Category Archives: Neuroscience

The Accent

Posted on June 12, 2020 by Quentin

We have had considerable discussion on the issue of racial prejudice. And quite right, too. But today I want to think about another prejudice. It rarely gets considered, it can have important advantages and disadvantages, and it appears to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Moral judgment, Neuroscience, Quentin queries | Tagged | 43 Comments

The Mass on my screen

Posted on April 10, 2020 by Quentin

I have just finished watching the Easter Friday service on my computer. It was sent by my local church – which is one of the finest parish churches in the country. And, when I say ‘nearer’ I mean that it … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocatus Diaboli, Bio-ethics, Neuroscience, Quentin queries | 53 Comments

Counselling

Posted on November 7, 2019 by Quentin

It is possible that I will need to address a Catholic audience. My topic will require me to look at a methodology for marriage counselling. I will argue that this, suitably modified, is valuable in all our relationships. I write … Continue reading →

Posted in Bio-ethics, Neuroscience, Quentin queries | Tagged , | 14 Comments

Who’s right? Who’s wrong?

Posted on August 22, 2019 by Quentin

Natural Law is a fundamental element of Catholic moral teaching. Here I am going to set out my understanding so that readers can correct me or develop my ideas. In fact, the concept is based on a very straightforward, and … Continue reading →

Posted in evolution, Moral judgment, Neuroscience | 41 Comments

PLACEBO

Posted on June 20, 2019 by Quentin

I like to think of myself as a reasonably intelligent person. After all I have had a long life, following a Jesuit education, married for 60 years, five children and a career in high level finance. I am confident that … Continue reading →

Posted in Bio-ethics, Catholic Herald columns, Neuroscience, Quentin queries | Tagged | 28 Comments

The Brain Chart

Posted on May 23, 2019 by Quentin

Some 50 years ago my son came to me for help. He was preparing for his A-level history examination. But his mind was so cluttered with facts that he feared he could never compress them into an examination answer. So … Continue reading →

Posted in Neuroscience, Quentin queries, Uncategorized | 13 Comments

Mindful

Posted on December 27, 2018 by Quentin

As we approach the New Year we are reminded of the opportunity of choosing new resolutions. Today I want to describe the skill of mindfulness. Some of you will already be using it regularly, but I think you will agree … Continue reading →

Posted in Neuroscience, Quentin queries | 16 Comments

Are you an addict?

Posted on December 20, 2018 by Quentin

Fixed odds betting terminals have been much in the news. Recently the Government, under pressure, has brought forward a new regulation which stipulates a maximum bet of £2 a ‘throw’. Currently the maximum bet is £100, and a focussed gambler … Continue reading →

Posted in Moral judgment, Neuroscience, Quentin queries | 25 Comments

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

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