Regulars p. 3 Editor’s Note p. 6 The Q&A Moral philosopher Peter Singer p. 9 Witness News, comment and your letters p. 71 Crossword Set by Chaliapin p. 74 Endgame Seeing is believing . . . By Laurie Taylor Contents Spring 2016

p. 72 The Big Question Which political leader do you find most inspirational?

p. 73 Quiz Set by Chris Maslanka columns p. 8 Science Is it a problem when MPs ignore evidence? By Max Goldman p. 16 Movies Who gets to be human? By Reni Eddo-Lodge p. 70 In a Word “Regeneration” By Michael Rosen

4

Gloria Steinem’s life and times, page 42

“Experiences of this kind shouldn’t require the mediation of a prophet” Richard Smyth, page 50

Features p. 18 Society The fine line between counter-terrorism and policing ideas By Samira Shackle p. 24 Cosmos What Einstein’s theory of relativity does and doesn’t tell us about black holes By Marcus Chown p. 28 Nigeria How growing religious fundamentalism threatens human rights By Chitra Nagarajan p. 32 Cover story Appeals to human “nature” won’t help us make ethical decisions By Tim Lewens p. 38 Interview Shappi Khorsandi calls for kindess in public debate By Ariane Sherine Culture p. 42 Feminism What Gloria Steinem’s life in activism can teach a younger generation By Sally Feldman p. 46 Television Peter Kay’s celebration of cov er l ei b ov i t z o n r ows

: anie t in

: mar t io n gloria pho t o graph i l lu st ra st einem

New Humanist | Spring 2016