THE CHICKEN-HEARTED
Sir-I think that R.M.D. and also C.W. Waite have entirely missed the point of my letter, a point which was also indicated by other correspondents. The various types of phenomena under discussion have so far never been adequately investigated, so that nothing has yet been proved or disproved with regard to them, and in the popular phrase we are all entitled to our own opinions. But in the scientific sense (for these correspondents are intent upon being scientific) nobody is entitled to any opinion at all, until a great deal more research has been carried out. I do not know whether anyone wants to alter the personal beliefs of R.M.D., or even cares what they are, and I am certainly refraining from mentioning my own (for fear of being a total bore). It was not in order to be factually convincing that I wrote, but to indicate that this discussion, or any other discussion for that matter, can profit by being carried on objectively, amiably, and with all possible intellectual integrity. Differences of opinion can enrich a discussion provided that the basic aim is to elucidate the truth and not merely to mow down all opposition. In a debating club, where all is in fun, it is clever and amusing for competitors to utter sweeping statements and make deliberate use of logical fallacies to sidetrack the unwary listener, but these tactics are debarred to people who are claiming to be scientific. The pursuit of scientific truth demands an attitude of heart-searching humility, scrupulous accuracy, and the painstaking exploration of avenues. One finds it impossible to believe that either of our correspondents has made a comprehensive study of the available information on their chosen subject, or put up any real struggle to free themselves of their prejudices. Nor is either of them reasoning logically. This sort of thing is frequently infectious. I hope I may have helped te counteract the infection.
MARION
KIRK
(Auckland).
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 37, Issue 947, 4 October 1957, Page 11
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325THE CHICKEN-HEARTED New Zealand Listener, Volume 37, Issue 947, 4 October 1957, Page 11
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