In his book, “A different drum”, Scott Peck argues that the idea of ’emptying’ is an essential prerequisite to peace in any ‘community’. . Nigel Pocock . With major possible catastrophes, such as global warming and pollution, common cause and open discussion free of power struggles, is absolutely vital. Peck’s […]
Needle’s Eye
Media control: the politics of the tyrant?
One of the most fascinating aspects of media, is how it controls public perceptions. People are totally convinced that their perceptions are correct, whether in Putin’s Russia, or Stonewall’s London. Nigel Pocock The story is the same. Almost complete control, with no alternative definitions of reality, and for […]
The ‘need’ of a doctrine of ‘sin’
Sin? A word loaded with theological overtones of repressive legalism? Completely out of step in a modern, western secular, enlightened culture? A word that deserves to be banished from the vocabulary of any sensible, ‘tolerant’ person? Nigel Pocock But might this not be a trifle premature? Human history […]
Social construction and racism
Following my previous article, on unconscious bias, can we say that social constructionism, is itself socially constructed? If the claims social construction makes for itself are true, then the answer must be ‘yes’. Foisted on its own petard, indeed? Nigel Pocock What of this darling of so many […]
A divine answer to evil?
The Scottish philosopher David Hume (1711-76) stated the issue quite bluntly: If God is almighty, and love, then it is impossible for evil to exist. Should we then agree with Charles Baudelaire, “if there is a God, then he is the devil”? Nigel Pocock David Hume was a […]