AOF Activities & Events

Once again (last time was, oh, about six years ago), AOF is honored to present Richard Andrew Kowaleski, critical thinker, skeptic, professional stage magician, Rotarian speaker, wry mind, bon vivant and hot ballroom dancer. His topic: Tribalism. What is that?

We have a need to belong. But also, apparently, a need to exclude. This is tribalism, the human tendency to bunch into groups like little dust-bunnies. Whatever group we go to, its characteristics begin to define us. Straying from group norms is dangerous -- it sparks suspicion, anger, worry, curiosity, envy, fear, even admiration. Then if adventurers come home, homeboys may ostracize them, attack them, even welcome them warmly. A paradox. Is this simply another puzzle of human nature? Can we ever get past it?

We are definitely a squirrelly species.

Professor Richard Andrew Kowaleski of California State University, Sacramento, teaches critical thinking at the CSUS Renaissance Society, where he explores the biases that undermine sound decision-making. He is emeritus faculty from Sac State's College of Engineering and Computer Science, and he formerly taught engineering and mathematics courses at the United States Air Force Academy.

Another fine event of the AOF Speaker Series. Damn yeah!