Reading for Battle
Battle Readings is a regularly updated compilation of articles, essays, and opinion pieces relevant to the themes of the Battle of Ideas.
Choose a theme from the listing on the left to narrow your search, or view all readings.
Health & Well-being
What’s wrong with Mindfulness – more than you might think
Separating meditation from faith is a dubious business, morally and sometimes in its effects
Melanie McDonagh, Spectator, 1 November 2014
Separating meditation from faith is a dubious business, morally and sometimes in its effects
Melanie McDonagh, Spectator, 1 November 2014
The Emperor's New Clothes? The dangers of the anti-FGM campaign
A Battle in Print essay. Bríd Hehir argues that the campaign against FGM in the UK is built on dubious statistics and prejudices about Africans. Rather than the current focus on bans and coercion, she argues a more nuanced approach is more likely to reduce the prevalence of FGM and would cause less harm.
Bríd Hehir, Battle in Print, 14 October 2014
A Battle in Print essay. Bríd Hehir argues that the campaign against FGM in the UK is built on dubious statistics and prejudices about Africans. Rather than the current focus on bans and coercion, she argues a more nuanced approach is more likely to reduce the prevalence of FGM and would cause less harm.
Bríd Hehir, Battle in Print, 14 October 2014
Mental health stigma hasn't gone away
Stigma surrounding mental health comes in many forms, and it’s important to understand what the differences are
Pete Etchells, Guardian, 28 August 2014
Stigma surrounding mental health comes in many forms, and it’s important to understand what the differences are
Pete Etchells, Guardian, 28 August 2014
Robin Williams, depression and the complex causes of suicide
While many people who kill themselves have been experiencing the extreme distress we might think of as depression, that’s not always the case and is rarely the whole explanation
Anne Cooke, Angela Gilchrist and John McGowan, Guardian, 18 August 2014
While many people who kill themselves have been experiencing the extreme distress we might think of as depression, that’s not always the case and is rarely the whole explanation
Anne Cooke, Angela Gilchrist and John McGowan, Guardian, 18 August 2014
Why we will come to see mindfulness as mandatory
This increasingly popular tool for calming the mind, once seen as a New Age fad, could play a role in hospitals and schools
Madeleine Bunting , Guardian, 6 May 2014
This increasingly popular tool for calming the mind, once seen as a New Age fad, could play a role in hospitals and schools
Madeleine Bunting , Guardian, 6 May 2014
The Dark Side of Emotional Intelligence
In some jobs, being in touch with emotions is essential. In others, it seems to be a detriment. And like any skill, being able to read people can be used for good or evil.
Adam Grant , The Atlantic, 2 January 2014
In some jobs, being in touch with emotions is essential. In others, it seems to be a detriment. And like any skill, being able to read people can be used for good or evil.
Adam Grant , The Atlantic, 2 January 2014
Bullying can be good for you
spiked podcast talks to Helene Guldberg about the rise of anti-bullying campaigns and why they may be doing more harm than good.
spiked podcast, spiked, 12 November 2013
spiked podcast talks to Helene Guldberg about the rise of anti-bullying campaigns and why they may be doing more harm than good.
spiked podcast, spiked, 12 November 2013
Can technology fill the elderly care gap?
With the proportion of over-65s on the increase, Britain is facing a crisis when it comes to care of the elderly. Is technology the answer?
Andrew Griffiths, Telegraph, 13 April 2013
With the proportion of over-65s on the increase, Britain is facing a crisis when it comes to care of the elderly. Is technology the answer?
Andrew Griffiths, Telegraph, 13 April 2013
The Big-Brother Model of Assisted Living
Sensors installed in nursing homes and even individual residences are helping nurses monitor seniors' health, but questions remain about cost, and privacy.
Michael L Millenson, Atlantic, 11 January 2013
Sensors installed in nursing homes and even individual residences are helping nurses monitor seniors' health, but questions remain about cost, and privacy.
Michael L Millenson, Atlantic, 11 January 2013
Is the Big Society the good society?
"There's a real sense of intellectual delight that so much can be discussed in just sixty minutes - and so thoughtfully - both by the speakers and especially by the audience. A rich feast of ideas."
Christopher Kelly, reader in Ancient History and Fellow and Director of Studies in Classics at Corpus Christi College
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