Thoughtland

PK column in The National: The philosophy of politics highlights the dilemmas of nationalist identity

By Pat Kane. First published on AUGUST 11TH, 2018

IT’S been fun reading the snash around Chris McEleny’s case against the MoD. He’s pursuing them for their poor and punitive treatment of him as an employee when he announced his candidacy for the SNP depute leader position in 2016.

A Glasgow employment tribunal, presided over by Judge Frances Eccles, ruled this week that he could make a case under the Equality Act 2010. This allows certain “philosophical and religious beliefs” to be understood as “protected characteristics”. That is, they can’t be taken into consideration as grounds for dismissal or harsh treatment.

The MoD has appealed to have the decision reconsidered and revoked.

PK column in The National: Nationalism can be force for good – as Scotland has shown the world

By Pat Kane. First published on JULY 22ND, 2017

ANOTHER day, another metropolitan front cover with “nationalism” in scare-quotes. This time, at least, there is the merit of a considerable intellect behind the charge.

The Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari is the author of Sapiens and Homo Deus – two volumes that together chart the past, present and future of humankind. They are popular enough to sit beneath the crime thrillers in your local train-station newsagent.