human Values (ISHV) joins rationalists, humanists, freethinkers and others worldwide in condemning calls for the arrest of Edamaruku. India has a long history of promoting rationalism, good science and secular values. No one should be dissuaded from investigating extraordinary truth claims, especially when such claims could be used to take unfair advantage of poor, desperate and defenseless citizens. According to Norm Allen Jr., Director of International Outreach for ISHV, “The Institute for Science and Human Values staunchly defends freedom of expression and freedom of inquiry. How can democracy thrive or even survive if these values are trampled underfoot?” Paul Kurtz, chairman of ISHV, has a positive view of the future. He believes that, despite religious superstition such as that found in India and throughout the globe, human beings will one day be “liberated from the constraints of ancient fears and cowardice….” Kurtz is a friend of Edamaruku, and defends his right to closely examine paranormal and religious claims. Supporters of Edamaruku have written letters opposing police action against the rationalist to the Home Minister at the Maharastra government in Mumbai, India, and to the Central Minister in Delhi, India. Together, we can take a stand for reason and true liberty,” Allen said. “We must not allow honest investigations to be hindered by fears of offending people’s religious sensibilities.” The Institute for Science and Human Values (ISHV) is a research and advocacy organization founded by secular humanist visionary Paul Kurtz. It is committed to the enhancement of human values and scientific inquiry through the application of humanist ethics in all areas of human life on a planetary scale. The Institute publishes a quarterly journal called The Human Prospect. ISHV's Website can be found at http://www.instituteforscienceandhumanvalues.net ###
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