Monthly Archives: August 2018

The patterns of the brain

Posted on August 30, 2018 by Quentin

No, I do not intend to write about Brexit, but I am interested in the process of decision we had to undertake before the referendum. I wanted to make an intelligent choice but all I was getting was acres of … Continue reading →

Posted in Catholic Herald columns, evolution, Moral judgment, Neuroscience | 1 Comment

Sexual education

Posted on August 23, 2018 by Quentin

Several years ago, after I had retired from full time work, I had the opportunity to spend an afternoon a week with a young relative and her best friend. We did all sorts of things: poetry, philosophy, debates and so … Continue reading →

Posted in Bio-ethics, Moral judgment, Quentin queries | Tagged | 9 Comments

Nudges

Posted on August 16, 2018 by Quentin

The Benedictine asked his abbot for permission to smoke while he was praying. Not only was this refused but he was punished for even asking. His friend, the Jesuit, sought the same permission from his rector by asking if he … Continue reading →

Posted in Catholic Herald columns, Quentin queries | 3 Comments

Burka — the real problem

Posted on August 9, 2018 by Quentin

So Boris Johnson is in trouble again. His comment on Muslim women wearing burkas as looking like bank robbers or letter boxes has caused enough stir even to knock Brexit off the front pages. I am no particular fan of … Continue reading →

Posted in evolution, Moral judgment, Neuroscience | 15 Comments

Words, words, words

Posted on August 2, 2018 by Quentin

The English language is remarkable for its richness, and often allows for a choice of word or expression according to the flavour which the speaker intends to convey. The two versions of the same statement which follow are both saying … Continue reading →

Posted in Quentin queries | Tagged | 2 Comments