Not speaking German – we Brits don’t really believe in learning other languages when speaking English LOUDLY AND SLOWLY to non-limeys is clearly enough – I can’t be sure what this is about. But it would appear that someone has invented a spray-on condom. Or maybe it’s some process whereby you can shape your own. Or […]
Latest articles
How should we regulate research?
By David Hunter The BMJ is having it’s once yearly wrangle about the regulation of research in the UK: It’s time to change how Europe regulates research Many of the suggestions made and complaints are to some degree valid, the present system is cumbersome (though I think moving in the right direction in many ways […]
Ethics Publishing Ethics
I’ve been thinking recently about what’s going on when one’s engaged in a piece of ethical writing, and what counts as a proper parameter for it. Particularly, I’ve been wondering whether there’s any obligation to be consistent between papers – is there any need for the papers that one publishes to be compatible at all? […]
I was going to write something sensible here…
… but, while waiting for the announcement of the Manchester Congestion Charge vote, I happened across this story. It made me wince. Of course, penis-crush injuries from falling toilet seats are no laughing matter. No, no, no. Nor will I laugh at the suggestion – apparently made in earnest – that certain toilet seats should […]
Health care as a testing ground for theories of distributive justice
By David Hunter Political philosophy has historically been a surprisingly unreal subject and distributive justice as a sub-field has fared no better, indeed some of the primary discussions have focused on the distribution of plover eggs and claret and taken place on desert islands. There is some sense to this, abstracting away from society and […]
S. and Marper v. the UK 17 – 0 for civil liberties and common sense
The European Court of Human Rights have today in a unanimous 17 – 0 decision decided that the retention of DNA profiles and tissue samples from people who have been arrested, but not charged with or convicted of any crime is a breach of their right to respect for private life (Article 8 of the […]
Fit notes? Undecaffeinated coffee?
I’m not sure whether it’s an urban legend or actual fact, but I once heard a story about someone who was offered coffee on an aeroplane in either decaffeinated or undecaffeinated versions. Oh, how I laughed at the mindless pleonasm. I only mention it because I was awoken this morning by the sound of someone talking […]
Hurrah… The Complete JME back archive now available online
The complete JME back archive is now available online. You can now get all the important articles from the first issue in 1975 and onwards, to there is now no excuse for not citing that important articles from 1975 just because it requires a walk to the library! […]
Must read opinion piece on Ouch! (the BBC web-site on disability)
Sir Thomas William Shakespeare, 3rd Baronet of Lakenham a.k.a. Tom Shakespeare the sociologist and disability activist is recounting his experiences of NHS rehabilitation after spinal surgery. This is a must read piece for anyone interested in the irrationality of health care systems and will also be an excellent basis for a discussion with students about […]
Personhood in Colorado: Update
I’m not sure if it’s definite yet, but at time of writing (10am GMT on the fifth), it looks like Colorado voters have overwhelmingly rejected proposals to alter the constitution to extend the definition of “person” to the point of fertilisation. Would it be too provocative to express happiness about this small victory for moral and […]