The Conversation: How teaching philosophy could help combat extremism

Indeed, in a world where the deliberate spreading of misinformation is commonplace, and the phrases “post-truth” and “alternative facts” appear with disturbing frequency, it is vital that schools do all they can to help young people analyse and reflect on what they hear. This should be done with clarity and precision, encouraging young people to make decisions based on rigorous arguments and examined evidence.

Philosophy can give young people the skills and confidence, not only to question and challenge purported facts but also to see through the current attempts in some quarters to discredit the very notions of fact, truth and expertise.

Analysing philosophical theories of what constitutes “reality” may also help young people to better understand the nature of virtual reality – making them better prepared to negotiate social media.

There is also the fact that freedom of expression and open debate are essential components of liberal democracy. And informed and well-reasoned free speech and debate among the current and future electorate is likely to improve the health of a democracy. It is also likely to improve the quality of service provided by a democracy’s politicians and public administrators.

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Politico: Emmanuel Macron tries to survive Socialist embrace

Having the support of respected politicians is nice, unless it gives ammunition to your rivals — in this case, conservative candidate François Fillon and far-right leader Marine Le Pen. They have been relentless in depicting Macron as a younger version of François Hollande, who co-authored the president’s policies as economy minister and would pursue them if he wins. If too many ministers join and say that Macron is their man, it will play into Fillon and Le Pen’s hand. [...]

But the center-left candidate has also been reluctant to open a big tent for Socialist officials shocked or disappointed by their party’s official candidate Benoît Hamon, whose lackluster campaign on a utopian, far-left platform has been fiercely critical of Hollande’s presidency.

Macron keeps reminding interviewers and audiences that his decision to run as an independent was triggered by “strategic divergences” with Hollande on how to reform France. Macron believes the big parties — the conservative Les Républicains and the Socialist Party — have already had their opportunity. [...]

Macron has also built his campaign on the need to renew France’s political personnel and mores. His movement, En Marche, has started screening candidates for June’s parliamentary elections. Socialists who rush to his support may just be perceived as trying to save their own jobs, and Macron has made it clear that they should not expect preferential treatment when En Marche selects its candidates. “We’re not opening a bed & breakfast here,” said one of Macron’s top advisors. “This is not a recycling machine for lost Socialist careers,” said Macron’s top spokesman Benjamin Griveaux.

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America Magazine: Opposition to Óscar Romero's canonization was ‘political,’ Archbishop Paglia says

"His beatification was the result of a great struggle," said Archbishop Paglia, who was wearing Archbishop Romero’s pectoral cross during the interview. "There were many in Rome, including some cardinals, who did not want to see him beatified. They said that he had been killed for political reasons, not religious ones. I studied this question, I did a great deal of work. For example, I examined his personal archives, which comprise some 70,000 documents. What emerged was a man devoted to his people. He wanted to free them from oppression. He wanted to bring to them the compassion of Jesus." [...]

According to Archbishop Paglia, Pope Francis has been crucial in moving Romero’s canonization forward. Though the pope never met Romero, he did meet Grande and has also wanted to push forward his canonization. [...]

"For that reason, we need a cultural revolution. Human dignity means making every person, from the youngest to the oldest, from the holiest to the greatest sinner, the center of concern of the church, of politics, of the economy, of culture, of the arts and the trades. All of society is based on human dignity."

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Curbed: Snøhetta-designed tunnel for ships would be first in the world

What could possibly make a country think that spending $272 million to dig a mile-long “boat tunnel” is a good idea? For Norway, that answer is simple: dangerous waters. The Stad peninsula is one of the most dangerous coasts in the country, because it’s at the nexus of the North Sea and Norwegian Sea, and the meeting of these two waters produces consistently stormy seas. The area’s turbulent weather has claimed the lives of at least 33 people over the last seventy years.

Even the vikings apparently knew to avoid the Stad. The first proposal to avoid those treacherous waters by digging a ship tunnel was floated all the way back in 1874. But it isn’t until now that Norway appears to be moving ahead with firm construction plans.

Designed to accommodate massive cargo ships, the tunnel will be nearly 150 feet tall, 118 feet wide, and more than a mile long. Between 70 and 120 ships will be able to pass through each day. But that doesn’t mean there’s no place for beauty in its design.

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Land of Maps: Pangaea with Modern International Borders

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