For those not following the situation in Québec – or for those following it only through English media, which is almost worse than not following it at all – Premier Jean Charest has implemented draconian laws to restrict protests as an emergency measure against the ongoing student strike. The government asserts that they are concerned with protecting the rights of non-striking students to go to class without disruption by the strikers. Law professors and striking students, on the other hand, have called it a violation of fundamental rights. Both sides claim they’re protecting people’s rights; so it sounds like it’s time for another Saturday Cerebration! (more…)
Category » Saturday Cerebration
Saturday Cerebration is a series intended to challenge readers to think more critically and philosophically about practical, real-world problems. I will pick a question or argument, then present an argument for or against it. I may not actually believe the position I am taking. I may, in fact, deliberately argue for things I believe are wrong, or against things I believe are right; I may argue for racism, or against human rights. I will also not indicate (at least within the post) which side I really take. Saturday Cerebration will not be about me or my beliefs; it will be about you, and your brain. It will be a challenge to you to exercise your philosophical and thinking processes.
Saturday Cerebration: A philosophical study of abortion
Even as I write the next few words I can’t believe this isn’t an April Fool’s joke but… the abortion debate seems to be reopening in Canada. Yeah, really. I guess the Conservatives will do anything to distract attention from the robocall and F-35 scandals. (more…)
Introducing Saturday Cerebration
Starting tommorrow, I am going to be doing a semi-regular series that I will call Saturday Cerebration. “Cerebration” is not simply a slurred pronunciation of “celebration” (though, I admit, I like the pun); it comes from the same root as “cerebral“. Saturday Cerebration posts will be exercises in cerebrating – in cogitating; in thinking very deeply, but rationally. (more…)