A Point of View

Roger Scruton argues that nations should be defined by language and territory rather than by party or faith. Looking at examples across the Middle East and in particular in Egypt, he explains why - in his view - a modern state cannot be governed by Islamic law.

Philosopher Roger Scruton argues that democracy works only if we are prepared to be ruled by our opponents, however much we may dislike them. We need to accept politics as a process of compromise and conciliation - and for that, he says, the state must be secular.

Philosopher Roger Scruton argues that democracy alone is not enough for political freedom as democracy, freedom and human rights do not necessarily coincide.

It’s exactly 500 years this summer since Niccolo Machiavelli wrote his famous book 'The Prince', on how to gain and retain political power. Sarah Dunant takes us back to the hot Tuscan summer when Machiavelli put down his thoughts, including the view that in politics, virtue must be tempered by expediency.

Sarah Dunant reflects on the Catholic church and suggests what Pope Francis should tell his Twitter followers about problems within the Catholic Church.

The recent New Yorker cartoon showing Sesame Street's Bert and Ernie as a gay couple prompts Sarah Dunant to reflect on the power of such images to convey social messages.

As Britain basks in post-Wimbledon glory, amid the Ashes, Sarah Dunant reflects on how sport has - throughout history - been used by the authorities to help populations let off steam.

Sarah Dunant reflects on feminism and the ousting of Australia's Prime Minister.

Tom Shakespeare asks is it time to democratise art? Furtmore, should we, the public, be allowed to borrow works of art from our national collections - that way we could have an affair with art, rather than a one-night stand.

In Britain many of our holidays and festivals are rather dull - bank holidays for example. Tom Shakespeare, presenting the third of his four essays, says that when he looks at other cultures he feels a strong sense of festival envy. He wants Britain to have better festivals. To start with, shouldn't we celebrate Midsummer?

Sociologist Tom Shakespeare says his favourite childhood book was 'Bear, Mouse and Water Beetle' - which inspires his own modern tale 'Fly, Fish, Mouse and Worm'.

Sociologist Tom Shakespeare explores recent scandals in the health service, which revealed appalling cases of abuse and neglect. This has led to calls for people in the medical profession to be taught compassion - but Tom is sceptical and asks can, and should, compassion be taught?

Political philosopher John Gray finds new resonance for our own age in the story of The Great Gatsby.

Philosopher John Gray argues for another way of perceiving the world inspired by the fantasy fiction writer Arthur Machen. Instead of believing that meaning in life can only be found by changing things around us, he says some of the most valuable human experiences come about when we simply look around us without any intention of acting on what we see.

John Gray finds useful material for pondering the question of evil in the thriller writer Patricia Highsmith’s character Tom Ripley.