Richard C. Pütz

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"What we have to learn to do, we learn by doing." ~ Aristotle

 

  

 

Writing, blogging, podcasting, and teaching are a Labor of Love for Richard.

 

Richard is available for single-session talks, all-day or weekend workshops, business & organizational retreats, coaching, and keynote presentations. Richard will craft a presentation to meet your specific needs.

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Keynotes: Live & Zoom: Got Philosopher?

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(1) Exploring the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Machines, and Human Life 

In 2035, Will we become a society that no longer determines one's self-worth to be based on your career, job, or what you do to earn a living? Will our focus shift to People, Planet, Education, and the Welfare of all Beings? Why your only job that matters is to be HUMAN. 

  

"Technology is Anthropology" 

 

Creating an approach through Cultural Change & Emerging Technology will boldly take Humanity where it never dreamed of going. Are We Ready?

 

Understanding that Technology is Anthropology is an approach to living life as a human. Deciding & Thriving through Cultural Change & Emerging Technology.  Are We Ready to Explore?

 

As we move away from the industrial revolution and to a world where new technologies are boldly taking Humanity where it never dreamed of going, will humanity, organizations, and businesses adapt to the change? What possibilities will change society from the accelerating technological evolution of computers, artificial intelligence, robots, and other surprising technological developments? Do we know how it is happening? Do we understand how technology changes our lives, jobs, society, culture, and even how religion is practiced? We will examine these areas in addition to healthcare, shopping, customer service, and manufacturing. A look into the future and our lives we never thought technology would touch.

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For the 3rd time in the history of humanity, civilization is undergoing a phase change. The 1st was the Agricultural Revolution. The 2nd is the Industrial Revolution. We are now in the midst of an Autonomous Revolution. Do we understand the brutally Darwinian nature of technological evolution? 

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“It does us no good to make fantastic progress if we do not know how to live with it, if we cannot make good use of it, and if, in fact, our technology becomes nothing more than an expensive and complicated way of cultural disintegration." ~ Detrich Bonhoeffer

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(2) Exploring the Essence: Defining Eudaimonia in the Era of Advancing Technology. 

What do the Great Philosophers teach us about understanding the emerging and disruptive technology in our world? At a time when technology is continually advancing, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming foremost in our minds and lives. Have we thought about how these systems advance, and how they gain sophistication and autonomy? Have YOU considered the numerous emerging ethical concerns that require careful consideration — and action by you and the rest of society?

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Eudaimonia is about life lived: As people on a planet we call home, working towards all humans' greater good and prosperity. Decide and Thrive with purpose.

 

We will examine how philosophers during their Sitz im Leben understood change in society and what we can learn today from them and their work.

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This Session is presented as a keynote and can be a workshop for small groups.

 

 

 

Workshops, Continuing education & Retreat Events: Live & Zoom

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(1) "Technology is Anthropology"  is an approach to understanding and knowing what the greater good in society should be as humans experience societal phase change in a world of emerging technology.  A look at The future of work, jobs, and education and their evolution, and what does it mean for future generations? What will be the ethical concerns society will face as AI develops?

 

The format will be the seminar/workshop model. We will use a short slide presentation with critical factors in discussing and understanding the purpose, meaning, and drivers of being human.  How do we know our life’s purpose? Knowing & and understanding our ability to See, Discern, and Act is critical to fulfilling our life purpose.  Philosophy and understanding historical and societal phase change can help us navigate uncertainty, become more resilient, and even live longer, more fulfilled lives. We will discuss and focus on the universal principles found in humans throughout history.  Understanding our life purpose and being able to map them to a combination of those universal values we all share as humans. To find meaning in your life and work, we start by identifying what difference differences make to inspire us to action.

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Eudaimonia cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn, or consumed. Eudaimonia is the human experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude. See-Judge-Act is the tool we use to experience the bringing about of Eudaimonia in our world.  Think eudaimonia: The Art of Organizational Resilience, living the life well lived. 

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As humans, we can change the world. We do it usually through a societal phase change, sometimes through revolution.  This keynote, presentation, or workshop will bring wisdom and know-how to accomplish the change through a societal phase change approach. Think of 'Creating Capabilities.' 

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       (1) After Jesus Before Christianity: Discussion Group & Workshop on early movements

        of the followers of Jesus before 250 AD

 

Have you ever wondered what the early movements of the followers were like? Scholars have come together and produced a book of their work on this period. We will discuss the Six Biggest Breakthroughs of the work, the significance in history, and to Christianity today of the wide variety of wisdom schools, anointed communities, supper clubs, Jesus groups, and political movements before Christianity existed as an organized religion.

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"To gain a good reputation is to be what you desire to appear." ~ Socrates

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Reading & Discussion Groups: The Foundation of Knowing and Understanding

Learning in Public for the Public: Study Groups & Workshops: Live & Zoom

 

"All genuine learning is active, not passive. It involves the use of the mind, not just the memory. It is a discovery process, in which the student is the main agent, not the teacher." ~ Mortimer J Adler

 

We start with great books, leading us to great discussions—this is the heart of learning. Our continuing education seminars and discussion groups foster intellectual curiosity in our education; from conversations around the "Zoom Table," we hope that you share what you learn with others in your community and organization. We start where all learning begins: With Curiosity and Puzzlement, maybe a slight Bewilderment. Together we address the "warm fuzzies and the cold pricklies," trying to answer the question: "Why Bother? Does it make a difference?" So, as adults, is it worth your time, effort, and commitment to "KNOW" why you bother? Over the past forty years, I've learned the importance of "reductio ad absurdum."  

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When we practice and cultivate WISDOM, we work towards the highest standard of a life well-lived; in all contexts of our lives, family, social, and business, we call that Eudaimonia.

 

In our discussion groups, we hope to inspire everyone to see the inner workings of some of history's most brilliant philosophers, scientists, artists, writers, musicians, and more; we strive to think deeply, innovate, discuss intensely, educate, and live boldly through collaboration.

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Eudaimonia transforms cultural and social institutions over time, profoundly impacting society. The Art of Social Phase Change is brought on by the technology of the period. Understanding History/Culture/Politics teach us about patterns, social change, and the meaning of life in the age of autonomous technologies.

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Reading, Book Clubs & Discussion Study Groups & Workshop topics:

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The art of conversation is education and the essence of one's experience, and the purpose of continuing education is to widen our experiences beyond the circumscribed existence of our own daily lives

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• Technology and Culture:  What is Humane Technology? Why does it Matter? What does history teach us?

• Cybersecurity and the Future of the Autonomous Technologies

• The Difference in Being Human and the Difference IT makes

• Ecology, Laudato Si, and Social Justice through the Eyes of See-Judge-Act

• Mystics and Spirituality: A Look at the Path of "You are the Church."

• A Look at World Religions and Meeting the Significant Other

• Why do humans search for meaning in life?

• Do we in the twenty-first century understand the Documents of Vatican II? What is the history behind the movement? See~Jude~Act and the methods developed by Joseph Cardijn.

 

"The greatest evil of our times is the lack of adult education in matters pertaining to religion." ~ Louis J Putz CSC

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Authors, we have found to be stimulating and purposeful for lively Discussion:

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A good book can teach you about the world and about yourself. You learn more than how to read better; you also learn more about life. You become wiser." ~ Mortimer J Adler

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• The Great Books Series

• Martha C. Nussbaum

• Mortimer Adler

• David Bentley Hart

• Adrian Slywotzky

• William Davidow

• Joseph Badaracco 

• Dietrich Bonhoeffer

• Walter Isaacson

• Sean McDonagh

• Diarmuid O'Murchu

• Geoffrey Moore

• Tom Morris

• Richard Rohr

• Karl Rahner

• Teilhard De Chardin

• Thomas Merton

• Thomas Keating

• Ilia Delio

• Robin R. Meyers

• Richard A Clarke

• Viktor Frankl

• C.S. Lewis

• Tom Peters

• Jim Wallis

• William J O'Malley SJ

• Martin Hägglund

• Eli Goldratt

• James Martin, SJ

• Brian D. McLaren

• Don Tapscott

• John Shelby Spong

• Brandon Bernard Scott

• Marcus Borg

• Cyprian Davis

• Dominic Crossan

• Greek and Eastern Philosophers

• New and exciting authors are added throughout the year.

 

"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."  

                                                                                                                               ~ Aristotle, Metaphysics