Category: Uncommon Ground

Sceptic Amardeo Sarma on Humanism and Rationalism in the West

April 25, 2018 | by | 0 Comments
German sceptic Amardeo Sarma discusses critically analysing entrenched belief systems, including religion and a shockingly fervent homeopathic movement. Scott Douglas Jacobsen: Was there a family background in humanism or rationalism for you? Amardeo Sarma: No, because both my parents were moderately religious. In fact, to give you an example, when I grew up, my father […] Read more

Neoliberalism and Government Intervention with Brendan O’Neill

April 19, 2018 | by | 0 Comments
In part two of this interview for Conatus News, Brendan O’Neill speaks to Brian Graham about neoliberalism, Thatcher and government intervention. This is the second interview in a three-part series with Spiked Magazine editor Brendan O’Neill. The first part of the interview can be read here. An audio version is available at the bottom of […] Read more

When Bad Regulation Stops You From Earning

April 17, 2018 | by | 0 Comments
Many occupational licensing laws, though made with the best intentions, place unnecessary barriers to entering the workforce and need a rethink. Occupational licensing is a hot topic among economists, policy researchers and wonks at present. Though it has not received the same level of attention of other economic issues in recent times, such as those […] Read more

Liberal Islam and Migrant Integration with Seyran Ateş

April 13, 2018 | by | 0 Comments
Seyran Ateş, a lawyer and feminist activist, speaks with Conatus News about law, faith, feminism, and integrating migrants in Western societies. Scott Douglas Jacobsen: To begin, what was your background in faith and feminism? Insofar as I know, you are of Kurdish descent. Seyran Ateş: My mother is Turkish. My father is Kurdish. He died in 2014. […] Read more

Marxism, Brexit and Spiked Magazine with Brendan O’Neill

April 11, 2018 | by | 0 Comments
Brendan O’Neill, editor of Spiked Magaizne, speaks to Brian Graham for Conatus News about the origins of Spiked, Brexit, Marxism, perceptions of Russia in the West and more. This is part 1 of a 3-part interview. An audio version of this text is available at the end of the article. Brian Graham: I thought it might be […] Read more

Iranian Dreams: Exiles Describe Their Ideal Iran

April 9, 2018 | by | 0 Comments
We asked four Iranians, persecuted for varying religious and political reasons unable to return to their country what their ideal Iran looks like. The recent protests in Iran have sent a clear message that Iranians are unhappy with the state of their country. From economic policies to strictly enforced religious laws, Iranians are fed up […] Read more