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Definition:
The movement of Ethical Culture Societies was started by Professor Felix Adler (1851-1933)
in New York City on May 15, 1876. Membership in such groups is open to anyone who
accepts the basic doctrine that the principle aim in life is to lead an ethical life.
Other opinions regarding the existence of gods, where one should stand on particular
moral questions (like abortion), etc. are not important.
Some argue that, with Ethical Culture, Adler was taking Reform Judaism one step further. Adler had studied to become a rabbi, but his research into biblical criticism had lead him to the conclusion that most of what was contained in traditional religion simply wasn't true - thus leading him to reject the life of a religious leader. In his autobiography Adler wrote:
Was I to lie in order to teach the truth? ...Was I to repeat these words? It was impossible. It was certain they would stick in my throat. On these grounds the separation was decided by me.
Ethical Culture groups exist in many large cities still today, although their membership has never been huge - a problem which has afflicted most such secular movements. You can learn more at their national website: American Ethical Union.
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Related Resources:
What is the Philosophy of Religion?
Sometimes confused with theology, the Philosophy of Religion is the philosophical study of religious beliefs, religious doctrines, religious arguments and religious history. The line between theology and the philosophy of religion isn't always sharp, but the primary difference is that theology tends to be apologetical in nature, committed to the defense of particular religious positions, whereas Philosophy of Religion is committed to the investigation of religion itself, rather than the truth of any particular religion.What is Philosophy?
What is philosophy? Is there any point in studying philosophy, or is it a useless subject? What are the different branches of philosophy - what's the difference between aestheitcs and ethics? What's the difference between metaphysics and epistemology?
