J. S. Mill: How to Become a Philosopher

In an 1862 letter, John Stuart Mill gave the following advice to an aspiring writer: "The way to cultivate a really philosophical intellect is to go on long thinking out subjects for one’s own instruction—with a view to understand them as thoroughly as possible oneself; reading in the meanwhile whatever is best worth reading on … Continue reading J. S. Mill: How to Become a Philosopher →

Integrity Restored to Government

Sir Keir Starmer promised to restore integrity to government; and after years of odious Tory corruption, the nation would have welcomed some little respite from looting and waste. But such a gift—such a pause in the depredation—Sir Keir, alas, cannot give

The Coconut Trial

There are occasions when a single act of public authority suffices to expose our institutions as both cruel and absurd. The prosecution of Marieha Hussain, a teacher who was charged with a racially aggravated public order offence, for holding a placard, is one such instance; and though Ms Hussain has happily been acquitted, it is … Continue reading The Coconut Trial →

A Letter to The Observer

I have often regretted the lack of serious thought in our public discussion. Armies of commentators, apparently remunerated for their qualities as argumentative writers and conversers, are scarcely ever seen to produce coherent reasonings, or to attend to the most obvious objections to their views. Here I will examine, as but one specimen of this … Continue reading A Letter to The Observer →