Letter: Rational answer

Sunday 06 April 1997 23:02 BST

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Sir: Dominic Kirkham's confusion is pardonable (Letters, 2 April). Philosophical rationalism, as employed by idealist and absolutist philosophers, is indeed an abstract idea; but critical rationalism, as employed by empiricist and analytical philosophers and scientists (and followed by the Rationalist Press Association), is a practical rule that all arbitrary assumptions and authorities should be rejected and that all propositions should be subjected to the test of reason.

NICHOLAS WALTER

Rationalist Press Association

London N1

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