Outrage over the hijacking of human rights discourse shaded into contempt for the concept of human rights.… Read the rest
Welcome to our archive of news stories relevant to the project of fighting fashionable nonsense. The stories are drawn from the electronic pages of the world’s media. On this page, you’ll find links to those stories that have been featured on Butterflies and Wheels during the current year. At the bottom of the page, you’ll find links to separate archives of stories from previous years.
We’re always pleased to hear about news stories that you think should be featured on Butterflies and Wheels. Just send an email here, if you want to point one out to us.
A note about links
Inevitably links go out of date. We suggest, therefore, that you make hard-copies of the stories that particularly interest you.
There is Nothing Honourable in Honour Killing 
Sep 9th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
In the Arab world a minority of preachers justify these sickening acts in mosques and phone-in shows. … Read the rest
Ahmedinejad’s New Enemy: Women
Sep 9th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Last month Ahmadinejad presented a draft bill designed to ‘re-Islamicize’ the status of women. … Read the rest
Padraig Reidy on Offended Bullies
Sep 9th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Not since Mary Whitehouse has the religious right been so confident in its right to stifle debate.… Read the rest
Madeleine Bunting Defends ‘Faith’ Schools
Sep 8th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
People want children to grow up with ‘broadly Christian values’ – but what are they?… Read the rest
How Do They Know?
Sep 8th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Those people who know what God wants – where do they get their information?… Read the rest
People Worry About Trivia
Sep 8th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Football on Sunday – worry worry worry.… Read the rest
Texas Science Teachers Walk on Eggshells
Sep 8th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The policy of promoting ID as science was thwarted in Pennsylvania, but may reappear in Texas.… Read the rest
Review of Ron Aronson’s Living Without God
Sep 8th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
We need a morality which, without belief in a supreme being, allows us to confront the daily problems of our lived lives.… Read the rest
Despair Over ‘Honour’ Killings in Pakistan
Sep 7th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Girl forced into marriage with 45-year-old man at age 9 killed by her parents when she sought annulment.… Read the rest
Buried Alive?
Sep 7th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The incident in Balochistan, where 5 women were reportedly buried alive, has finally created a national furore.… Read the rest
Autism and Vaccines: Bad Logic v Science
Sep 7th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Correlation does not imply causation, but the human mind has trouble believing that.… Read the rest
Evolutionists Flock To Darwin-Shaped Wall Stain
Sep 6th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Pilgrims from as far away as Berkeley’s paleoanthropology department have flocked to the site.… Read the rest
Sue Blackmore on Opening Minds
Sep 6th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
If someone really understands how natural selection works, all previous ideas are thrown up in the air.
The key is not evidence but understanding. … Read the rest
Polly Toynbee on ‘Faith’ Schools
Sep 6th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Years of Labour handwringing over cohesion hardly squares with dividing children by religion.… Read the rest
More From Ben’s Book: Medicalisation of Life
Sep 5th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Alt therapists, media, big pharma all sell us bio-medical explanations for problems that are social or personal.… Read the rest
Ben’s Placebo Programme on Radio 4
Sep 5th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Studies suggest that the placebo effect can have a significant impact on the course of a wide range of illnesses.… Read the rest
Duck on the Menu
Sep 5th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Julian Baggini’s new book, expanding ‘Bad Moves’ column, is now published.… Read the rest
AC Grayling Deals With Steve Fuller
Sep 5th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Fuller seems to forget Popper’s killer point, namely, a theory that explains everything explains nothing.… Read the rest
From Ben Goldacre’s New Book
Sep 5th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Journalists and editors have finally demonstrated that they can pose a serious risk to public health.… Read the rest
