BR TO BBC / BASIL TAYLOR, 15 DEC. 1947
BRACERS 57609. ALS(X). BBC Written Archives
Proofread by K. Blackwell

[As from] PENRALLTGOCH,
FESTINIOG, N. Wales
15.12.47

Dear Mr Taylor

With regard to Father Copleston’s points,1 I should reply:

(1) The importance of the question of God’s existence is not in debate, but has no bearing on the question of the true answer.

(2) I do not think the word “transcendent” has any clear meaning. In any case, I do not see how human conduct can imply anything as to the rest of the universe.

(3) The proofs of the existence of God, so far as known to me, rest on an antiquated logic or an illegitimate objectification of human ethics.

(4) I cannot admit “necessary” being, or indeed anything “necessary” in the realm of existence.

(5) Does not arise unless God’s existence is admitted.

(6) I should wish for a definition of “intelligible”. I think, as understood by Father Copleston, there is no reason to think anything “intelligible”, and, if there were, much human experience would point rather to Satan.

Yours sincerely
Russell.

P.S. Please send me a copy of the above points.

• 1

  Father Copleston’s points Copleston’s points are not extant. Russell’s are published in the headnote to the debate, 68 in Collected Papers 11, p. 522. The debate on the existence of God was broadcast on 28 January 1948.