What is Humanism? A Definitive Definition

This old chestnut comes up time and time again, but I haven’t seen a better set of answers than are given here by Stephen Law in the draft introduction to his new book. His seven key definitions are as follows: First, humanists are either atheists or at least agnostic. They are sceptical about the claim … Continue Reading

Freethought of the Day

Every morning, I get an email from the American Freedom From Religion Foundation, which in its own quiet way reminds me that the history of free thought is a long one. Today, it’s thrown together two names you don’t often see in the same sentence, Bjork… And Voltaire! You can find out more about the … Continue Reading

A Gifted Young Designer

I was at the Edinburgh Coffee Morning today where I met Fiona Storey, who’s just finished her Graphic Design MA at Edinburgh College of Art. Three years ago, she was one of the students who took part in a project I set to design postcards to promote awareness of the HSS. The course tutor, Derek … Continue Reading

A Gifted Young Musician

I was conducting a wedding ceremony last Saturday evening in Edinburgh when I heard someone playing classical guitar – exceptionally well, I thought – so I went to see who it was. It turned out to be Adele Neilson. Despite her youth, she’s a serious player who earlier this year gave a recital at the … Continue Reading