"Freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly are rights that enable people to share ideas, form new thinking, and join together with others to claim their rights. It is through the exercise of these public freedoms that we make … [Continue reading]
Geoff Keeling contemplates the biological origins of morality and ethics in humans. I recently watched a conversation between WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange, Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Žižek and the American conservative David Horowitz. In … [Continue reading]
James Miller reflects on a particular privilege of those who base their opinions on evidence. This article will end with a question for you all. But first I want to talk about something that I’ve found to be one of the most mentally rejuvenating … [Continue reading]
‘There is no justification ever, for the degrading, the debasing or the exploitation of other human beings – on whatever basis: nationality, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age or caste.’ This statement was made … [Continue reading]
My first novel contained a thought experiment in which a somewhat inept RE teacher finds herself out of a job. Her demise came as a result of one well-meaning but thoughtless response to a vulnerable student, and as I crafted the tale I felt sympathy … [Continue reading]
Matthew Hicks writes on the virtues of scepticism, and on flimsy claims about Jack the Ripper's identity. What would be left of Humanism if religion didn’t exist? It’s a question that is so often asked but is of course a misunderstanding of … [Continue reading]
Screen and stage writer Rob Fraser writes about his humanist heroes: Corrie's Roy and Hayley. True To Character. First, a confession: I am a deeply religious person. I began practising my faith at the age of six which I know many would … [Continue reading]
Another response to the 'spirituality' debate, this time from Alan Rogers. All religions of whatever variety try to find words which imply virtue and special qualities and which are accepted without question. Politicians do the same. American … [Continue reading]
My school was proudly old-fashioned. Questions were viewed with suspicion and contempt, especially in the context of religion. We were not allowed to study RE as a subject, since exposure to a variety of religious views would have ‘confused’ us. … [Continue reading]
Todd Battistelli makes the case for humanists turning to words other than 'spirituality' to describe feelings of wonder and awe. I enjoyed reading Saif Rahman and Jeremy Rodell's essays on spirituality. Even though I don't use the term … [Continue reading]