2010
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The Nature of the Debate
Professor A. C. Grayling discusses the nature of the debate surrounding the related, but separate areas of atheism, humanism and secularism.
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Christmas Traditions Around the World
Although the Christian traditions for the Christmas holiday have come to dominate Western society, many cultures around the world have their own different holiday traditions.
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The Atheist Responses
Chris Worfolk regularly discusses some of the most common arguments that come up when discussing religion and what the arguments and counter-arguments to these are. These can be seen in the "Debating the Theists" talk which can also be found in the collection.
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Not a Chimp
Jeremy Taylor, author of "Not a Chimp" argues that there are actually significant differences betweens humans and chimpanzees and that this reality requires a different approach to animal welfare.
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Is Atheism the new Coca-Cola?
Norman Ralph discusses whether the non-religious movement is suffering from a lack of brand identity, and what can be done about it.
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Inside the Evangelists' Lair
In 2006, Chris Worfolk founded Leeds Atheist Society while studying at the University of Leeds. During his time running the society, he had a great deal of interaction with the other faith societies on campus.
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Humanist Chaplaincy
Recorded at Enquiry 2010, Dr Gijsbert Stoet, head of the Humanist Chaplaincy Network, discusses the research he has done into a topic which has quickly become a polarising issue.
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Psychology of Anomalous Experiences
Ever since records began, in every known society, a substantial proportion of the population has reported unusual experiences many of which we would today label as "paranormal". Opinion polls show that the majority of the general public accepts that paranormal phenomena do occur. Such widespread experience of and belief in the paranormal can only mean one of two things. Either the paranormal is real, in which case this should be accepted by the wider scientific community which currently rejects such claims. Or else belief in and experience of ostensibly paranormal phenomena can be fully explained in terms of psychological factors.
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Origins of Life on Earth
Dr Terrence Kee discusses the possibility that life could have first traveled to Earth on an asteroid.
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One Law for All
Human rights activist Maryam Namazie, discusses the One Law for All campaign which she heads up, which campaigns to maintain a single secular legal system, free from the influence of Sharia law.
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Why do People do Weird Things?
Human behaviour often appears to be maladaptive, pointless, ineffective for its expressed purpose, and even completely absurd. In this talk Michael Heap will examine, with the aid of demonstrations and videos, some examples of odd behaviour that is based on unusual and paranormal ideas and beliefs. These will include healing practices, dowsing, hypnosis, and communication with "the spirit world."
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Prescribing Religion: What's the Harm?
Recorded as part of the Enquiry 2010 Conference, Dr Antony Lempert discusses the problems that arise when religious tradition comes into conflict with modern medicine.
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Inside the Evangelists' Lair
In 2006, Chris Worfolk founded Leeds Atheist Society while studying at the University of Leeds. During his time running the society, he had a great deal of interaction with the other faith societies on campus.