Hauser argues that there are deep moral ‘intuitions’ that underlie cultural variations in norms.… Read the rest
Welcome to our archive of news stories relevant to the project of fighting fashionable nonsense. The stories are drawn from the electronic pages of the world’s media. On this page, you’ll find links to those stories that have been featured on Butterflies and Wheels during the current year. At the bottom of the page, you’ll find links to separate archives of stories from previous years.
We’re always pleased to hear about news stories that you think should be featured on Butterflies and Wheels. Just send an email here, if you want to point one out to us.
A note about links
Inevitably links go out of date. We suggest, therefore, that you make hard-copies of the stories that particularly interest you.
Scientology Fights Off BBC Investigation
May 13th, 2007 | Filed by Ophelia BensonReporter has been shouted at, spied on, denounced as a ‘bigot’ by star Scientologists.… Read the rest
The Flawed Scholarship of Alister McGrath
May 13th, 2007 | Filed by Ophelia BensonInaccurate quotation after inaccurate quotation.… Read the rest
They Created Partition and Called it Peace
May 13th, 2007 | Filed by Ophelia BensonNo shared understanding of the principles of secular democracy, just a truce between bosses.… Read the rest
AP Reports Tasneem Khalil’s Release
May 12th, 2007 | Filed by Ophelia BensonDetention sparked off widespread concerns among international media and human rights watchdogs. … Read the rest
Nigerian ‘Sharia Police’ Trash Four Theaters
May 12th, 2007 | Filed by Ophelia Benson‘The way they have been spoiling and polluting our culture and religion is no longer acceptable.’… Read the rest
Islamic Center of Johnstown Demotes Imam
May 12th, 2007 | Filed by Ophelia BensonSaid a sentence of death would be warranted for Hirsi Ali; board and members repudiate that view.… Read the rest
Family Values Rally in Rome
May 12th, 2007 | Filed by Ophelia BensonVatican under Benedict has been conducting a fierce campaign to protect traditional families. … Read the rest
Joan Bakewell on the Need for Secularism
May 12th, 2007 | Filed by Ophelia BensonWe live in times when religions are keen to enforce the control they once took for granted.… Read the rest
Munira Mirza on the Need for Universalism
May 12th, 2007 | Filed by Ophelia BensonThe struggle for equality, so difficult to win, gave way to an emphasis on cultural difference and identity.… Read the rest
BBC Reports Tasneem’s Arrest
May 11th, 2007 | Filed by Ophelia BensonBut spells his name wrong.… Read the rest
Pope ‘Creates’ Brazil’s First Saint
May 11th, 2007 | Filed by Ophelia BensonReally?! Out of what, some woman’s rib?… Read the rest
Hindus Resist Slaughter of Welsh Bullock
May 11th, 2007 | Filed by Ophelia BensonThe ‘sacred’ bullock has tested positive for TB.… Read the rest
Senior Vets Call for Slaughter of Bullock
May 11th, 2007 | Filed by Ophelia BensonBritish Cattle Veterinary Association said any risk of TB spreading was unacceptable.… Read the rest
Drishtipat Reports Tasneem Released
May 11th, 2007 | Filed by Ophelia BensonStaffers in office say he looks physically ok, but badly shaken up.… Read the rest
AsiaMedia Reports Tasneem Khalil’s Release
May 11th, 2007 | Filed by Ophelia BensonKhalil’s arrest was the latest in a string of military actions against journalists.… Read the rest
Committee to Protect Journalists on Khalil
May 11th, 2007 | Filed by Ophelia BensonCalls arrest ‘an indication of the fragile state of press freedom in Bangladesh.’… Read the rest
AP Reports on Tasneem Khalil
May 11th, 2007 | Filed by Ophelia BensonZafar Sobhan of the Daily Star said Khalil was being held without any charge or warrant.… Read the rest
Pope Tells Brazil What to Do
May 10th, 2007 | Filed by Ophelia BensonMoments after arriving in Sao Paulo, the pope was fuming about abortion.… Read the rest
Implications of Irish Abortion Case
May 10th, 2007 | Filed by Ophelia BensonThe ban on abortion reflects the historical influence of the Catholic church.… Read the rest