Evening star., 1941-02-10
Russell Calls
Education Hope
Of Democracy
Philosopher Stirs
Lively Verbal Combat
At Town Hall Session

Members of the panel taking part
in the discussion with Mr.. Russell,
noted British philosopher, writer
and lecturer, agreed with him on
the importance of Education for
Democracy"-the subject of his ad-
dress-but differed to varying eX-
tents on the educational methods he
proposed.
Mr.. Russell, declaring that uni
formity of opinion is death TO de-
mocracy," said that if he had his
way the schools would "immuniZe"
their pupils against propaganda and
try to develop a scientific attitude,
half way between skepticism and
dogma" toward all questions.
Il would have them listen to
passionate arguments on opposite
sides of every burning question and
hope they wouldn't believe either" !"
he added, arguing that any effort
to create positive opinions through
teaching by authority" was inimi-
cal to democracy.
Lunn Favors God and Stick"
Arnold Lunn, visiting British au-
thor and lecturer. who was the most
vociferous member of the discussion
panel, upheld God and a stick" as
tenets of education. remarking hu-
morously that all I learned I
learned because I was beaten
Il regret that I have not been
provided with stick" Mr.. Russell
countered smilingly.
DR.. Frank w. Ballou, District su-
perintendent of schools, agreeing
with Mr.. Russell that I'VE should
teach children to think but not die
tate what they think" insisted that
there is increasing recognition of
this point of view in American
schools and much less" authori-
torian teaching than implied by
Mr.. Russell" He also contended
that many times the common good
transcends the importance" of sell
fish individual opinions.
The third member of the panel,
Dr.. William G.. Carr, secretary of the
Educational Policies Commission
and associate secretary of the Ma
tional Educational Association, con-
frmed Dr. Ballou's opinion that
schools of this country are not as
autocratic as some might think"
although such teaching methods
unfortunately" are found to some
extent.
Equality Of Opportunity.
DR.. Carr insisted that greater
equality of educational opportunity
is absolutely essential to the efficient
operation of democracy" Mr.. Rus
sell disagreed with an assertion by
DR.. Carr that present maladjust-
ment Of such opportunities consti-
tuted danger" to democracy.
L would term it a failure of de-
mocracy misfortune, but not one
of the things tending against de-
mocracy," Mr.. Russell said.
DR.. Charles Pergler, dean of the
National Law School, who acted as
chairman of the meeting, took part
in the discussion only to point out
that it represented democracy in
action"
The principal difference between
Mr.. Russell and Mr. Lunn, his sever
est critic, developed over Mr.. Rus
sells lnSistence that all opinions
should be viewed with some skep-
ticism and none taught as certain
truths.
CHASING Mr.. Russell as a ode
bunker" Mr. Lunn insisted that
schools should teach a belief in God
as truth, arguing that "if you de-
prive youth of belief in God you
clear the way for mountebanks like
Hitler and Mussolini to lead them
to their version of positive truth"
Jibes at Russell.
Mr.. Lunn recalled skeptical writings
of Mr.. Russell in which, he said, the
speaker had questioned the reality
of the external world" and, remark
ing that I'VE are part of the external
world" asked ''hoW can any one who
doesn't believe we exist have the
audacity to tell us how to educate
our children?
Lord Russell advises us to bring
up our children not to believe in
anything, including Lord Russell
and the last part of his advice is
right" he added.
Mr.. Lunn insisted on referring to
the speaker as Lord Russell" giving
him his title as member of the
English nobility, although taking
cognizance of his preference to be
known as Mr." Russell
THE debunkers told us nothing
was worth fighting for" Mr.. Lunn
said. but we are fighting now be-
cause they failed-we believe Eng
land and the English way of life is
worth fighting for" He referred to
Mr.. Russell as "one of those who
has been busily engaged in de-
bunking all our ideals.
Russell Claims Misrepresentation.
I believe that man was made in
the image of God and so has GER
tain rights deriving from God that
none can destroy" Mr.. Lunn con-
tinued. IF man is nothing but
water ana chemicals, he has only the
rights of water and chemicals. If
he is nothing but a cousin to the
chimpanzee, how can he object to
the dictators placing him behind
bars?"
Mr.. Russell said that Mr.. Lunn
misrepresented his views, explaining
that he did not advocate complete
skepticism but an attitude half
way between skepticism and dogma.
He overlooked" Mr.. Russell con-
tinued, that while I do not believe
one can be certain of anything,
there are in my opinion varying
degrees of probability. I think it
probable that Mr.. Lunn does exist.
while I realize that any one of
my opinions is apt to be mistaken,
I do have some very strong opinions
that think are probably right"
BallOu Cites d. c. Schools.
In answering questions from the
audience, Mr.. Russell said he had
not meant to imply in his address
that teachers should not be free to
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