RSA Daily

For atheists, rationalists and secular humanists in Australia

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Good morning ,

Well, it seems the new platform for RSA Daily got off to a relatively smooth start. Thanks to all readers who took the time to write in and let me know. [BTW, I managed to work out how to fix the date so that it's Australian time, not US time!]

If nothing else, I urge you to acquaint yourself with our fourth article - the one by Jonathan Haidt. This will be a continuing story, as Haidt publishes on Substack drafts of his forthcoming book and invites reader responses. It's not only important substantive content but he's testing out an entirely new way of writing a book. Crazy brave.

Lead stories

Following last week's Q&A, we wrote to Senator Fatima Payman. She had said that it was "for the Christian community out there to decide" whether parliaments should continue with the practice of beginning parliamentary proceedings with Christian worship. No, it's for everyone, including you, Senator. 

A useful primer on the difference between the functions of the pre-frontal cortex (deliberative, effortful thinking) and the basal ganglia (impulsive, habitual actions).

This is interesting. Scotch College has disassociated itself from its Presbyterian Church overlords. Will PLC follow suit?

Jonathan Haidt is writing a new book, differently. He's exposing each draft chapter to the audience, consciously seeking feedback and critique. And then he's answering the criticisms! If nothing else, it's a brave experiment. Where the heck does he find the time??

Other stories of interest

Philosophy: how does 'essentialism' affect sexual diversity?

Emeritus professor of philosophy, Stan van Hooft, claims "debates around transgender people and sexual diversity have been marked by essentialism, a profoundly conservative mindset with deep links to religious and metaphysical dogmatism." Discuss.

Indian students banned or limited as Australian unis crack down on bogus applicants

Not because they are Indian but because they are 'playing the system'.

US: Indian caste as discrimination within

Challening the profoundly discriminatory Indian caste system.

Why the Fox News face-off is the trial of the century

That Dominion defamation trial is begins this week: "On the one side: Fox News, the house organ of a brazen and increasingly anti-democratic movement. On the other: just about everyone appalled at the vulgarity, know-nothingism, bad faith and crypto-fascist tendencies rising on the American right."

Got a comment on any of these stories? Write to me at president@rationalist.com.au

PS: Please let others know about the RSA and RSA Daily. Send them this issue and suggest they subscribe ...

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