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Thomas Swan profile image

Thomas Swan

Joined 12 months ago from Durham, UK. Last activity 23 hours ago.

Thomas Swan is an English writer and academic. Inspired by Carl Sagan's Cosmos, he became a doctor of physics in 2011. For a list of peer-reviewed published articles, please see the website link to the right. With a growing interest in the evolution and psychology of religious thought, Thomas switched fields to obtain a master's degree in the cognitive science of religion in 2012. His hubs reflect this diverse panoply of interests, covering topics such as politics, psychology, religion, history, soccer, fitness, nutrition, physics, evolutionary theory, anthropology, philosophy, gaming, stock trading, and the influence of emotion on the formation of religious beliefs.

My Content: Hubs, Answers, and Forums

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  • HubPages Tutorials and Community (21)
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  • Religion and Philosophy (2)
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  • Books, Literature, and Writing (3)
  • Education and Science (20)
  • Entertainment and Media (1)
  • Food and Cooking (1)
  • Games, Toys, and Hobbies (1)
  • Health (3)
  • Holidays and Celebrations (1)
  • Personal Finance (1)
  • Politics and Social Issues (12)
  • Religion and Philosophy (15)
  • Sports and Recreation (14)
  • 4

    Was Hitler an Atheist or a Christian?

    2 weeks ago

    Was Hitler an Atheist or a Christian? - Examining Mein Kampf, Hitler's Table Talk, and various public speeches to discover Hitler's religious orientation.

  • 1

    Top 20 Famous Redheads in History

    24 minutes ago

    Top 20 Famous Redheads in History - A list of famous historical figures that all had red or ginger hair. Explanations for its commonality are offered.

  • 2

    Arsenal Season Review 2012-13 in Pictures and Videos

    3 weeks ago

    A review of the 2012-13 season at Arsenal football club. Including the ten best moments from the season; described and illustrated with pictures and videos.

  • 5

    Spider Evolution - Adaptations and Ancestors

    3 weeks ago

    Spider Evolution - A timeline of ancestors reveals the course of spider evolution. Numerous unique adaptations were acquired along the way.

  • 2

    25 Facts about Vlad Tepes the Impaler

    4 weeks ago

    25 Facts about Vlad Tepes the Impaler - This sadistic Transylvanian prince ruled Wallachia, impaled his enemies, and became the focus of the Dracula legend.

  • 0

    The Death of Genghis Khan

    5 weeks ago

    The Death of Genghis Khan - Was the Mongol leader castrated by a princess; killed in battle; or did he fall from his horse and die from pneumonia?

  • 6

    40 Facts About Genghis Khan

    6 weeks ago

    Charting the history and legacy of the Mongolian Emperor, Temujin (Khan). This list of 40 facts about Genghis Khan explores his life, death, and deeds.

  • 11

    The Death of Rasputin the Russian Monk

    6 weeks ago

    The Death of Rasputin the Russian Monk - Exploring why Rasputin was killed, who killed him, and how he died. Includes new evidence of British SIS involvement.

  • 14

    Top 25 Crimes of the CIA

    7 weeks ago

    Top 25 Crimes of the CIA - A history of CIA coups, assassinations, and interventions. The list of crimes is sorted alphabetically by country.

  • 6

    Name Calling Propaganda: Terrorist or Freedom Fighter?

    7 weeks ago

    Name Calling Propaganda - The media use a plethora of names to describe foreign combatants, including terrorist, freedom fighter, rebel, and militant.

  • 13

    Top 10 Most Beautiful Extinct Animals

    8 weeks ago

    Top 10 Most Beautiful Extinct Animals - The tale of ten species that succumbed to anthropogenic extinction as a result of hunting or habitat destruction.

  • 0

    How to Watch Live Sports Online

    2 months ago

    How to Watch Live Sports Online - A guide to watching sport for free on the internet. Copyright law and the legality of streaming is also discussed.

  • 1

    Loneliness, Social Anxiety, and Intrusive Thoughts

    2 months ago

    Loneliness can generate intrusive thoughts that magnify social anxieties. Understanding the evolutionary psychology of loneliness may help one to cope.

  • 2

    Different Types of Stars in the Universe

    2 months ago

    Different Types of Stars in the Universe - Physical characteristics and images of the many different kinds of stars, from red giants to white dwarfs.

  • 0

    Stellar Evolution: Stages in the Life Cycle of Stars

    2 months ago

    Stages in the Life Cycle of Stars - From protostars to white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes and supernovae. The stages in stellar evolution are described.

  • 8

    Top 10 Best Hubble Telescope Pictures

    2 months ago

    Top 10 Best Hubble Telescope Pictures - A gallery of the most beautiful images from the Hubble Space Telescope, with interesting facts about each picture.

  • 6

    Was Harry Truman the Worst President in US History?

    6 weeks ago

    Was Harry Truman the Worst President? - Truman dropped atomic bombs on civilians, brought about the creation of Israel, established the CIA, and took America into the Korean War.

  • 22

    Top 10 Most Beautiful Animals In The World

    33 minutes ago

    Top 10 Most Beautiful Animals In The World - These wonders of evolution are illustrated with pictures and facts. Many unusual species are included.

  • 9

    Moralizers: The Psychology of Political Correctness

    3 months ago

    Moralizers and the psychology of political correctness (PC) - Could condemning others bolster one's reputation? Why is PC often a liberal phenomenon?

  • 10

    The 8 Wives of Ivan The Terrible

    3 months ago

    The 8 Wives of Ivan The Terrible - Ivan IV Vasilyevich of Russia was married 8 times, but can he be blamed for the execution or divorce of the wives he replaced?

  • 21

    Online Narcissism: Writers with NPD

    5 days ago

    Online Narcissism: Writers with NPD - A look at narcissistic personality disorder on the internet, with a focus on self-descriptive writing.

  • 24

    Top 10 Most Annoying Cliches

    9 minutes ago

    Top 10 Most Annoying Cliches - From meaningless contradictions to condescending insults, cliches can be unbearably irritating.

  • 4

    Top 10 Best Football Teams Of All Time

    3 months ago

    Top 10 Best Football Teams Of All Time - A video compilation of the best football (soccer) teams, with statistics, trophy wins, and notable players.

  • 8

    Top 10 Best Football Managers In The World

    5 weeks ago

    Top 10 Best Football Managers In The World - A video compilation of the best managers in world football. Including Jose Mourinho and Alex Ferguson.

  • 7

    Caracal - Adaptations and Facts

    4 months ago

    Caracal - Adaptations and Facts - The caracal has a number of anatomical and behavioral adaptations that ensure its success in a diverse variety of habitats.

  • 2

    The Evolution of Democracy

    4 months ago

    The Evolution of Democracy - How has democracy changed? What is it becoming? How does it compare with a dictatorship? Fourteen observations are presented.

  • 3

    The Philosophy of Science and Religion

    3 months ago

    The Philosophy of Science and Religion - The conflict between science and religion is an inevitable product of their diametric understanding of probability, and of what constitutes truth.

  • 6

    The Dangers of Scriptural Interpretation

    4 months ago

    The Dangers of Scriptural Interpretation - Cultural and psychological forces shape how religious scripture is interpreted. War and violence may be justified by divine endorsement.

  • 2

    How does psychology explain the Bible?

    4 months ago

    How does psychology explain the Bible? - Psychological study can explain why God is given particular traits, why we create doomsday prophecies, and what the Bible is really telling us about religion.

  • 5

    Why Do People Convert to Religion?

    74 minutes ago

    Why Do People Convert to Religion? - There are at least eight types of religious conversion. Each uniformly depends on the psychology of the individual.

  • 2

    Is Religion About Feeling Superior?

    74 minutes ago

    Is Religion About Feeling Superior? - Evolution has left us with a desire for dominance that religious belief can fulfill. The causes and effects of religious superiority are explored.

  • 6

    Is Religion An Addiction?

    5 months ago

    Is Religion An Addiction? - The psychology and physiology of religion compel a comparison with drug use. Symptoms of the God addiction are alarmingly familiar.

  • 4

    Why People Believe in God

    2 months ago

    Why People Believe in God - Evolutionary psychology reveals that a number of religious claims will appeal to our evolved minds. Some people may be more susceptible than others.

  • 4

    What is the relationship between religion and morality?

    5 months ago

    The relationship between religion and morality - Evolutionary and cognitive psychology reveal a number of reasons why morality is co-opted by religion.

  • 4

    Top 10 New Years Resolutions 2013

    2 months ago

    Top 10 New Years Resolutions 2013 - Whether it's falling in love, overcoming addiction, or saving the planet, resolutions help us to become better people.

  • 4

    The Sumerian Flood Story

    4 weeks ago

    The Sumerian Flood Story - The Epics of Atrahasis and Gilgamesh were written over a thousand years before the Biblical account of Noah's Ark.

  • 16

    What is the oldest story ever written?

    3 months ago

    What is the oldest story ever written? - The Epic of Gilgamesh was written over 4,000 years ago on cuneiform clay tablets. It recounts a king's quest to overcome death, and the original story of the Great Flood.

  • 27

    What was the first religion?

    3 months ago

    What was the first religion? - Paleolithic religion provides the first evidence of religious belief. Ecological conditions show how it began 100,000 years ago.

  • 90

    Arsenal Football Club News

    4 weeks ago

    Arsenal Football Club News - Find the latest Arsenal news and match reports, the Arsenal top scorers list, transfer gossip, and recent player ratings.

  • 15

    Reasons for Leaving Physics

    6 months ago

    Reasons for Leaving Physics - More than half of PhD students leave physics after their degree. Reasons include a lack of financial rewards and job security.

  • 6

    The Benefits of Studying Physics

    6 months ago

    The Benefits of Studying Physics - There are many reasons to study physics at university. These include increased employability, career choice, and prestige.

  • 12

    Top 10 Most Red Cards: Premier League

    4 weeks ago

    Top 10 Most Red Cards: Premier League - A stats and video compilation of the football players with the worst red card rates in the Premier League.

  • 0

    A Review of `In Gods We Trust' by Scott Atran

    3 months ago

    A Review of `In Gods We Trust' by Scott Atran - The evolutionary landscape of religion is explored in a literary masterpiece that is coherent to a wide spectrum of readers.

  • 3

    The Iranian Nuclear Program

    3 months ago

    The Iranian Nuclear Program - Is there any proof that Iran is building a nuclear weapon? The U.S. desire to trigger war may be all we can prove.

  • 24

    Why Does Iran Hate America?

    3 months ago

    Why Does Iran Hate America? - The 1953 CIA coup that ousted a democratic government in Iran, the subsequent Iranian revolution, and the Iran-Iraq War have generated hate towards America.

  • 8

    The Sarah Palin Scandals

    12 days ago

    The Sarah Palin Scandals - The numerous scandals in which Sarah Palin has become embroiled. Female politicians often become the mouthpiece for extreme right-wing policy.

  • 2

    Top 10 Tips for People New to Stock Trading

    4 days ago

    New to Stock Trading? - Trading stocks on the internet is easy. This article contains 10 tips for new traders, and instructions for creating a trading account.

  • 15

    Is Homosexuality Genetic?

    5 days ago

    Is Homosexuality Genetic? - A combination of genetic and environmental factors could explain how homosexuality manifests. The sexually antagonistic selection theory can solve the paradox of how homosexuality survives natural selection.

  • 0

    An Introduction to Epistemology

    5 days ago

    Introduction to Epistemology - An exploration of the main epistemological arguments, the problem of the infinite regress, and the nature and psychology of doubt.

  • 2

    Astrology and the Melatonin Hormone

    4 weeks ago

    Is Astrology Scientific? - The melatonin hormone varies predictably during the year, leading to the theory that pregnant mothers who give birth in the same month may have babies with similar personality profiles.

  • 2

    Gamma Ray Spectroscopy

    6 months ago

    Gamma Ray Spectroscopy - An introductory review of germanium gamma ray detectors, and the spectroscopic methods used in the measurement of x-ray escape peaks, annihilation photons, peak summing, energy resolution, and total and photopeak efficiency.

  • 17

    Top 10 Best Soccer Goals Ever

    4 days ago

    Top 10 Best Soccer Goals Ever - A video compilation of the greatest ever goals, including Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.

  • 26

    Arguments for Gun Control

    8 months ago

    Arguments for Gun Control – International murder rates and crime rates show why arguments against gun control are difficult to support. A novel use of statistics is employed to extract the key gun control argument.

  • 2

    Arguments for the Legalization of Drugs

    6 months ago

    Arguments for the Legalization of Drugs – Crime, expenditure, and the number of drug users would all decrease if governments set up clinics to sell drugs at prices that put drug dealers out of business.

  • 26

    Are Atheists Wrong?

    2 months ago

    Are atheists wrong? – A belief in the non-existence of God can be no more rational than a belief in the existence of God. Scientific agnosticism could be a more agreeable position.

  • 25

    Top 10 Most Hated Football Players

    4 weeks ago

    Top 10 Most Hated Football Players - A video compilation of currently active players who tarnish the reputation of the beautiful game.

  • 23

    Who were the Best Players at Euro 2012?

    6 weeks ago

    Stars of Euro 2012 - The best player from each country represented at the 2012 European Championships. Including Andrea Pirlo and Zlatan Ibrahimovich.

  • 13

    Euro 2012 Final - Spain vs Italy

    8 weeks ago

    Euro 2012 Final - Spain 4-0 Italy - The tactics that won Spain the Euro 2012 final and a place in the record books.

  • 16

    Euro 2012 Semi Final - Italy vs Germany

    6 weeks ago

    Euro 2012 Semi Final - Italy 2-1 Germany - Mario Balotelli is the star performer for Italy as Germany pay for price for a poor tactical display.

  • 40

    Top 10 Underrated Football Players Of All Time

    11 hours ago

    Top 10 Underrated Football Players Of All Time - Many talented football players have graced the beautiful game, yet they escape the memories of today's fans.

  • 24

    The Hillary Clinton Scandals

    4 weeks ago

    The Hillary Clinton Scandals - Hillary Clinton has been involved in numerous scandals. These are related to Wikileaks, Benghazi, campaign donations, health care, Iraq, Iran, and Zionism.

  • 6

    Tuna and Avocado Wraps

    2 months ago

    Tuna and Avocado Wraps - A quick and easy, low fat, high protein, and cheap meal that can be modified to the tastes of each individual.

  • 4

    What Are Nuclear Isomers?

    3 months ago

    What Are Nuclear Isomers? - Nuclear isomers defy common sense. Their application for nuclear batteries and gamma ray lasers promises the revolutionize the world.

  • 76

    Top 10 Best Football Players Of All Time

    4 days ago

    Top 10 Best Football Players Of All Time - A video compilation of the 10 best football players, including Maradona, Pele and Cruyff.

  • 5

    How to Play Old Console Games On Your Computer

    2 weeks ago

    How to Play Old Console Games On Your Computer - Play games like Sonic and Mario again by downloading an emulator and reliving fond childhood memories.

  • 4

    What is Love? An Evolutionary Perspective

    8 months ago

    What is Love? An Evolutionary Perspective - This article explains why loving couples fair better in the course of human evolution, and why love is epitomised in poetry yet shrouded in mystery.

  • 2

    Evolution of the Seven Deadly Sins

    6 weeks ago

    Evolution of the Seven Deadly Sins - The seven deadly sins condemn several emotions that promote competitive behaviour, but these emotions are not sinful unless acted on immorally.

  • 33

    Does God Exist? Ask a Cognitive Scientist

    5 months ago

    Does God Exist? - The numerous contradictory religions littering human history suggest we have a propensity for inventing creators. Psychological studies reveal a number of cognitive biases that confirm this observation.

  • 2

    How to build muscle with the right training regime

    7 weeks ago

    How to build muscle with the right training regime - Bodybuilders must train the right muscles in the right way to achieve hypertrophy. Ectomorphs and Endomorphs require different regimes, but each require high-protein food and appropriate exercise.

  • 0

    How to build muscle with a protein rich diet

    7 weeks ago

    How to build muscle with a protein rich diet - An extensive list of protein sources, with information on how it is useful for building muscle. Learn when and how often to consume protein rich foods.

  • 0

    Why do humans have large brains?

    4 days ago

    Why do humans have large brains? - Robin Dunbar offers his social brain hypothesis as an explanation for the large human brain. Speech require a large neocortex to interpret social information in a beneficial way.

  • 43

    Why do so many people hate America?

    8 months ago

    Why do so many people hate America? - Americans use patriotism as a means to bolster self-esteem in a culture where feeling special is a difficult task. The US government's history of interference and intervention in foreign countries is another primary focus of foreign hatred.

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