A LIBERAL AND A LOGICIAN

After the short but spirited passage of words recently evoked on the subject of Union speakers, the visit of Mr. Bertrand Russell arouses even more interest than this peculiar qualifications would in any case engender. It is true that Mr. Russell was in no way affected by the outcome of that argument; a former lecturer at the University, a philosopher of international reputation, a liberal and a gentleman, he was in every way entitled to the confidence and consideration which an invitation to the Union implies.

Long before the war, the name of Bertrand Russell was known to students of higher mathematics; his presentation of abstract conceptions, such as theories of matter received much deserved praise. And the gradual change of interest from the problems of abstract mathematics to the more specific, concrete problems of mankind and society is a natural one for a mind predisposed to service. Without a doubt the unusual power of Mr. Russell's per can be attributed is part of the rigorous and exacting nature of his former work; the intellect trained to think carefully and clearly in mathematics or science is likely to apply the same productive methods of logic and analysis to every subject. And it is clear that these are the only methods which can ever bring results.

One prefers to quality one's statement about men of science, of course; the trained mind "is likely" to apply proven methods to every problem-but there have been too many cases of distinguished scientists casting skepticism and caution to the winds when dealing with other subjects than their own. This, incidentally, usually reflects to the discredit of "science", in the minds of those who fail to distinguish the fallible human being seeking to learn the so-called laws of nature, from the facts of nature themselves. But Mr. Russell enjoys the reputation of carrying over his highly developed logical sense into the less well-defined fields of human relations. Whether he speaks this evening on "Science and Civilization" or "How to Secure World Peace", the University may expect a point of view decidedly different from that of the usual half-muddled enthusiast.