The Carpathia isn’t coming to rescue this government still swimming in the mire, writes LINDA PENTZ GUNTER
What is the purpose of life?
Humans are uniquely concerned with a ‘reason to live,’ so traditionally turned to religion. The MARX MEMORIAL LIBRARY investigates whether science, and the science of Marxism, have offered new answers
A blackbird’s alarm call can be seen as an example of altruistic behaviour
As the RMT Health and Safety Conference takes place, the union is calling for urgent action on crisis of work-related stress, understaffing and the growing threat of workplace assaults. RMT leader EDDIE DEMPSEY explains
Current polling shows Scottish Labour faces a stark choice: break decisively with Westminster or continue its slide into irrelevance, warns VINCE MILLS
As discussions continue between the US and Iran over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear enrichment programme, the suppression of internal dissent by the theocratic dictatorship grows. STEVE BISHOP reports.
Last weekend’s inaugural conference mixed warmth, unity and ambition with the unmistakable echo of old arguments. MATT KERR wonders whether the fledgling party’s difficulties can be overcome
The US president’s career is defined by a consistent use of racist tropes and provocation. Why are world leaders so silent over his repeated vitriolic prejudice, asks ROGER McKENZIE
FOR some, of course, the answer is simple — to fulfil God’s purpose.
That answer itself comes in a variety of different guises — from the obligation to honour God (as if an omnipotent being requires the obsequies of lesser beings that s/he created) to perhaps more virtuous or creditable purposes — living honestly, frugally and virtuously; doing unto others as you would be done by, and so on.
It is perhaps a feature of our species that, unlike other species, we “need” a purpose, individually or collectively, beyond mere existence.
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The selection, analysis and interpretation of historical ‘facts’ always takes place within a paradigm, a model of how the world works. That’s why history is always a battleground, declares the Marx Memorial Library
JIM JUMP looks forward to the International Brigade Memorial Trust AGM taking place in Belfast later this week where the spirit of solidarity will be rekindled
LYNNE WALSH tells the story of the extraordinary race against time to ensure London’s memorial to the International Brigades got built – as activists gather next week to celebrate the monument’s 40th anniversary
Author RACHEL HOLMES invites readers to come to her talk in London about the great foremother of the working-class women’s movement – Eleanor Marx