(This article is an expanded version of an article which appeared in ‘The Age’ on 2 October 2014). The idea that the Islamic State (IS) does not represent “real Islam” might be well intentioned. It is also nonsense. The IS denounces moderate Islam as not representing “real Islam”. This equally, is nonsense. There is no such […]
‘The Undivided Past’- Book Review
Summary: David Cannadine says that people have defined themselves (and others) by applying the identities of religion, nation, class, race, gender or civilisation. But he argues these categories lead to over simplifications of the human condition and human history, because most people have multiple identities. He also argues that rather than history being made up of endless conflicts within these identities, human […]
WAR WITH IRAQ-The case against
WAR WITH IRAQ-The case against (First published in ‘Overland Magazine’ in Autumn 2003 before the intervention in Iraq) What matters could have been raised in federal parliament if Howard’s promised parliamentary debate on Australia’s participation in a war on Iraq had been allowed to take place? A starting point in the debate should be […]
Clyde Holding Tribute
See the tribute to Clyde Holding here
The ideas of fate, predicting the future and pre-destination
Summary: Hunter gatherers appear not to have been pre-occupied with predicting the future. Ideas about fate and pre-destiny arose more strongly after the advent of farming as pleasing God might be rewarded with better harvests. Examines the idea that fortune telling may have been an earlier method of psychotherapy. Analyses ideas of fate and pre-destiny […]