Materialistic thinking – rational?

materialistic

A materialistic way of thinking assumes that science is the be-all and end-all of human knowledge. Those who have this outlook claim that the methods of science are the only reliable ways to secure knowledge of anything “Science provides all the significant truths about reality and knowing such truths is what real understanding is about.” (Alex Rosenberg, … Continue reading Materialistic thinking – rational?

Spiritual but not religious – Good or bad?

spiritual

Some school governors in Birmingham England have been accused of attempting to impose and promote a narrow faith-based ideology in secular schools. Should we be encouraging spiritual rather than religious education? What does spiritual mean? The word spiritual is something to do with individual issues of human identity and personal development: hence seeking the sacred … Continue reading Spiritual but not religious – Good or bad?

Stress – How to find lasting relief?

stress

Do you hear yourself saying I don’t have the time – to do all my job requires, spend quality time with the children, to relax with my partner, fix the car, weed the flower bed and mow the lawn, etc. Feeling under pressure most of the time is not good for your health. If you … Continue reading Stress – How to find lasting relief?

Is free-market capitalism unethical?

Free-market capitalism

When things go badly wrong in the world of commerce, we ask about the ethics of free-market capitalism. Dangerous cracks had been spotted in the walls of the Rana Plaza building. This is a factory complex in Bangladesh. However, managers have ordered staff to continue working making clothes for lucrative export to the West. Now … Continue reading Is free-market capitalism unethical?

What’s it all about, Alfie?

What

Dionne Warwick sings What’s it all about, Alfie? The song asks : “What’s it all about, Alfie? Is it just for the moment we live? What’s it all about when you sort it out, Alfie?” Why the words of resonate The music has a great melody but the words also resonate if you happen to … Continue reading What’s it all about, Alfie?

Cruel humans — How can people be this way?

cruel

Nine-eleven was an act of cruelty as was the setting up of Guantanamo Bay torture centre. These recent acts of human cruelty are part of a long history of man’s inhumanity to man. The massacres, looting and capturing of slaves by forces led by Attila the Hun in 5th century eastern Europe; the unrestricted bombing of civilians living in cities like Gunernica during the Spanish civil war; the starvation, brutal treatment and extermination of Jews, and other victims of persecution in the Nazi concentration camps.

Human cruelty of course goes on all the time perhaps in less dramatic ways and in a much smaller scale than these. Malicious gossip can destroy a personal reputation; spiteful actions can result in huge distress; nasty comments within close relationships can cause longstanding wounds. Why do people feel so full of contempt, or want revenge to act out their feelings in such cruel ways?