"Reason Versus Reality in Today's World"

With

Thomas Paine* (Ian Ruskin)

Dr. Linda Handelman* (Professor of Philosophy)

and a Surprise Guest

Sunday, September 9, 2018

7:00 -- 9:00 p.m.

...

Historic Castle Green

99 S. Raymond Avenue

Pasadena, CA 91105

A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom. But the tumult soon subsides. Time makes more converts than reason. -Thomas Paine

Join Thomas Paine, Professor Linda Handelman and a Special Guest from the past, for a much needed discussion of the topic on everyone's mind today: How can we discern truth from fiction?

In a world of instant information, filled with contradictory claims about every topic--from politics to health, to the environment, it has become difficult to know what to believe. In this Town Hall we will explore ways that we, as ordinary citizens, can acquire knowledge about the world around us that can be applied with confidence in our personal and public lives. Are there "self-evident" truths, immutable and eternal, like those described in the Declaration of Independence? Are there "Laws of Nature"--also described in that document--that can be followed? Is it possible to have a public dialogue about the important political issues we face today based on truth and reason or are we now in the Age of Unreason?

*Dr. Linda Handelman, is a recently retired professor of philosophy. She founded the Philosopher-Citizen Institute at Pasadena City College, bringing students and the public together to create environments where people can think clearly and carefully about complex social issues. "We foster civil discourse and balanced thinking in an atmosphere of respect and dignity."

*Ian Ruskin, is a producer, writer and actor who has worked extensively in theatre, television and film in England and Los Angeles. Author of the play, To Begin the World Over Again: the Life of Thomas Paine, the film version, which was directed by legendary filmmaker Haskell Wexler, has aired for two years on PBS.

Tickets: $5 suggested donation at the door.

Thomas Paine Society is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization with a mission to educate the public about the life and works of Thomas Paine