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Inevitably links go out of date.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.


Do Law Schools Need Ideological Diversity? *

Jan 27th, 2006 | Filed by

Brian Leiter and Peter Schuck debate the issue.… Read the rest



Carlin Romano Reviews Cosmopolitanism *

Jan 27th, 2006 | Filed by

In Cosmopolitanism, Appiah expands the thinking of his previous book, The Ethics of Identity.… Read the rest



Under Half of Britons Accept Evolution *

Jan 27th, 2006 | Filed by

Over 40% of those questioned think creationism or ID should be taught in science lessons. … Read the rest



Women in India Told to Shut Up and Cover Up *

Jan 27th, 2006 | Filed by

Soft porn is everywhere, but women must be kept in line with fatwas, cops, death threats.… Read the rest



Eastern Philosophy *

Jan 27th, 2006 | Filed by

‘What then is Indian and Chinese philosophy, and what reason is there for studying it?’… Read the rest



Dennett on Religion *

Jan 27th, 2006 | Filed by

‘Can just any religion give lives meaning, in a way that we should honor and respect?’… Read the rest



Religious Groups Shape History Textbooks *

Jan 26th, 2006 | Filed by

Historical accuracy can conflict with ‘enhancing the pride and self-esteem of believers.’… Read the rest



Review of Debating Design *

Jan 26th, 2006 | Filed by

Cambridge University Press gives Dembski and ID more academic cred than they should have.… Read the rest



Culturally Relative Science in Australian Schools *

Jan 26th, 2006 | Filed by

One curriculum describes Western science as ‘only one form among the sciences of the world.’… Read the rest



Darwin the Geologist *

Jan 26th, 2006 | Filed by

It was a geological underpinning that led to much of what was most original in his work.… Read the rest



Why We Should Remember Darwin the Geologist *

Jan 26th, 2006 | Filed by

Sandra Herbert examines the ways Darwin understood changes in time and space.… Read the rest



Does Liberalism Need Multiculturalism? *

Jan 25th, 2006 | Filed by

The politics of recognition focuses on groups and cultural belonging. … Read the rest



Stupid Extra Words Are Bad and Stupid *

Jan 25th, 2006 | Filed by

Would you like a nourishing beverage with that?… Read the rest



PZ Myers on Another Religious Assault on Education *

Jan 25th, 2006 | Filed by

The Vedic Foundation and Hindu Education Foundation go after California textbooks.… Read the rest



David Bromwich on Eagleton on Terrorism *

Jan 25th, 2006 | Filed by

‘The nice balance of anarchy with absolutism strikes me as a literary man’s conceit.’… Read the rest



George is Out *

Jan 25th, 2006 | Filed by

Left to a chorus of boos.… Read the rest



Kristeva to Lecture in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem *

Jan 24th, 2006 | Filed by

‘In Kristeva’s view, clarity and direct logic are not a sought-after value.’… Read the rest



Ayaan Hirsi Ali on Radio 4 *

Jan 24th, 2006 | Filed by

‘I wanted a chance at a life where I could shape my own future.’… Read the rest



Report Says Reform Will Lead to Segregation *

Jan 24th, 2006 | Filed by

Research suggests selectivity in school admissions would increase social segregation.… Read the rest



Historians and Hindu Nationalists in Sacramento *

Jan 24th, 2006 | Filed by

Disagreeing over revisions to history textbooks.… Read the rest