In memory of Dr Roderick (Rodd) Rothwell
Dr Roderick (Rodd) Rothwell was The Australian Armchair Sceptic. A respected academic, philosopher and psychologist, he devoted more than five decades to teaching, research and scholarship at the University of Sydney, where he helped pioneer rehabilitation counselling in Australia. He believed that intellectual scepticism was one of the foundations of good scholarship – that ideas should be tested by reason and evidence, never accepted simply because they were fashionable or widely held.
His interests extended well beyond the lecture theatre. Books, history, music, gardening, cooking and travel were all pursued with the same curiosity and enthusiasm. Morocco became a favourite destination, and he returned often, making his final visit in 2023 at the age of 81.
Rodd delighted in preparing adventurous, wonderfully spicy meals to share with family and friends over a good bottle of the rich, buttery Australian Chardonnays he favoured. For him, good food, good wine and good conversation were among life’s greatest pleasures.
Recreated in memory of Dr Roderick (Rodd) Rothwell, The Australian Armchair Sceptic, this website preserves his essays and observations for new generations of readers. They are presented much as he would have wished: thoughtful, provocative, occasionally irreverent and always inviting debate. Alongside them are new articles that embrace the same spirit of enquiry while exploring subjects beyond the scope of Rodd’s original work.
So, pull up a comfortable armchair, pour yourself a generous glass of your finest wine, and settle in.
From The Armchair Sceptic’s Table
Every article published in The Armchair Sceptic is accompanied by a carefully selected wine. Many are wines and whiskies that regularly appeared in Rodd’s cellar; others are chosen because they reflect the same appreciation of quality, character and good company. Each is offered in the hope that it adds something special to an evening of thoughtful reading, good food and even better conversation.
Scarborough Yellow Label Chardonnay
The conversation at The Armchair Sceptic has begun. Another chair has been drawn up, the glasses are being filled and tonight’s bottle is Scarborough Yellow Label Chardonnay. Rich, creamy and generously influenced by French oak, it’s a classic Hunter Valley Chardonnay made to be enjoyed slowly, as ideas are exchanged, stories unfold and the evening lingers a little longer.
Enjoy The Armchair Sceptic’s recommendation
Disclosure: If you purchase through this link, The Armchair Sceptic may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help preserve Rodd’s writings and support the publication of new articles.