Stoicism updated; Unbelief survey; Productivity Cm submission

Published: Sat, 02/10/24

RSA Daily

For atheists, rationalists and secular humanists in Australia

Monday, February 12, 2024

Rationale, the magazine of the Rationalist Society of Australia

Good morning ,

This morning, a fabulous summary of how the ancient philosophy of Stoicism could/should be updated to account for 2000 of scientific inquiry. One has to wonder how the (Western) world would have evolved if Christianity had not been imposed as a state religion in the 4th century CE and instead Stoicism had become the mainstream system of beliefs. Please do take the time to read our Lead Story - it encapsulated what I think is a comprehensive and satisfying worldview.

And speaking of worldviews - in our second Lead Story, a little exercise for you. A researcher is seeking Australians to respond to her project on Understanding Unbelief. Please consider.

Suggestion: Read Pigliucci first and only after that, do the survey!

Lead stories

From ancient to new Stoicism: VII-Some modest suggestions

From one of my favourite biologists-turned-philiosophers, Massimo Pigliucci, a simply brilliant (and relatively short) essay (about 10 mins) on where he thinks the original Stoicism got it right and where, with modern scientific knowledge, it could be improved upon.

How non-religious worldviews provide solace in times of crisis

With the number of declared 'non-believers' growing worldwide, researchers sought to discover what…

Dr Valerie van Mulukom from Oxford-Brookes university in the UK is researching Understanding Unbelief. The first stage of her research concluded, "the six most common [unbelief] beliefs and worldviews were those based on science, humanism (or belief in humanity and human ability), critical thinking and scepticism (including rationalism), being kind and caring for one another, and beliefs in equality and natural laws (including evolution)."

Now, she's seeking people like you and me to respond to a second survey. I just did it and it takes about 15-20 minutes. Some demographic questions first, then 128 statements about worldviews to which you indicate your level of agreement (from strongly disagree to strongly agree). Bit SBNR for my liking (spiritual but not religious) but worth doing ...

Do the survey on secular worldviews

Other stories of interest

RSA urges Productivity Commission to reconsider position on ‘advancing religion’

In its draft report on reviewing charity rules, the PC has ruled out deleting the outdated 'Advancing Religion' head of charity. But we are urging the Cm to consider adding 'Advancing Non-Religious Worldviews' like atheism, humanism, and rationalism (read out submission here). Only fair, don't you think?

'Australia Day' controversy shows we're a work in progress - Rationale Magazine

" .. there is hope .. the Albanese government [is] playing a long game .. the cynical Peter Dutton, reading from the Trump playbook, will merely strut and fret his hour upon the political stage and be heard no more."

End prayers in house of commons, NSS urges speaker

The National Secular Society in the UK is doing the same as us .. If you'd like to hear more from the NSS, register for our next RSA webinar on Wed 28 Feb at 7.30pm:

Ecuador: Court decriminalizes euthanasia in landmark ruling

Ecuador is the second country in Latin America to decriminalize euthanasia, following Colombia in 1997. Uruguay and Chile are debating the issue.

Got a comment on any of these stories?

Write to me at president@rationalist.com.au