BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Reading Humanists - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://reading.humanist.org.uk X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Reading Humanists REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/London BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20220327T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20221030T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20230326T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20231029T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20240331T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20241027T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20250330T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20251026T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20260329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20261025T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20270328T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20271031T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260317T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260317T213000 DTSTAMP:20260419T174952 CREATED:20260317T163421Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260317T163421Z UID:8049-1773775800-1773783000@reading.humanist.org.uk SUMMARY:From cancel culture to 'non-crime hate incidents': defending free speech DESCRIPTION:Founded in March 2020\, the Free Speech Union now has over 40\,000 members and has helped thousands of them when their right to free expression has been infringed. Whether in the workplace\, at university\, in the pub or online\, attempts to silence people for their opinions have reached astounding levels. The FSU is at the forefront of the fight to restore this fundamental right to its proper place at the heart of democracy. Dr Macvarish will offer insights into the varied work of the FSU: case work\, legal defence\, parliamentary interventions\, campaigning and educational outreach and explain why free speech matters so much. \nDr Jan Macvarish is Education and Events Director of the Free Speech Union. She has been a long-standing advocate for free speech\, organising conferences and campaigns in its defence for over 30 years. Before joining the staff of the Free Speech Union in 2020\, she worked as an academic sociologist\, studying parenting\, family life\, intimacy and reproductive health. She is the author of Neuroparenting: the expert invasion of family life and co-author of Parenting Culture Studies with colleagues at the Centre for Parenting Culture Studies at the University of Kent. \nSubscribe to Reading Humanist newsletter to stay informed of future events https://reading.humanist.org.uk/contact-us/ URL:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/event/from-cancel-culture-to-non-crime-hate-incidents-defending-free-speech/ LOCATION:Reading Quaker Meeting House ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/8049_image_623375242_1317346213781493_2733156150719037894_n.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20231022T095000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20231022T121000 DTSTAMP:20260419T174952 CREATED:20230920T090526Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T184309Z UID:5970-1697968200-1697976600@reading.humanist.org.uk SUMMARY:Reading's Radical Thinkers and Reformers - A Guided Walk DESCRIPTION:From cancel culture to ‘non-crime hate incidents’: defending free speech\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We’re delighted to have Terry Dixon (who organises Terry’s Reading Walkabouts) to give us a guided tour of Reading’s Radical Thinkers and Reformers. Come and join us for a wonderful opportunity to find out about some of the people from Reading who have made significant contributions to making the world a better place. All Welcome. \nTerry will provide us with a guided walk of 1.8 miles through Reading town centre\, lasting about 2 hours. Along the way he’ll talk about some of the radical thinkers and reformers who have lived in Reading over the years. Some of them you may know\, others will likely surprise you. All of them have made a difference in the world! \nTerry organises historical guided walks of Reading on a regular basis. They are all well researched and provide a fascinating insight into the history of Reading and its people. You can find out more about Terry’s other walks on his Facebook Page: Terry’s Reading Walkabouts \nWe’ll meet at 9.50 am on Sunday 22nd October at Talbot House\, 55 Castle Street\, Reading RG1 7SN. The walk will end at the Museum of Rural Life where we’ll be able to have a drink and some lunch if you wish. You’ll also be to talk to Terry about the people he covered on the walk\, and his other walks too. Please bring a cash donation of £5 or £10 per person. Proceeds will go to Terry’s choice of charity: The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity. \nNote that you are required to register for this event as there is limit of 20 attendees. \n \n Register to attend on Meetup: Reading's Radical Thinkers and Reformers - A Guided Walk\n \n \n \n \n \n Tags: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nReading Humanists Meetup Events \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 17 \n \n \n \n From cancel culture to ‘non-crime hate incidents’: defending free speech \n Reading Quaker Meeting House\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 25 \n \n \n \n Lunchtime Discussion Group – The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n The Old Bell\, Grazeley\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 26 \n \n \n \n Online Dinnertime Discussion Group: The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n Online Event URL:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/event/readings-radical-thinkers-and-reformers-a-guided-walk/ LOCATION:Talbot House\, 55 Castle Street\, Reading\, RG1 7SN\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Social Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Readings-Radical-Thinkers-and-Reformers.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Reading Humanists":MAILTO:reading@humanistgroups.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20231003T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20231003T213000 DTSTAMP:20260419T174952 CREATED:20230928T103759Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T184315Z UID:5986-1696361400-1696368600@reading.humanist.org.uk SUMMARY:Is Religion the Opium of the People? DESCRIPTION:From cancel culture to ‘non-crime hate incidents’: defending free speech\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Karl Marx famously described religion as the “Opium of the People”. Was he right? Join us for a discussion of the nature of religion\, how did it come about\, and what role has it played in society. \nMarx asserted that: \nReligious distress is at the same time the expression of real distress and the protest against real distress. Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature\, the heart of a heartless world\, just as it is the spirit of a spiritless situation. It is the opium of the people.\nThe abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is required for their real happiness. The demand to give up the illusions about its condition is the demand to give up a condition which needs illusions. The criticism of religion is therefore in embryo the criticism of the vale of woe\, the halo of which is religion.\n\nAlan Montgomery\, chair of Reading Humanists\, will lead a discission of whether this holds true\, or if there is another way to understand religion. \n  \n \n Register to attend on Meetup: Is Religion the Opium of the People?\n \n \n \n \n \n Tags: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nReading Humanists Meetup Events \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 17 \n \n \n \n From cancel culture to ‘non-crime hate incidents’: defending free speech \n Reading Quaker Meeting House\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 25 \n \n \n \n Lunchtime Discussion Group – The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n The Old Bell\, Grazeley\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 26 \n \n \n \n Online Dinnertime Discussion Group: The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n Online Event URL:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/event/is-religion-the-opium-of-the-people/ LOCATION:Reading Friends Meeting House\, 2 Church Street\, Reading\, RG1 2SB\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Speaker Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Is-Religion-the-Opium-of-the-People.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Reading Humanists":MAILTO:reading@humanistgroups.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230925T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230925T193000 DTSTAMP:20260419T174952 CREATED:20230730T131422Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T184322Z UID:5065-1695670200-1695670200@reading.humanist.org.uk SUMMARY:Book Club: Hex by Jenni Fagan DESCRIPTION:From cancel culture to ‘non-crime hate incidents’: defending free speech\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our next book choice is Hex by Jenni Fagan. It’s a work of historical fiction re-telling the true story of Geillis Duncan who was hanged as a witch in Edinburgh in 1591. \nIT’S THE 4TH OF DECEMBER 1591.On this\, the last night of her life\, in a prison cell several floors below Edinburgh’s High Street\, convicted witch Geillis Duncan receives a mysterious visitor – Iris\, who says she comes from a future where women are still persecuted for who they are and what they believe.As the hours pass and dawn approaches\, Geillis recounts the circumstances of her arrest\, brutal torture\, confession and trial\, while Iris offers support\, solace – and the tantalising prospect of escape. \nHex is a visceral depiction of what happens when a society is consumed by fear and superstition\, exploring how the terrible force of a king’s violent crusade against ordinary women can still be felt\, right up to the present day. \n \n Register on Meetup for Book Club: Hex by Jenni Fagan\n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews\n \n \n \n \n \n The Scotsman – Book review: Hex\, by Jenni Fagan \nGoodreads: Hex by Jenni Fagan \n  \n  \n  \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n Tags: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nReading Humanists Meetup Events \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 17 \n \n \n \n From cancel culture to ‘non-crime hate incidents’: defending free speech \n Reading Quaker Meeting House\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 25 \n \n \n \n Lunchtime Discussion Group – The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n The Old Bell\, Grazeley\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 26 \n \n \n \n Online Dinnertime Discussion Group: The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n Online Event\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Details\nWednesday 19th July 2023 - Sum by David EaglemanWe’ll be discussing the widely acclaimed Sum: Forty tales from the afterlives by David Eagleman at our next book club meeting. Join us for a lively and stimulating discussion with like-minded people in a relaxed atmosphere.https://reading.humanist.org.uk/event/book-club-sum-by-david-eagleman/\n \n \n \n \n \n Event Details\nWednesday 19th July 2023 - Sum by David EaglemanWe’ll be discussing the widely acclaimed Sum: Forty tales from the afterlives by David Eagleman at our next book club meeting. Join us for a lively and stimulating discussion with like-minded people in a relaxed atmosphere.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nReading Humanists Meetup Events \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 17 \n \n \n \n From cancel culture to ‘non-crime hate incidents’: defending free speech \n Reading Quaker Meeting House\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 25 \n \n \n \n Lunchtime Discussion Group – The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n The Old Bell\, Grazeley\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 26 \n \n \n \n Online Dinnertime Discussion Group: The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n Online Event URL:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/event/book-club-hex-by-jenni-fagan/ LOCATION:Turks Head\, 31 London Street\, Reading\, RG1 5BJ\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Book Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Hex-by-Jenni-Fagan-Meetup-.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Reading Humanists":MAILTO:reading@humanistgroups.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230921T123000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230921T143000 DTSTAMP:20260419T174952 CREATED:20230904T212335Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T185431Z UID:5931-1695299400-1695306600@reading.humanist.org.uk SUMMARY:Lunchtime Debating Club - September 2023 DESCRIPTION:From cancel culture to ‘non-crime hate incidents’: defending free speech\n \n \n \n Read the articles being discussed at the Lunchtime Debating Club \n \n \n \n \n \n Dine\, Discuss\, and Debate in a friendly environment! \nJoin us for our popular Lunchtime debating Club for an afternoon of friendly conversation whilst dining at a local restaurant. \nOur next meeting will discuss two articles: \n\nIs Preaching Ever the Right Thing to Do? by Nick Green\nNaming Secular Liberal Humanism by Roger Heppleston\n\nThe topics we’ll be discussing can be seen on the Reading Humanists web page: Debating Club – Reading Humanists. You can also read previous contributions and make comments to join in the discussion. \nWe’ll be informally discussing ideas about human progress\, social issues\, and human fallibility. If you’re open minded\, enjoy a good debate\, and interested to learn from the ideas of others\, come along to dine and discuss in a local pub. We believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute to the conversation and we would love for you to be a part of it. \nThe discussion will cover any socially relevant issue. Participants will decide on the topics for discussion based on their interests. From evolution to anthropology\, from economics to psychology\, from the environment to . . . anything that catches your interest. \nIf you want to contribute\, we’d ask you to prepare something that has fired up your imagination. Contributions might be sharing ideas from a book or article you’ve read\, or simply an idea that you’ve researched. Individuals will submit a written summary of their idea before the meal. \nOn the day\, the group will question\, debate\, and assess the implications. If you want to come along to listen and comment\, that’s fine too. The aim is to engage a group of like-minded people who enjoy understanding and challenging each other’s ideas. \n​ \n \n Register to attend on Meetup: Lunchtime Debating Club - August 2023\n \n \n \n \n \n Tags: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nReading Humanists Meetup Events \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 17 \n \n \n \n From cancel culture to ‘non-crime hate incidents’: defending free speech \n Reading Quaker Meeting House\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 25 \n \n \n \n Lunchtime Discussion Group – The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n The Old Bell\, Grazeley\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 26 \n \n \n \n Online Dinnertime Discussion Group: The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n Online Event URL:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/event/lunchtime-debating-club-september-2023/ LOCATION:The Shinfield Arms\, Shinfield Road\, Reading\, RG2 9BP\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Debating Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2023-09-21-Lunchtime-Debate-Club.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230919T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230919T213000 DTSTAMP:20260419T174952 CREATED:20230901T174151Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T184337Z UID:5782-1695151800-1695159000@reading.humanist.org.uk SUMMARY:Humanists UK - How It's Making a Difference for Humanists DESCRIPTION:Meeting Cancelled\nRichy Thompson has unfortunately come down with a fever overnight and is unable to join us in Reading. So\, our meeting tonight will not take place. We will try to rearrange the meeting. Apologies to those who had planned to attend tonight. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n From cancel culture to ‘non-crime hate incidents’: defending free speech\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humanists UK works tirelessly to change UK public policy and laws where these adversely affect the non-religious. Richy Thompson is their Director of Public Affairs. He’s a member of the steering groups of Voice for Choice and the Assisted Dying Coalition\, the Accord Coalition for inclusive education\, and humanist representative and Vice Chair of Lambeth Standing Advisory Council on RE. \nRichy will discuss the lobbying and campaigning Humanists UK does on behalf of Humanists in the UK\, highlighting past successes and current challenges. \nCome along\, or Zoom in\, to: \n\nLearn the range of policy issues Humanists UK works on\nQuiz Richy about the chosen policy areas and campaigns\nFind out what Reading Humanists can do to help.\n\nRichy has proven himself a formidable campaigner\, achieving widespread media coverage and significant policy change. He’s a great champion of Humanism in action. \n \n Register to attend on Meetup: Humanists UK - How It's Making a Difference for Humanists\n \n \n \n \n \n Tags: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nReading Humanists Meetup Events \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 17 \n \n \n \n From cancel culture to ‘non-crime hate incidents’: defending free speech \n Reading Quaker Meeting House\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 25 \n \n \n \n Lunchtime Discussion Group – The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n The Old Bell\, Grazeley\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 26 \n \n \n \n Online Dinnertime Discussion Group: The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n Online Event URL:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/event/5782/ LOCATION:Reading Friends Meeting House\, 2 Church Street\, Reading\, RG1 2SB\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Speaker Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2023-09-19-Richy-Thompson-Cancelled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Reading Humanists":MAILTO:reading@humanistgroups.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230831T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230831T220000 DTSTAMP:20260419T174952 CREATED:20230810T112716Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T184346Z UID:5588-1693508400-1693519200@reading.humanist.org.uk SUMMARY:Summer Pub Social DESCRIPTION:From cancel culture to ‘non-crime hate incidents’: defending free speech\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Come and join Reading Humanists for a Summer Pub Social. This is an open event\, all welcome. It’s an opportunity to meet and discuss with like-minded people in a relaxed and friendly environment. \nWe’ll be meeting at 7.00 pm at Reading Station and walking 1.7 miles along the River Thames to The Fisherman’s Cottage on Kennet Side. \nFor those who don’t wish to join the walk\, you can go straight to The Fisherman’s Cottage from 7.30 pm. The walkers will meet you there. \n \n Register on Meetup for Summer Pub Social\n \n \n \n \n \n Tags: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nReading Humanists Meetup Events \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 17 \n \n \n \n From cancel culture to ‘non-crime hate incidents’: defending free speech \n Reading Quaker Meeting House\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 25 \n \n \n \n Lunchtime Discussion Group – The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n The Old Bell\, Grazeley\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 26 \n \n \n \n Online Dinnertime Discussion Group: The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n Online Event URL:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/event/summer-pub-social/ LOCATION:The Fisherman’s Cottage\, Kennet Side\, Reading\, RG1 3DW\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Social Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Summer-Social-Walk-and-Pub.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Reading Humanists":MAILTO:reading@humanistgroups.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230823T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230823T193000 DTSTAMP:20260419T174952 CREATED:20230812T163534Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T185647Z UID:5618-1692819000-1692819000@reading.humanist.org.uk SUMMARY:Evening Debating Club - August 2023 DESCRIPTION:From cancel culture to ‘non-crime hate incidents’: defending free speech\n \n \n \n Read the articles being discussed at the Lunchtime Debating Club \n \n \n \n \n \n “It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.” Joseph Joubert \nDine\, Discuss\, and Debate in a friendly environment! \nFollowing the success of our Lunchtime Debating Club in Reading we’ve agreed to hold an evening event in Windsor. Come along and join in the discussion. \nAt our next meeting we’ll be discussing the following articles: \n\nThe Evolutionary Origins of Morality by David Good\nWhy do the increasing levels of inequality in the Western World present a threat to political stability? by Roger Heppleston\n\nIf you would like to join us\, or to know more about the Debating Club\, please email Reading Humanists at reading@humanistgroups.org.uk. \nAbout Debating Club \nThe topics we’ll be discussing can be seen on the Reading humanists web page: Debating Club – Reading Humanists. You can also read previous contributions and make comments to join in the discussion. \nWe’ll be informally discussing ideas about human progress\, social issues\, and human fallibility. If you’re open minded\, enjoy a good debate\, and interested to learn from the ideas of others\, come along to dine and discuss in a local pub. We believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute to the conversation and we would love for you to be a part of it. \nThe discussion will cover any socially relevant issue. Participants will decide on the topics for discussion based on their interests. From evolution to anthropology\, from economics to psychology\, from the environment to . . . anything that catches your interest. \nIf you want to contribute\, we’d ask you to prepare something that has fired up your imagination. Contributions might be sharing ideas from a book or article you’ve read\, or simply an idea that you’ve researched. Individuals will submit a written summary of their idea before the meal. \nOn the day\, the group will question\, debate\, and assess the implications. If you want to come along to listen and comment\, that’s fine too. The aim is to engage a group of like-minded people who enjoy understanding and challenging each other’s ideas. \n \n Register to attend on Meetup: Lunchtime Debating Club - August 2023\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nReading Humanists Meetup Events \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 17 \n \n \n \n From cancel culture to ‘non-crime hate incidents’: defending free speech \n Reading Quaker Meeting House\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 25 \n \n \n \n Lunchtime Discussion Group – The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n The Old Bell\, Grazeley\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 26 \n \n \n \n Online Dinnertime Discussion Group: The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n Online Event URL:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/event/evening-debating-club-august-2023/ LOCATION:Cote Brasserie Windsor\, 71-72 High Street\, Eton\, SL4 6AA\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Debating Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-08-23-Debating-Club-Windsor-Cote.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230809T123000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230809T143000 DTSTAMP:20260419T174952 CREATED:20230718T205403Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T190042Z UID:3703-1691584200-1691591400@reading.humanist.org.uk SUMMARY:Lunchtime Debating Club - August 2023 DESCRIPTION:From cancel culture to ‘non-crime hate incidents’: defending free speech\n \n \n \n Read the articles being discussed at the Lunchtime Debating Club \n \n \n \n \n \n “It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.” Joseph Joubert \nDine\, Discuss\, and Debate in a friendly environment! \nOur first Lunchtime Debating Club was a great success\, and we’ve agreed to hold meetings regularly on the second Wednesday of the month. If you would like to join us\, or to know more about the Lunchtime Debating Club\, please email David Good at reading@humanistgroups.org.uk. \nThe topics we’ll be discussing can be seen on the Reading humanists web page: Lunchtime Debating Club – Reading Humanists. You can also read previous contributions and make comments to join in the discussion. \nWe’ll be informally discussing ideas about human progress\, social issues\, and human fallibility. If you’re open minded\, enjoy a good debate\, and interested to learn from the ideas of others\, come along to dine and discuss in a local pub. We believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute to the conversation and we would love for you to be a part of it. \nThe discussion will cover any socially relevant issue. Participants will decide on the topics for discussion based on their interests. From evolution to anthropology\, from economics to psychology\, from the environment to . . . anything that catches your interest. \nQuestions we’ve been considering include: \n\n1.5 ⁰C is coming\, why aren’t we panicking?\nHow are humans able to form large scale societies?\nAre democracies capable of addressing long term issues?\nHow do we confirm ideas that we’ve read about?\nCan society bear the cost of an ageing population?\nHow does progress fit with environmental challenges?\nWhy are we all so concerned about Philip Schofield?\n\nIf you want to contribute\, we’d ask you to prepare something that has fired up your imagination. Contributions might be sharing ideas from a book or article you’ve read\, or simply an idea that you’ve researched. Individuals will submit a written summary of their idea before the meal. On the day\, the group will question\, debate\, and assess the implications. If you want to come along to listen and comment\, that’s fine too. The aim is to engage a group of like-minded people who enjoy understanding and challenging each other’s ideas. \n \n Register to attend on Meetup: Lunchtime Debating Club - August 2023\n \n \n \n \n \n Tags: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nReading Humanists Meetup Events \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 17 \n \n \n \n From cancel culture to ‘non-crime hate incidents’: defending free speech \n Reading Quaker Meeting House\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 25 \n \n \n \n Lunchtime Discussion Group – The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n The Old Bell\, Grazeley\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 26 \n \n \n \n Online Dinnertime Discussion Group: The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n Online Event URL:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/event/lunchtime-debating-club-august-2023/ LOCATION:The Shinfield Arms\, Shinfield Road\, Reading\, RG2 9BP\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Debating Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Lunchtime-Debate-Club-Meetup.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230719T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230719T213000 DTSTAMP:20260419T174952 CREATED:20230620T124323Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T184448Z UID:2550-1689795000-1689802200@reading.humanist.org.uk SUMMARY:Book Club: Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman DESCRIPTION:From cancel culture to ‘non-crime hate incidents’: defending free speech\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We’ll be discussing the widely acclaimed Sum: Forty tales from the afterlives by David Eagleman at our book club meeting on Wednesday 19th July. Join us for a lively and stimulating discussion with like-minded people in a relaxed atmosphere. \nDavid Eagleman is a world-renowned neuroscientist. His novel Sum uses the idea of the afterlife to explore the human condition. \nAt once funny\, wistful and unsettling\, Sum is a dazzling exploration of unexpected afterlives—each presented as a vignette that offers a stunning lens through which to see ourselves in the here and now. In one afterlife\, you may find that God is the size of a microbe and unaware of your existence. In another version\, you work as a background character in other people’s dreams. Or you may find that God is a married couple\, or that the universe is running backward\, or that you are forced to live out your afterlife with annoying versions of who you could have been. With a probing imagination and deep understanding of the human condition\, acclaimed neuroscientist David Eagleman offers wonderfully imagined tales that shine a brilliant light on the here and now. \n \n Register on Meetup for Book Club: Sum by David Eagleman\n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews\n \n \n \n \n \n Goodreads: Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by Davi Eagleman \nThe Guardian: Do you really want to come back as a horse? \n  \n  \n  \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n Tags: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nReading Humanists Meetup Events \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 17 \n \n \n \n From cancel culture to ‘non-crime hate incidents’: defending free speech \n Reading Quaker Meeting House\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 25 \n \n \n \n Lunchtime Discussion Group – The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n The Old Bell\, Grazeley\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 26 \n \n \n \n Online Dinnertime Discussion Group: The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n Online Event URL:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/event/book-club-sum-by-david-eagleman/ LOCATION:Turks Head\, 31 London Street\, Reading\, RG1 5BJ\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Book Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Sum-by-David-Eagleman.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Reading Humanists":MAILTO:reading@humanistgroups.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230712T123000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230712T143000 DTSTAMP:20260419T174952 CREATED:20230704T144544Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T190224Z UID:2823-1689165000-1689172200@reading.humanist.org.uk SUMMARY:Lunchtime Debating Club - July 2023 DESCRIPTION:Register to attend on Meetup: Lunchtime Debating Club - July 2023\n \n \n \n \n \n “It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.” Joseph Joubert \nDine\, Discuss\, and Debate in a friendly environment! \nRoger Heppleston and David Good would like to invite all humanists in Berks\, Bucks and Oxen to join us for a regular lunchtime meetup. We’ll be informally discussing ideas about human progress\, social issues\, and human fallibility. If you’re open minded\, enjoy a good debate\, and interested to learn from the ideas of others\, come along to dine and discuss in a local pub. We believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute to the conversation and we would love for you to be a part of it. \nThe discussion will cover any socially relevant issue. Participants will decide on the topics for discussion based on their interests. From evolution to anthropology\, from economics to psychology\, from the environment to . . . anything that catches your interest. \nQuestions we’ve been considering include: \n\n1.5 ⁰C is coming\, why aren’t we panicking?\nHow are humans able to form large scale societies?\nAre democracies capable of addressing long term issues?\nHow do we confirm ideas that we’ve read about?\nCan society bear the cost of an ageing population?\nHow does progress fit with environmental challenges?\nWhy are we all so concerned about Philip Schofield?\n\nIf you want to contribute\, we’d ask you to prepare something that has fired up your imagination. Contributions might be sharing ideas from a book or article you’ve read\, or simply an idea that you’ve researched. Individuals will submit a written summary of their idea before the meal. On the day\, the group will question\, debate\, and assess the implications. If you want to come along to listen and comment\, that’s fine too. The aim is to engage a group of like-minded people who enjoy understanding and challenging each other’s ideas. \nWe are planning to have our first meeting on Wednesday 12th July at 12.30 pm\, and monthly after that. If you would like to join us\, or to know more about the Lunchtime Debating Club\, please email David Good at reading@humanistgroups.org.uk. \n \n Read the articles being discussed at the Lunchtime Debating Club \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nReading Humanists Meetup Events \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 17 \n \n \n \n From cancel culture to ‘non-crime hate incidents’: defending free speech \n Reading Quaker Meeting House\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 25 \n \n \n \n Lunchtime Discussion Group – The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n The Old Bell\, Grazeley\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 26 \n \n \n \n Online Dinnertime Discussion Group: The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n Online Event URL:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/event/lunchtime-debating-club-23-07/ LOCATION:The Shinfield Arms\, Shinfield Road\, Reading\, RG2 9BP\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Debating Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Lunchtime-Debate-Club.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230704T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230704T213000 DTSTAMP:20260419T174952 CREATED:20230620T123407Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T184526Z UID:2540-1688499000-1688506200@reading.humanist.org.uk SUMMARY:Artificial Intelligence in the 21st century DESCRIPTION:Meetup: Artificial Intelligence in the 21st century\n \n \n \n \n \n Does AI (Artificial Intelligence) represent a threat\, not only to white collar workers and professionals\, but now also to artists? Or does it represent a unique opportunity to create and innovate using new AI tools? Should we be scared or excited about the changes this new technology will bring? \nJohn Barron will talk about how he has used ChatGP to write a beautifully illustrated children’s book recently. The text and illustrations in the book were all created by AI with suitable edits by John. But by his own admission\, not much. \nJohn believes AI will have more impact on our lives than the internet already has. Come along to find out how John has produced this remarkable book using AI and join in the discussion. Are you scared or excited? \nJohn Barron is a retired computer scientist\, a fellow humanist\, and a keen advocate for AI and future technologies. He will explain what AI is\, explore what it can do\, and explain some of its challenges – along with a demonstration or two. \nAll are welcome. \nJohn’s book can be found here – Fae (paperback) (lulu.com) \n  URL:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/event/artificial-intelligence-in-the-21st-century/ LOCATION:Reading Friends Meeting House\, 2 Church Street\, Reading\, RG1 2SB\, United Kingdom ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Artificial-Intelligence-in-the-21st-century-John-Barron.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Reading Humanists":MAILTO:reading@humanistgroups.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230628T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230628T213000 DTSTAMP:20260419T174952 CREATED:20230620T105409Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T184517Z UID:2479-1687980600-1687987800@reading.humanist.org.uk SUMMARY:Why were British humanists so confident in the 1960s? DESCRIPTION:Meetup: Why were British humanists so confident in the 1960s?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\nWe’re extremely excited to have Professor Callum Brown present to our first online Humanists in Berkshire* session. Callum is one of the authors of the recently published book\, The Humanist Movement in Modern Britain\, and a leading historian of secularisation and humanism in Britain. He will be discussing one of themes from the book: Why were British humanists so confident in the 1960s? \nThe sixties were witness to a burst of humanist enthusiasm\, vigour\, and success. However\, this was quickly lost in the early 1970s\, as the movement entered a decline that lasted almost 30 years. This talk looks at what makes for success for the movement\, and what makes for catastrophe. It brings the story into the 21st century when the growth and diversity have been unprecedented and looks to lessons for the local humanist group as well as a national movement. \nCallum Brown has been a professor of history at three universities\, currently at the University of Glasgow\, and the author of 12 research monographs\, most on secularisation but also on how people come to humanism\, the history of the humanist movement\, and what the demographics of people without religion look like. His publications and interests are listed in detail at University of Glasgow – Professor Callum Brown. He is currently writing a book on the lead role of humanists in the ethical transition of Britain from conservatism to liberalism between 1930 and 1980. \n* Humanists in Berkshire is a joint activity of Reading Humanists and Windsor Humanists to address a wide audience across Berkshire \n\n\n\n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nReading Humanists Meetup Events \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 17 \n \n \n \n From cancel culture to ‘non-crime hate incidents’: defending free speech \n Reading Quaker Meeting House\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 25 \n \n \n \n Lunchtime Discussion Group – The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n The Old Bell\, Grazeley\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 26 \n \n \n \n Online Dinnertime Discussion Group: The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n Online Event URL:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/event/why-were-british-humanists-so-confident-in-the-1960s/ LOCATION:Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Why-were-British-humanists-so-confident-in-the-1960s.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230606T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230606T213000 DTSTAMP:20260419T174952 CREATED:20230620T133044Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T184507Z UID:2610-1686079800-1686087000@reading.humanist.org.uk SUMMARY:Think for yourself: Freethought from the Greeks to today DESCRIPTION:Meetup: Think for yourself: Freethought from the Greeks to today\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\nHow important is it to think for yourself? \nSocrates was executed in 399 BC because he questioned Athenian views about the gods and morality. The history of daring to criticise mainstream opinion\, especially in matters of religion\, is a defining feature of the intellectual development of the West. Through historical and contemporary examples including Socrates\, Shelley\, Charles Bradlaugh and Salman Rushdie\, Emma Park will consider the importance of thinking for yourself\, of learned uncertainty and liberating doubt\, to the flourishing of the individual and wider society – and the place of the Freethinker in all this. \nEmma Park is the editor of The Freethinker\, the online magazine of freethought\, open enquiry and irreverence. Founded in 1881\, it has a long history of challenging religious privilege. Emma became editor in 2022 and has relaunched the magazine as “culturally liberal\, politically unaligned\, and sceptical of all forms of ideological tyranny”. \nFor those unable to make the event in person\, it will also be available via zoom:Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81773180925?pwd=cWt2ZHdNYVpla0I4bG5kYmhmZTlrZz09Meeting ID: 817 7318 0925Passcode: 140049 \n\n\n\n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nReading Humanists Meetup Events \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 17 \n \n \n \n From cancel culture to ‘non-crime hate incidents’: defending free speech \n Reading Quaker Meeting House\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 25 \n \n \n \n Lunchtime Discussion Group – The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n The Old Bell\, Grazeley\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mar\n 26 \n \n \n \n Online Dinnertime Discussion Group: The Implications of Artificial Intelligence \n Online Event URL:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/event/think-for-yourself-freethought-from-the-greeks-to-today/ LOCATION:Reading Friends Meeting House\, 2 Church Street\, Reading\, RG1 2SB\, United Kingdom ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://reading.humanist.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Think-for-Yourself-Emma-Park-2.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Reading Humanists":MAILTO:reading@humanistgroups.org.uk END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR