Extremists
Sir: A large responsibility for the mindless new extremism described by Patrick Cosgrave (September 20) can be attributed to the philistinism which has crept into our education and which despises words as the instruments of reason and communication. Behind many so-called new insights and trendy ideas there is an implied sneer at the written and spoken word which is unfavourably compared with doing things or seeing things or registering dissent in some physical manner. It is a sad commentary on our state that the word 'demonstration' no longer suggests a reasoned argument by a shout ing mob. Even in the universities the slogan has taken the place of the syllogism. Television, visual aids, equipment, models and taking part in so-called projects have all been exalted above 'mere words'.
This betrayal cannot be laid at the door of proletariat but has filtered down from the educational experts. It would seem, however, that they are admitting their failure because in the little town where I live I see a notice intimating that any who have difficulty in reading or writing should get in touch with the local authority. Such a notice would have been unthinkable here sixty years ago. This is the modern trahison des clercs and the philistines still masquerade as our teachers.
John A. Hall 39 Shedden Park Road, Kelso, Rosburghshire
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