RSA Daily

For atheists, rationalists and secular humanists in Australia

Monday, June 19, 2023

Good morning ,

Introducing Siming Lan seems to have resonated with a number of you, and this morning I want to introduce another two of my favourites: Steve Woodford of Rationality Rules and philosopher Julian Baggini. 

Despite his rather unattractive hair style (he used to have nice long hair but for some reason decided to go all Viking - yuk), Steve is an extraordinary auto-didact who cut his video teeth on debunking useful idiots with incisive critical thinking tools. This time he takes on the woo-ful Jordan Peterson. 

And then there's Julian, a philosopher somewhat in the tradition of AC Grayling, but without the signature hair style [not sure why hair is featuring this morning ...] Anyway, Julian writes about moral philosophy in accessible language and nearly always has something interesting to say. 

As always, happy to get your feedback. Let me know what you think of these selections and I'm always keen to hear of more recommendations. 

Lead stories

Huge admiration for my colleagues on the board of Dying With Dignity Victoria - Dr Cam McLaren, vice prez Jane Morris are mentioned in this article, but also Dr Nick Carr and prez Hugh Sarjeant. These people have been working away in the background over years and years, knowing first hand the suffering of those nearing end-of-life who are desperate to have the option of VAD (note: it's voluntary assisted dying, not mandatory). Please support them (by joining DWDV, for example).

If you haven't yet 'discovered' Steve Woodford of Rationality Rules, here is a good intro. Steve originally made his reputation with a series of "Debunking" videos, in which he exposes logical fallacies in religious and supernatural arguments. But in this video, he takes on Jordan Peterson's woo and finds some common ground, particularly on the issue of evolutionary morality. Steve's channel is one of the few I support via Patreon.

And another of my favourites: public philosopher Julian Baggini. Includes this great quote from Dan Dennett, defending New Atheists like Richard Dawkins from charges of being shrill: "I listen to all these complaints about rudeness and intemperateness, and the opinion that I come to is that there is no polite way of asking somebody, have you considered the possibility that your entire life has been devoted to a delusion? But that’s a good question to ask… and of course it’s going to offend people. Tough."

And for all my American friends (a put up job, but it is hilarious!)

Other stories of interest

The problem with institutional conscientious objection in our healthcare system - Rationale Magazine

IN which I take issue with the very notion that institutions can exercise conscientious objection. They can't; only individuals can.

Night Owls Tend to Die Sooner.

Are you an owl or a lark? 

Unusual Orca Encounters And Attacks Now Happening Daily

Fightback?

'Not settle, not blink': Crikey boss on the face-off with Lachlan Murdoch

David v Goliath

Got a comment on any of these stories? 

Write to me at president@rationalist.com.au

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