BR TO RALPH BARTON PERRY, 26 JUNE 1913
BRACERS 54126. ALS. Harvard U.
Proofread by K. Blackwell

<letterhead>
Trinity College,
Cambridge.1
26 June 1913

Dear Professor Perry

In preparing my lectures on Theory of Knowledge, I have found that it is impossible to advance until I have discussed fully the theory which I call Harvard Realism, which is contained in your Present Philosophical Tendencies, in James’s Radical Empircism, and in Mach’s Analysis of Sensations. Altho’ I cannot quite believe this theory, I have the very greatest respect for it; I think it was James’s best contribution to philosophy as opposed to psychology. The question I wish to ask you is one regarding courtesy. I have written a criticism of this theory (very sober and respectful, without one joke!) which, if it would not be thought discourteous, I should like to publish before coming to America, in order that any misunderstandings it may contain may be cleared up, and in order that it may accelerate the process of coming to a closer understanding with Harvard realism. I do not regard our divergences as necessarily permanent, and I should hope that my visit might promote mutual understanding. I myself always consider a careful criticism a compliment, but there are those who think otherwise. I should be greatly obliged if you would tell me whether you think it would be an error in fact to publish what I have written before I come.

Yours very truly
Bertrand Russell

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