Freely speaking
Since New Zealand just had to discuss the meaning of free speech, perhaps it is worth defining what free speech is. And what it is not. [...]
Political philosophy
Enlightenment and the burka ban
What would Kant have said about the burka ban? [...]
Which neoliberalism? A reply to Steve Keen
The popularity of Corbyn, Trump and Sanders is a protest against the insiders of the political system, not a revolt against neoliberalism or sound economic management. [...]
The moral case for diversity
If your company has a diversity policy and culture, if you are trying to do what is right and if you believe in diversity because it matches your company’s values, congratulations. That it might not automatically strengthen the bottom line does not make it any less morally worthy. [...]
Colbert’s legacy lingers on
We do not need big plans and visions and we do not need government to think on our behalf. We need the state to guarantee property rights, enforce contracts and provide a stable set of political and economic institutions. [...]
Freedom, the fundamental human right
You may be all in favour of free speech, but some people believe allowing tobacco companies to freely advertise their products requires an exception, as might donations to political campaigns, or statements that might impinge upon another person’s reputation. The devil is in the detail. [...]
Can representative democracy survive in the 21st century?
Can representative democracy survive the 21st century? Perhaps in order to preserve democracy, we need to make it more democratic – even if that makes it less representative. [...]
Can representative democracy survive?
Perhaps in order to preserve democracy, we need to make it more democratic – even if that makes it less representative. [...]
Humility rediscovered
To restrain yourself and not take yourself too seriously; to accept that one may be wrong and others right; to be tolerant of different opinions; and to meet in a spirit of equality and politeness – these are not religious demands but in fact the foundations of a free, civil society. [...]
Four-year fixed terms? Bring it on!
Of course political observers love the spectacle and drama of elections campaigns. But all this excitement is not an end in itself. Its real purpose is to constitute both a parliament and a government that do their jobs well. And for this reason, fixed four-year terms would improve New Zealand’s democracy. [...]