Russell Blackford: The Culture Wars
Russell’s talk focuses on why it is necessary to critique belief systems if we are to maintain the health of a secular society. Indeed some time is given to the notion that secularism has being given only lip-service recently under the current leadership of Kevin Rudd, following in the anti-secular footsteps of John Howard. He puts the continuing culture wars into an historical perspective delving deep into religious moralism and intolerance through the ages. He argues, now is a good time for atheists and others who are sceptical about religion’s claims to stand up publicly and express their disbelief.
Basically an excellent speech on the evolution of secular philosophy and the role of the state in a secular society. It’s rather long, but worth watching. I haven’t yet watched the Q&A portion myself.