BERTRAND RUSSFLL
Sir-In spite of "G.H.D.’s" arguments, and because of them, I think that Mr. Prior, in reviewing The History of Western Philosophy, had good reason for finding greatness in its author. Bertrand Russell does not confuse common sense and philosophy, as "G.H.D." does. A’ philosopher has always to beware of accepting as philosophical truth the notion of common sense, which has little to do with philosophy. Bertrand Russell does not mistake numbers for logic; he does not use "99.9 per cent of humanity" as a logical argument. I note, by the way, that "G.H.D.’s" ever-widening smile has become "irritat-ing"-to whom I do not know, nor does it matter; but I still think Uncle Toby’s Argumentum Fistulatorium is an adequate answer for this Argument of the Cheshire Cat. ‘ "G.H.D." has more or less got the meaning of my explanation why. treachery to truth may appear to Russell to be morally reprehensible. In pursuing my train of thought he adds an unnecessary emotional element, but he understands
fairly well my opinion that, to a Nazi or to a Thug, treachery to truth may not appear morally reprehensible, while to Russell, an Englishman, it does. After all, the chief greatness of The History of Western Philosophy is Russell’s treatment of philosophers in relation to their social and historical backgrounds. —
ROBERT
MOUAT
(Christchurch ).
Aa.ti.d/, may reply if he wishes, alter whlch this will be closed.-Ed.)
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 21, Issue 534, 16 September 1949, Page 5
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232BERTRAND RUSSFLL New Zealand Listener, Volume 21, Issue 534, 16 September 1949, Page 5
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