- 16
Who's Worse? Trump or Hillary?
A comparison of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton from the standpoint of a progressive. Is there a lesser evil? This examines their policies, statements, votes, and history.
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FALSE: Not Voting For Hillary is a Vote For Trump
Contrary to what you may have been told, refusing to vote for Hillary Clinton doesn't mean you support Donald Trump. Fight the partisans with logic!
- 18
4 Reasons To Nationalise Some Industries
This presents four arguments for why some industries should be nationalised. It focuses on the social and economic case for nationalisation.
- 23
What Happens When You Die? (Short Story)
This short story looks at what happens when we die. A recently deceased man visits the afterlife and discovers it's not quite as he expected.
- 37
The 10 Agnostic Commandments
The 10 Agnostic Commandments - A set of statements that define and explain agnosticism in terms of its foundations in skepticism and science.
- 81
The Cognitive Science of Religion
The cognitive science of religion tries to understand the psychology of religious belief and behavior. This article summarizes important research and findings.
- 17
Why is it Cool to Think You're a Sociopath?
It's becoming trendy to think you're a sociopath. Is the popularity of Sherlock Holmes and Dexter to blame? Can psychology offer an explanation?
- 18
Would you like a Digital Direct Democracy?
What is a Digital Direct Democracy? Videos, definitions, and examples are used to explain this referendum based system. Common criticisms are discussed.
- 20
Predictions for the Next Century of History
A timeline for the next hundred years. These predictions focus on the social consequences of discovering new technologies and future political systems.
- 59
10 Reasons Why People Believe Conspiracy Theories
A comprehensive look at the psychology of conspiracy theorists. Ten traits are identified as important for explaining why people believe conspiracy theories.
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Comfort Theories of Religion
Is religion wishful thinking? This work summarizes the experimental evidence, and incorporates comfort theories into the cognitive science of religion.
- 381
Is Bubblews A Scam?
Is Bubblews a scam? Many experiences are collated. A simple experiment determines if `breaking the rules' is really the reason behind withheld payments.
- 11
Uniformitarianism - A Christian Criticism of Science
Uniformitarianism is a scientific assumption concerning the constancy of natural laws. Christians criticize it, but their alternative ignores Ockham's razor.
- 4
How Does Anxiety Affect Our Beliefs?
How Does Anxiety Affect Our Beliefs? - Exploring the affect infusion model, motivated reasoning, repression, and cognitive dissonance.
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Three Types of Emotional Belief
Three Types of Emotional Belief - Including the attribution theory of emotion and mood, sentiments, motivated reasoning, and the affect infusion model.
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The Relationship Between Emotions and Beliefs
Exploring what beliefs are, their formation, the evolutionary purpose of beliefs, and how they are influenced by emotions and motivated reasoning.
- 2
What is Anxiety? Exploring the Causes, Function, and Symptoms
Exploring the nature of anxiety. Discussed are the causes, physiology, cognitive effects, and evolutionary function of anxiety.
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4 Theories of Emotion from Cognitive Psychology
Exploring four theories of emotion - Ekman's basic emotions, social constructivism, emotional dimensions, and Lazarus' cognitive appraisal theory.
- 22
Top 10 Crazy Bible Stories
Top 10 Crazy Bible Stories - Ten absurd and bizarre tales of sin, debauchery, demon pigs, and skeleton armies from the Christian holy book.
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Are Jesus and Lucifer the Same Being?
Are Jesus and Lucifer the same? Both are referred to as Morning Star and light bringer. This compares their mythological origins and Bible appearances.
- 30
Top 10 Best Goalkeepers Of All Time
Top 10 Best Goalkeepers Of All Time - Stats and videos to showcase the talents of Buffon, Zoff, Kahn, and others. Common goalkeeping skills are discussed.
- 15
Could The Black Death Happen Again?
Could the Black Death happen again? People still contract the bubonic plague (black death). Climate change and genetic mutations could cause another pandemic.
- 20
The Benefits of Socialism in Cuba
Has Cuban socialism benefited its people? This summarizes the pros and cons of socialism in Cuba and asks what the Cuban revolution has achieved.
- 20
Liberal Darwinism: Successful Species Cooperate to Survive
Darwinism is often conflated with right-wing politics, leading to criticism of evolution. However, it may better resemble liberal, left-wing ideals.
- 16
Anti-Zionism and Anti-Semitism
Anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism are often conflated in order to accuse critics of Israel of racism. Video examples and the Iran issue are discussed.
- 48
10 Weird Gods and Goddesses
10 Weird Gods and Goddesses - Myths and legends about ten absurd deities from eight different world religions. Includes Loki and a number of Greek gods.
- 3
Top 10 Famous Soccer Handballs
Top 10 Famous Soccer Handballs - See videos for ten controversial moments from football history. Including Maradona's Hand of God and Theirry Henry.
- 5
Eastern European Composers of Classical Music
Eastern European Composers of Classical Music - Biographies and videos to showcase the music of Chopin, Liszt, and other famous composers from history.
- 6
Famous German Composers of Classical Music
Famous German Composers of Classical Music - Biographies and videos to showcase the work of Beethoven, Bach, Wagner, and others greats from history.
- 9
Famous Italian Composers of Classical Music
Famous Italian Composers of Classical Music - Biographies and videos demonstrate the history of Italian music, and the works of Verdi, Vivaldi, and others.
- 8
Famous Russian Composers of Classical Music
Famous Russian Composers of Classical Music - Historical biographies and videos to showcase the music of Borodin, Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, and others.
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Famous Austrian Composers of Classical Music
Famous Austrian Composers of Classical Music - Historical biographies and videos to showcase the music of Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Strauss, and Mahler.
- 10
10 Theories About Why We Dream
Summarizing 10 scientific theories about the purpose of dreams. Possible functions include aiding memory, preventing heat loss, and rehearsing threats.
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20 Words That Don't Exist (Or Shouldn't)
Twenty words that don't exist, or shouldn't exist - A list of 20 words that don't belong in the English language. Includes amusing examples and definitions.
- 66
40 Facts about Tamerlane - Timur the Lame
40 Facts about Tamerlane - Timur the Lame conquered half the world despite his debilitating injuries. However, he is largely forgotten in popular history.
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Why do people get more right-wing with age?
Why do people get more right-wing with age? - Older people may become right-wing as a result of increased pessimism, wealth, cynicism, or traditionalism.
- 21
The Early Years of Joseph Stalin
The Early Years of Joseph Stalin - Exploring Stalin's violent and abusive childhood, his early revolutionary leanings, and the causes of his later cruelty.
- 9
The Psychology of Why We Forget Things
Forgetfulness is an unwelcome product of human evolution and the process of neurogenesis. Recent psychology research can explain why we forget things.
- 170
40 Questions to Ask Christians
Forty questions to ask Christians or religious people. Atheism and skepticism may best be reinforced by asking believers difficult questions during debates.
- 7
4 Character Tropes Used in Most TV Shows
Four character tropes are frequently used in TV shows that focus on the exploits of a team or group of individuals. The formula may reinforce stereotypes.
- 55
Was Hitler an Atheist or a Christian?
Was Hitler an Atheist or a Christian? - Examining Mein Kampf, Hitler's Table Talk, and various public speeches to discover Hitler's religious orientation.
- 10
Top 20 Famous Redheads in History
Top 20 Famous Redheads in History - A list of famous historical figures that all had red or ginger hair. Explanations for its commonality are offered.
- 8
Spider Evolution - Adaptations and Ancestors
Spider Evolution - A timeline of ancestors reveals the course of spider evolution. Numerous unique adaptations were acquired along the way.
- 19
25 Facts About Vlad Tepes the Impaler
This sadistic Transylvanian prince ruled Wallachia, impaled his enemies, and became the focus of the Dracula legend.
- 0
The Death of Genghis Khan
Was the Mongol leader castrated by a princess, killed in battle, or did he fall from his horse and die from pneumonia?
- 29
40 Facts About Genghis Khan
The history and legacy of the Mongolian Emperor, Temujin (Genghis Khan). A list of 40 facts about his life, death, deeds, and how he became one of the famous, successful, enduring leaders of all time.
- 11
The Death of Rasputin the Russian Monk
The Death of Rasputin the Russian Monk - Exploring why Rasputin was killed, who killed him, and how he died. Includes new evidence of British SIS involvement.
- 34
Top 25 Crimes of the CIA
Top 25 Crimes of the CIA - A history of CIA coups, assassinations, and interventions. The list of crimes is sorted alphabetically by country.
- 8
Name Calling Propaganda: Definition and Examples
This explains what name calling propaganda is. It provides examples and describes common propaganda techniques. It focuses on names used for foreign groups.
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Top 10 Most Beautiful Extinct Animals
Top 10 Most Beautiful Extinct Animals - The tale of ten species that succumbed to anthropogenic extinction as a result of hunting or habitat destruction.
- 5
Loneliness, Social Anxiety, and Intrusive Thoughts
Loneliness can generate intrusive thoughts that magnify social anxieties. Understanding the evolutionary psychology of loneliness may help one to cope.
- 33
Different Types of Stars in the Universe
Different Types of Stars in the Universe - Physical characteristics and images of the many different kinds of stars, from red giants to white dwarfs.
- 6
Stellar Evolution: Stages in the Life Cycle of Stars
Stages in the Life Cycle of Stars - From protostars to white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes and supernovae. The stages in stellar evolution are described.
- 8
Top 10 Best Hubble Telescope Pictures
Top 10 Best Hubble Telescope Pictures - A gallery of the most beautiful images from the Hubble Space Telescope, with interesting facts about each picture.
- 37
Was Harry Truman the Worst President in US History?
Was Harry Truman the Worst President? - Truman dropped atomic bombs on civilians, brought about the creation of Israel, established the CIA, and took America into the Korean War.
- 104
Top 10 Most Beautiful Animals in the World
Top 10 Most Beautiful Animals In The World--These unusual species and wonders of evolution are illustrated with pictures and facts.
- 13
Moralizers: The Psychology of Political Correctness
Moralizers and the psychology of political correctness (PC) - Could condemning others bolster one's reputation? Why is PC often a liberal phenomenon?
- 20
The 8 Wives of Ivan The Terrible
The 8 Wives of Ivan The Terrible - Ivan IV Vasilyevich of Russia was married 8 times, but can he be blamed for the execution or divorce of the wives he replaced?
- 31
Online Narcissism: Writers with NPD
Online Narcissism: Writers with NPD - A look at narcissistic personality disorder on the internet, with a focus on self-descriptive writing.
- 42
Top 10 Most Annoying Cliches
Top 10 Most Annoying Cliches - From meaningless contradictions to condescending insults, cliches can be unbearably irritating.
- 67
Top 10 Best Football Teams Of All Time
Top 10 Best Football Teams Of All Time - A video compilation of the best football (soccer) teams, with statistics, trophy wins, and notable players.
- 44
Top 10 Best Football Managers in the World
Top 10 Best Football Managers In The World - A video and stats compilation of the best managers in world football. Includes Jose Mourinho and Louis Van Gaal.
- 17
Caracal - Adaptations and Facts
Caracal - Adaptations and Facts - The caracal has a number of anatomical and behavioral adaptations that ensure its success in a diverse variety of habitats.
- 5
10 Problems With Democracy
Ten Problems With Democracy - This asks if democracy delivers freedom, how it compares with dictatorships, and how it's manipulated by politicians and the media.
- 17
5 Conflicts Between Science and Religion
Conflict between science and religion is an inevitable product of their diametric approaches to discovering truth. Five examples illustrate this point.
- 6
5 Problems With Bible Interpretation
These 5 problems with interpreting scripture focus on the psychological forces that bias our perspectives. War and violence can be seen as divinely endorsed.
- 13
Why Is Christianity So Popular?
What is the psychological appeal of Christianity? Who is vulnerable to conversion? Why is God given particular features? Why do we create doomsday prophecies?
- 9
Why Do People Convert to Religion?
Why Do People Convert to Religion? - There are at least eight types of religious conversion. Each uniformly depends on the psychology of the individual.
- 5
Religious Narcissism - Becoming the Christian Alpha
Evolution has left us with a desire for superiority that religious belief can fulfill. The causes and effects of religious narcissism are explored.
- 9
Is Religion An Addiction?
Is Religion An Addiction? - The psychology and physiology of religion compel a comparison with drug use. Symptoms of the God addiction are alarmingly familiar.
- 10
5 Reasons Why People Believe in God
Several religious beliefs provide comfort and appeal to our evolutionary psychology. Some people may be more susceptible than others to belief in God.
- 8
What Is the Relationship Between Religion and Morality?
Evolutionary and cognitive psychology reveal a number of reasons why morality is co-opted by religion.
- 5
Top 10 New Years Resolutions 2018
Top 10 New Years Resolutions 2018 - Whether it's falling in love, overcoming addiction, or saving the planet, resolutions help us to become better people.
- 10
The Sumerian Flood Story
The Sumerian Flood Story - The Epics of Atrahasis and Gilgamesh were written over a thousand years before the Biblical account of Noah's Ark.
- 27
What Is the Oldest Story Ever Written?
What is the oldest story ever written? - The Epic of Gilgamesh was written over 4,000 years ago on cuneiform clay tablets. It recounts a king's quest to overcome death, and the original story of the Great Flood.
- 33
What was the first religion?
What was the first religion? - Paleolithic society provides the first evidence of religious belief. Ecological conditions show how it began 100,000 years ago.
- 27
Reasons for Leaving Physics
More than half of PhD students leave physics after earning their degree. The reasons include a lack of financial reward or job security.
- 7
The Benefits of Studying Physics
The Benefits of Studying Physics - There are many reasons to study physics at university. These include increased employability, career choice, and prestige.
- 27
Top 10 Most Red Cards: Premier League
Who gets the most red cards? A list of stats and videos of the football players with the worst red card rates in the history of the Premier League.
- 0
Review of `In Gods We Trust' by Scott Atran
A Review of `In Gods We Trust' by Scott Atran - The evolutionary landscape of religion is explored in a literary masterpiece that is coherent to a wide spectrum of readers.
- 42
Why Does Iran Hate America?
Why Does Iran Hate America? - The 1953 CIA coup that ousted a democratic government in Iran, the subsequent Iranian revolution, and the Iran-Iraq War have generated hate towards America.
- 9
20 Crazy Facts About Sarah Palin
This collection of facts and videos about Sarah Palin focuses on her insane political views, stupid moments, blunders, and political scandals.
- 21
Homosexuality: Is There a Gay Gene?
Is Homosexuality Genetic? - A combination of genetic and environmental factors could explain how homosexuality manifests. The sexually antagonistic selection theory can solve the paradox of how homosexuality survives...
- 0
Epistemology - Definitions and Examples
Introduction to Epistemology - An exploration of the main epistemological arguments, the problem of the infinite regress, and the nature and psychology of doubt.
- 3
Astrology and the Melatonin Hormone
Is Astrology Scientific? - The melatonin hormone varies predictably during the year, leading to the theory that pregnant mothers who give birth in the same month may have babies with similar personality profiles.
- 2
Gamma Ray Spectroscopy
Gamma Ray Spectroscopy - An introductory review of germanium gamma ray detectors, and the spectroscopic methods used in the measurement of x-ray escape peaks, annihilation photons, peak summing, energy resolution, and...
- 32
Top 10 Best Soccer Goals Ever
Top 10 Best Soccer Goals Ever - A video compilation of the greatest ever goals, including Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.
- 56
Arguments for Gun Control
Arguments for Gun Control – International murder rates and crime rates show why arguments against gun control are difficult to support. A novel use of statistics is employed to extract the key gun control argument.
- 18
Reasons to Legalize Drugs
Reasons to Legalize Drugs – Crime, expenditure, and the number of drug users would all decrease if governments legally sold drugs at prices that put drug dealers out of business.
- 77
Are Atheists Wrong?
Are atheists wrong? – A belief in the non-existence of God can be no more rational than a belief in the existence of God. Scientific agnosticism could be a more agreeable position.
- 51
Top 10 Most Hated Football Players
Top 10 Most Hated Football Players--A video compilation of current players who tarnish the reputation of the game, including John Terry, Ronaldo, the English Premier League, and Spanish La Liga.
- 23
The Best Players of Euro 2012
Stars of Euro 2012 - The best player from each country represented at the 2012 European Championships. Including Andrea Pirlo and Zlatan Ibrahimovich.
- 13
Euro 2012 Final - Spain vs Italy
Euro 2012 Final - Spain 4-0 Italy - The tactics that won Spain the Euro 2012 final and a place in the record books.
- 53
Top 10 Underrated Football Players Of All Time
Top 10 Underrated Football Players Of All Time - Many talented football players have graced the beautiful game, yet they escape the memories of today's fans.
- 70
The Hillary Clinton Scandals
The Hillary Clinton Scandals - Hillary Clinton has been involved in numerous scandals. These are related to Wikileaks, Benghazi, campaign donations, health care, Iraq, Iran, and Zionism.
- 6
Tuna and Avocado Wraps Recipe
Tuna and Avocado Wraps - A quick and easy, low fat, high protein, and cheap meal that can be modified to the tastes of each individual.
- 5
What Are Nuclear Isomers?
What Are Nuclear Isomers? - Nuclear isomers defy common sense. Their application for nuclear batteries and gamma ray lasers promises to revolutionize the world.
- 89
Top 10 Best Football Players Of All Time
Top 10 Best Football Players Of All Time - A video compilation of the 10 best football players, including Maradona, Pele and Cruyff.
- 4
What is Love? An Evolutionary Perspective
What is Love? An Evolutionary Perspective - This article explains why loving couples fair better in the course of human evolution, and why love is epitomised in poetry yet shrouded in mystery.
- 2
Evolution of the Seven Deadly Sins
Evolution of the Seven Deadly Sins - The seven deadly sins condemn several emotions that promote competitive behaviour, but these emotions are not sinful unless acted on immorally.
- 3
Why do humans have large brains?
Why do humans have large brains? - Robin Dunbar's social brain hypothesis suggests that our brains require a large neocortex to interpret social information.
- 72
Why Do so Many People Hate America?
Why do so many people hate America? - Americans use patriotism as a means to bolster self-esteem in a culture where feeling special is a difficult task. The US government's history of interference and intervention in...
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Thomas Swan is a writer and scientist from England. Inspired by Carl Sagan's Cosmos, he became a doctor of physics in 2011. The link to the right presents a selection of his physics papers. An enduring interest in the evolution and psychology of religion compelled Thomas to switch fields to study the cognitive science of religion. His hubs reflect this diverse panoply of interests, covering topics such as psychology, religion, politics, history, soccer, physics, evolutionary theory, anthropology, philosophy, classical music, mythology, and emotional influences on the formation of religious beliefs.