FUNDAMENTAL to the scientific method is the assumption that reality exists independently of our belief systems; that there is such a thing as evidence, and that it matters. There seems to be general agreement on this point from both the left and … [Read more...] about How to Evaluate the Evidence of Contrarians – Scientifically
Philosophy
In Search of a New Way
FIFTY years ago, on 7 July 1967, Time magazine ran a cover story entitled, ‘The Hippies: Philosophy of a Subculture’. Modern environmentalism is in some ways a product of this Flower Power movement, but a still-born version. It has become … [Read more...] about In Search of a New Way
Philosophising on Bushfires: A Note from David Ward
FIRE in the landscape, or bushfire, is Australia’s most lethal and costly natural hazard. Big, uncontrollable bushfires can kill millions of trees and wild animals, thousands of farm animals, and sometimes humans too. Apart from deaths, bushfires … [Read more...] about Philosophising on Bushfires: A Note from David Ward
Bigots, Climate Change Deniers and George Orwell
GEORGE Brandis says it is “deplorable” deniers are being excluded from the climate change debate and people who say the science is settled are ignorant and medieval. The attorney general called the leader of the opposition in the Senate, Penny … [Read more...] about Bigots, Climate Change Deniers and George Orwell
More Relevance in Indigenous Culture, Than ABC Culture
EASTER is about religion, which is about culture, which is about myth. I was raised on the myths of the Australian Outback, on the poems of Banjo Paterson where the heroes could be “hard and tough and wiry – just the sought that won’t say die”. The … [Read more...] about More Relevance in Indigenous Culture, Than ABC Culture
Tolerate Assaults on the Truths You Hold Dear
Today, the online magazine spiked launched Free Speech Now!, a brand new campaign for 'unfettered' freedom of speech, with no ifs and no buts. The editor of spiked, Brendan O'Neill, says: '"Every man should think what he likes and say what he … [Read more...] about Tolerate Assaults on the Truths You Hold Dear
Jennifer Marohasy BSc PhD has worked in industry and government. She is currently researching a novel technique for long-range weather forecasting funded by the B. Macfie Family Foundation.