Category: Forums

Category for all Forum posts.

Evolution, Adaptation and Bird Behavior – a Video Presentation

March 22, 2015

The basic evolutionary principle is elegant and even simple, but its application in human evolution is controversial to say the least. However, viewing bird behavior in video sequences allows us to more objectively analyze evolution and adaptation in a fellow creature, and then to hypothesize its applicability to human evolutionary drivers. Barry Boulton combines a passion for bird behavior and practical evolution using high definition video as the primary medium.

 
 

Humanist Community Forum (2015-03-22): Evolution, Adaptation and Bird Behavior – a Video Presentation (Barry Boulton) from Humanist Community-SiliconValley on Vimeo.

 

Psychology and Political Framing

Tom Bergstrom

March 15, 2015

Humanist Community member and Board member Tom Bergstrom will present an overview of how conservatives and liberals think. This information is based on Professor George Lakoff’s writings (e.g., The Political Mind) and videos. Learning how people frame their beliefs helps others learn how to speak to and work with those different world views. Political framing unfortunately can allow selfish political groups to train voters to vote against their best interests. Thus, the goal of this Forum is to help liberals work with conservatives, and to learn how to successfully frame liberal views.

 
 

Humanist Community Forum (2015-03-15): Psychology and Political Framing (Tom Bergstrom) from Humanist Community-SiliconValley on Vimeo.

 

International Women’s Day

Facilitated by Lois Salo

March 8, 2015

A number of different presentations will be made to celebrate International Women’s Day, beginning with a description of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF). Dr. Cherrill Spencer, a retired SLAC engineer, will discuss an international conference she attended to advance women working in physics. Aparna Ananthasubramaniam will discuss her work with a women’s shelter in Palo Alto and her current work helping poor women to obtain credit. The Vice President of SEIU Local 250 will talk about organizing health care workers in San Mateo County to gain a living wage.

 
 

Humanist Community Forum (2015-03-08): International Women's Day from Humanist Community-SiliconValley on Vimeo.

 

Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT)

Michael R. Edelstein

Feb. 22, 2015

New HCSV Executive Director Julie Wedge will talk with Dr. Michael R. Edelstein about Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT). REBT is a present-centered, active-directive form of psychotherapy devised in 1955 by noted humanist and pioneering psychologist Dr. Albert Ellis. REBT helps individuals identify the dysfunctional philosophies at the core of their anxiety, depression, anger, relationship problems, and addictions, then teaches them how to change their thinking. REBT spawned the many varieties of cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBTs) currently practiced. Questions from the audience will be taken and also can be submitted in advance to: Julie Wedge at humanistsv@gmail.com. Michael R. Edelstein, Ph.D, is a clinical psychologist and author of 4 books, including Three Minute Therapy. He was a patient of, then trained with, Dr. Albert Ellis. Dr. Edelstein has a phone, Skype, and in-person REBT therapy practice. His website is www.ThreeMinuteTherapy.com.

 
 

Humanist Community Forum (2015-02-22): Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) – Dr. Michael R. Edelstein from Humanist Community-SiliconValley on Vimeo.