Here’s How Legalising Psychedelics Could Minimise the Risk of a Bad Trip

While the classical serotonergic psychedelics (LSD, mescaline, psilocybin, and DMT) are generally considered physiologically safe and non-addictive, they are certainly not without their risks. Negative experiences do occur – although, under a system where psychedelics are legal and regulated, this risk could be minimised. For a very tiny minority with a pre-existing or latent mental…

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A Compassionate Society Should Give People the Right to Die With Dignity

The goal of end-of-life care is to offer compassionate care and the amelioration of suffering to people in the last days of their life, as well as those afflicted with a terminal condition that has become advanced, progressive, and incurable. However, if we are to be truly compassionate towards the dying – and towards many…

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The Cruelty of Treating Animals With Homeopathic Remedies

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) said earlier this year that there is no evidence to support the use of homeopathic remedies on animals. Supporters and practitioners of homeopathy held a protest to express their outrage at this supposed attack on freedom of choice. The British Association of Homeopathic Veterinary Surgeons (BAHVS) demanded that…

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How Gender Influences the Career Choices We Make

Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden are notable for their high levels of gender equality. Researchers from Leeds Beckett University and the University of Missouri have examined whether gender equality in these Nordic countries would change the proportion of women studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at university. The scientists – understandably so – were expecting…

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Religious Freedom Does Not Justify Male Circumcision

The Icelandic government has proposed a law that would ban male circumcision for non-medical reasons and this has, understandably, sparked outrage and opposition from the Jewish and Muslim communities that traditionally carry out the practice. Anti-male circumcision groups, such as Men Do Complain, are calling for a ban on ‘ritual’ male circumcision in the UK. The…

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