The Frankfurt School encounters the bare midriff.… Read the rest
Biography: Fact, Fiction, and How to Tell
Mar 12th, 2004 | Filed by Ophelia BensonPerhaps group biographies get at more of the truth than individual ones do.… Read the rest
When in Doubt, Say ‘Racism’
Mar 11th, 2004 | Filed by Ophelia BensonUniversities and teachers argue over new national pay framework.… Read the rest
Islamism and Democracy
Mar 11th, 2004 | Filed by Ophelia BensonDemocracy is one thing, rights are another.… Read the rest
Confusion Over Fusion
Mar 11th, 2004 | Filed by Ophelia BensonScientists fall out over fusion – again.… Read the rest
Bad News
Mar 10th, 2004 11:29 pm | By Ophelia BensonOh, damn. It’s only recently that I saw a bibliographical reference to Susan Moller Okin’s work (I think in one of Martha Nussbaum’s books, but I’m not sure) and read Is Multiculturalism Bad for Women?, but I’ve certainly been leaning heavily on it ever since. I just think it’s an excellent book and argument, that points out a lot of things that get too easily overlooked. I haven’t read her other books but have made a mental note to do so. And now – well damn, that’s all. No more books. That’s a real loss.
And judging by this article it’s a global loss, and a loss that goes beyond the library, too. (Not that I think the library … Read the rest
Susan Moller Okin
Mar 10th, 2004 | Filed by Ophelia BensonNot one we could afford to lose.… Read the rest
The Yuk-factor and Neuroscience
Mar 10th, 2004 | Filed by Ophelia BensonCarl Zimmer on Bush’s Bioethics Council and how emotions work.… Read the rest
The Difference Between Sense and Nonsense
Mar 10th, 2004 | Filed by Ophelia BensonFreeman Dyson reviews a book on pseudoscience.… Read the rest
Leave Those Guinea Pigs Alone!
Mar 10th, 2004 | Filed by Ophelia Benson“Animal rights” activists appeal to the neighbours.… Read the rest
Anti-GM Hysteria Begins
Mar 10th, 2004 | Filed by Ophelia BensonFriends of the Earth, Greenpeace, all the usual suspects, foam at the mouth.… Read the rest
Plain-talking Boots-wearing Reglar Guy
Mar 9th, 2004 11:56 pm | By Ophelia BensonI take the ostrich approach about certain things. Maybe it’s because I’m conserving my irritation-energy in order to use it here – but some sources of irritation I just do my best to ignore. I would ignore people shouting into their cell phones (mobiles) in public if I could, but alas I cannot. I would ignore CNN news on the tv set at the airport if I could, but alas I cannot. I would ignore the nasty music playing in the supermarket and the bookstore if I could, but – you get the idea. But some things I do have control over, some on-off switches I do have access to, and I keep them firmly in the off position. I … Read the rest
Thomas Frank on the Elitism Myth
Mar 9th, 2004 | Filed by Ophelia BensonIn which up is down, out is in, no is yes.… Read the rest
Stanley Milgram Admired ‘Candid Camera’
Mar 9th, 2004 | Filed by Ophelia BensonAllen Funt believed he could reveal how people respond to societal pressures.… Read the rest
Just Making It Up Can Be Risky
Mar 9th, 2004 | Filed by Ophelia BensonClinical psychology ought to be based on research.… Read the rest
Fifty Fifty?
Mar 8th, 2004 7:10 pm | By Ophelia BensonOne question we keep hearing a lot in relation to this discussion of religion is one along the lines of ‘Why bother?’ Why bother to argue about religion, or to analyze it, or to point out weak arguments some of its defenders use? What is the point? Religion is a need, it’s always been there, it’s probably hard-wired, people aren’t going to give it up, arguments are beside the point, you’re wasting your time. Well, one, I’m not entirely sure that’s true. Not in all places and all times, and if not there and then, then not in general either. That is, I think there may be a confusion between what is hard-wired and what is simply heavily reinforced by … Read the rest
What’s the Aramaic for ‘Popcorn’?
Mar 8th, 2004 | Filed by Ophelia BensonA handy lexicon for moviegoers.… Read the rest
67% Chance That God Exists
Mar 8th, 2004 | Filed by Ophelia Benson‘Scientist’ starts from absurd premise and arrives at ridiculous conclusion.… Read the rest
Norm Geras Encounters Some Nonsense
Mar 8th, 2004 | Filed by Ophelia BensonAnd wonders if there’s a way to decide whether it’s right or wrong.… Read the rest