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Religion and the State: Lessons from History
From Europe’s wars of religion to Amanullah Khan’s reforms in Afghanistan, history offers hard lessons about what happens when religion and state power are joined.
Turan Freethinker
Turan Freethinker writes essays and hosts the Turan with Arman podcast on philosophy, ethics, religion and freedom of thought, in English and Dari, for the Afghan community and beyond.
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Secular Education: Teaching Children How to Think
Education can teach children what to believe, or it can teach them how to think. The difference shapes not only individual lives but the future of whole societies.
What Secularism Is — and What It Is Not
Secularism is often described as an attack on religion. In fact, it is the arrangement that allows people of every faith — and none — to live freely side by side.
Why Human Rights Are Universal
“Human rights are a Western idea that does not fit our culture.” This claim is often made by those in power. Here is why it is wrong — and who it really protects.
Freedom of Expression and Its Limits
Is there a right to offend? Where should free speech end? A look at the harm principle, the difference between offence and incitement, and why blasphemy laws protect power, not people.
Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan
Since 2021, Afghan women and girls have been removed step by step from schools, universities, workplaces and public life. Why so many now call it gender apartheid — and why the world must not look away.
Science and Superstition in Everyday Life
Amulets against the evil eye, lucky days, healing by prayer-writers: superstition shapes daily life for millions. How can we test such claims — and why do they feel so convincing?
Cognitive Biases: How Our Minds Mislead Us
Our minds take shortcuts, and those shortcuts lead us astray in predictable ways. A guide to the most common cognitive biases — and how to think more clearly despite them.
Evolution: The Most Misunderstood Theory in Science
“Humans came from monkeys.” “It’s just a theory.” “It’s all random chance.” Evolution is among the best-supported ideas in science — and among the most misunderstood.
What Is Awareness? Thinking About Thinking
Awareness is more than being awake. It is the ability to notice our own thoughts, question our beliefs and choose how to act. Why cultivating it may be the most important thing we do.