Founding of the Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago

Background. Felix Adler, a German-American professor and social reformer, founded the Ethical Culture movement in 1877. The movement emphasizes the supreme worth of the person and living according to ethical codes. Adler's work drew on moral traditions from 19th-century secular societies in Europe and the United States, aiming to promote humanist behavior.

Founding. The Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago was established in 1882. It was the second Ethical Society founded by Adler, following the New York Society for Ethical Culture, which was the first of its kind. The Chicago society became a significant part of the American Ethical Union, an organization for the advancement of education.

Influence. The Chicago ethical society leader William Salter distributed pamphlets in 1885, stimulating social activity in Great Britain. This influence helped shape the Ethical movement internationally, contributing to the formation of organizations like the British Ethical Union and the American Ethical Union, which co-founded Humanists International.