May 2019 – The World of Edrith

Initial thoughts on the Augar Review

The Augar Review of Post-18 Education was published today. Excellent summaries can be found on Wonkhe and elsewhere. My initial thoughts on its recommendations are below. Overall, it's a highly…

Posted on May 30, 2019May 30, 2019 by Edrith

Dawkins, Haidt and Harari on Religion

It's fascinating to compare the different views of Dawkins, Haidt and Harari on religion. All three approach it from a sociological/evolutionary perspective but small differences in assumptions lead to quite…

Posted on May 29, 2019May 29, 2019 by Edrith

After May: The Way Forward for our Nation

With May's departure, the below sets out how I hope that events will unfold for the nation, and for the Conservative Party, over the next few months. 1. After a…

Posted on May 24, 2019 by Edrith

Leave or Remain? A 2019 Spotter’s Guide to MPs

I had a conversation this week in which I referred to MPs as being Remain or Leave supporters, based on their 2016 vote. That person said, very reasonably, "Shouldn't we…

Posted on May 23, 2019 by Edrith

How to win broad support for green taxes

Three word answer: cut other taxes. Traditionally, Green parties sit on the left of the political spectrum. But environmentalism, in its broader sense, enjoys genuine public support across political boundaries.…

Posted on May 21, 2019 by Edrith

‘Don’t know they’re born’

A major reason why young social progressives are turning against free speech is that they can't imagine being in a situation where the authorities don't share their values. This comes…

Posted on May 17, 2019May 17, 2019 by Edrith

Wonkhe: In Defence of Academic Freedon

In my latest piece for Wonkhe I defend academic freedom and the importance of allowing those who would challenge orthodoxy to speak out without being silenced. I also set out…

Posted on May 15, 2019 by Edrith

Harvard descends to new lows in the war on academic freedom

It's a fundamental of our system of justice that anyone accused of a crime, however vile, deserves a fair trial and the right to a defence. This applies to everyone:…

Posted on May 13, 2019 by Edrith

Review: Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang

Minimal spoilers only – no major twists, but does reveal headline content and comments on characterisation, quality of endings and so forth. A brilliant collection of science-fiction short stories. Includes…

Posted on May 12, 2019May 12, 2019 by Edrith

It would be folly for either side to count on victory in a second referendum

In my latest piece for Conservative Home, I argue that the febrile politic climate makes the result of a second Brexit referendum inherently unpredictable. This was actually written two weeks…

Books, Games, Politics and Miscellany

Month: May 2019