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Readers might also enjoy the audio recording and transcript of a famous debate between Bertrand Russell and Fr. Frederick Copleston: The Famous 1948 BBC Radio

• jonahx 12y ago
  "Your general point, then, Lord Russell, is that it's illegitimate even to ask the question of the cause of the world" "Yes, that's my position" "Well, if it's a question that for you has no meaning, it's of course very difficult to discuss it, isn't it?" Russell, almost with a sigh: "Yes, it is very difficult." Then: "What do you say, shall we pass on to some other issue?" "Let's." What struck me most was the calmness and politesse they both maintained, and the steadfast articulateness at the speed of thought. There seemed to be an unspoken, shared assumption that you never, ever raise your voice or betray any hint of frustration, let alone insult your opponent in public. It's hard to imagine hearing something similar on the radio today. I'm also curious how much of the decorum was a sign of the times, and how much was specifically British.
  • philwelch 12y ago
    Russell and Copleston were titans of philosophy as well, and the philosophers I've seen tend to discuss philosophy in a calm, polite, and considered fashion.