Society
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Sailor, sportsman, hero – and royal husband
Has he seen more change than any of us will? At 99, Prince Philip has led an extraordinary life, and been a witness to some of the most momentous events in world history.
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Battle of the brothers as royal rift opens
Are Harry and Meghan the future of British royalty? Some think they are a breath of fresh air in a stuffy institution – but others argue it was selfish to give up their royal duties.
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A fable in search of a great humane vision
Are humans unique? Tomorrow one of the greatest writers on this theme, Kazuo Ishiguro, will publish a new novel about artificial intelligence, human nature and the meaning of love.
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Harari: five lessons we can learn from Covid
Has the Covid-19 tragedy left the world a better place? With the end of the pandemic finally in sight, one of the world’s most admired thinkers has urged changes to ensure a brighter future.
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McCartney is a Dickens for our day, says poet
Should Paul McCartney get a Nobel prize? News of a new 900-page autobiography has sparked comparisons with Charles Dickens – and a claim that the former Beatle is a major literary figure.
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Woman wins pay for five years of housework
Should housework be paid work? A Chinese woman has been granted compensation in her divorce for care work. The ruling has sparked a discussion that echoes a longstanding feminist demand.
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Discovered! Secret formula behind every genius
Are there rules to becoming a genius? A Harvard academic believes that he has established the key ingredients – but warns that those with great minds are not always great human beings.
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The young poet whose words are a joy for ever
Are we too obsessed with youthful genius? John Keats died 200 years ago today at the age of 25, having written some of the most beautiful and influential poems in the English language.
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‘Day of hope’ as US rejoins climate agreement
Is there still time to rescue nature? The US is returning to climate talks today, in a turning-point year for the planet. The situation is bleak, but scientists say nature CAN be restored.
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How a troubled tourist became a TV sensation
Is our obsession with true crime unhealthy? A new series about the disappearance of a young traveller has captivated millions. But critics say the genre harms victims and viewers alike.
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Row intensifies over vaccine passports
Are they a good idea? Several countries already require proof of vaccination to allow travel. Some hope these passports can help reopen the economy; others are bitterly against them.
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AI has no idea of right and wrong say experts
Is the science of artificial intelligence unethical? As researchers warn that it can be used for racial profiling and surveillance, a new call for ethical control has just been published.
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Law school adds chitchat to the curriculum
Do we need lessons in small talk? Worried that its students are losing the art of conversation, a British university has announced a new module to help them learn to break the ice.
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Expert casts doubt on ‘post-truth’ claims
Does democracy REALLY depend on truth? Many people claim democratic systems only work when everyone agrees on basic truths – but others think this is a recipe for dictatorship.
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Photo and Oprah date clash with privacy aims
Can celebrities have both publicity and privacy? Harry and Meghan release an intimate portrait and agree to an interview with Oprah Winfrey but demand that the press leave them alone.