This book provides a historical overview of philosophical debates about the distinction between science and pseudo-science, and a demonstration of how the Western Marxist tradition’s notion of the critique of ideology can elucidate this distinction. The way in which pseudo-science is often ideologically motivated is discussed in depth. Particular attention is paid to the manner in which ideology masquerading as science manifests itself in the work of genuine scientists themselves, when they popularize their work or interpret the social significance of their findings. The question of the demarcation between science and pseudo-science was once a central theme of the philosophy of science, with Karl Popper’s criterion of ‘falsifiability’ (the capacity of a hypothesis to be refuted by evidence) drawing heated debate. The author furthers the case for the centrality of the question of demarcation to a critically confident philosophy of science and argues for the value of incorporating ideology-critique into this field. This unique approach makes the book of great value to anyone interested in the history and philosophy of science and anyone interested in the social and political context of scientific research.
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Afghan Operation Memorial Service
Service personnel from The Mercian Regiment have given their lives for their Country since the Regiment's amalgamation of its antecedent regiments in 2007. These regiments were, The Cheshire Regiment, The Worcester and Sherwood Forrester's Regiment and the Staffordshire Regiment. Although their names are commemorated at the National Arboretum in Staffordshire and the Mercian Regiment Memorial at Kirsch, it is considered appropriate for them to be remembered within the Regimental Chapel of the Cheshire Regiment at Chester Cathedral, in order to keep the Chapel and Garden of Remembrance current.
A Memorial Board has been produced containing the names of the 26 soldiers who gave their lives. It has been fixed to the wall of the chapel within the southwest transept of the Cathedral. A service of consecration was held there on Sunday 7 June. The Dean of Chester will conducted the service. The Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, The High Sheriff of Cheshire and the Lord Mayor of Chester were in attendance along with the Regimental mascot, Derby the Ram, and some members of the Mercian Regiment and its associations.
The photograph shows the Regimental Mascot of the Mercian Regiment, Private Derby. He is escorted by the Ram Major and his assistant. The Afghan Memorial Board is to the left below the stone "window" niche. Further reporting on the service is at the Mercian Web news: https://www.militaryapp.org/pages/web-app?app=ma&articleId=6a2ac497329899b02d962fb6
Latest Performances of Howard's Music
"Te Deum" Premiere - 17 May.
Howard's setting of the "Te Deum" for the Choir of Chester Cathedral was played on Sunday 17 May Evensong as part of the celebratory anniversary of the formation of the Girls' Choir.
Choir Concert - Saturday 20 June at 19:30.
The Cathedral Choir sings a programme of music by British composers from the sixteenth century to the present day, including John Tavener’s “Song for Athene” and renowned Chester-born Howard Skempton’s “Te Deum”, composed for the Cathedral’s girls choir’s 30th anniversary in 2026.
The Cathedral’s Grand Organ will feature in solo pieces, as well as accompanying the choir. Tickets available through the Chestercathedral.com website.
Chorales - Leamington Festival 3 May and Bologna AngelicA 36 International Music Festival 6 May
William Howard played Howard's 'Chorales and Inventions' for piano in a lunchtime concert on 3rd May, during this year's Leamington Music Festival. William then performed these pieces in Bologna on 6th May in an evening concert of Howard's music, part of AngelicA 36 - International Music Festival. The programme included other works composed for William: 'Reflections' and '24 Preludes and Fugues'. These alternated with Howard's performances of his own accordion pieces, one of which, 'Morandi', will be brand-new.
New Philosophy Book Published
Trevor’s elder son, Simon, has had another book on philosophy published, entitled: ’Scientism as Pseudoscience’.
Here is a summary, as provided by Amazon:
"Hinterland": New Video created by Sam Skempton to Howard Skempton's music
Sam Skempton has directed a new music video to his father's organ piece, "Hinterland". The video was produced by American composer, writer, organist and pianist, Carson Cooman.
Richard Dunn Sports Centre - National Skateboarding Centre?
Trevor was the architect for the Sports Centre in Bradford. Built in 1974, it has recently been given Listed status. One of the proposals for its future use is by The Twentieth-Century Society, who are promoting the concept of a National Skateboarding Centre. Follow link below:
The Twentieth Century Society shop are advertising 'screen prints [Architect signed]':
http://shop.c20society.org.uk
