Sir, – William Reville (Science, January 16th) criticises materialism as excluding, without evidence, the possibility of the supernatural. The problem with this is that "the supernatural" taken as a phenomenon is a nonsense. If the supernatural has effects on the material world, then it matters and is subject to material observation and investigation. If it has no effect on the material world and is not subject to material observation and investigation, then it is not a phenomenon, but an idea, a figment of the imagination.
Figments of the imagination are nonetheless important. They have social, emotional, aesthetic and intellectual benefits, which Prof Reville clearly enjoys (and more power to him). If we are to properly understand the role of religion it is as shared mental imagery, that affects how we feel about the world and how we behave, and not as a description of reality. – Yours, etc,
Dr BRENDAN HALPIN,
Dept of Sociology,
University of Limerick,
Castletroy, Co Limerick.
Sir, – One isn’t commonly in like mind with Prof William Reville in terms of what makes us tick, in particular in a moral setting; however, an exception to the rule is his recent observation along the lines that philosophy is failing us as vis-a-vis a meaningful interface with science (Science, January 16th).
Might he, therefore, use his not insignificant position, in the order of things, to espouse the introduction of philosophy into the schools’ curriculum at the earliest opportunity? Among the merits of this enlightened position for our young citizens, is, first, an awareness that they are not born in sin, they are inherently good; second, that an inquiring and questioning mind, especially in formative years, will stand them in good stead. – Yours, etc,
OWEN MORTON,
Chemin des deux Chapelles,
Magagnosc de Grasse,
France.