Sir, – Laura Kennedy's piece on how to argue reasonably ("How to argue with civility, the Thomas Jefferson Way", may 13th) recalls a good analysis of rational thinking by moral philosopher Russell Blackford. The first sign of a rational mind, says Blackford, is the ability to reach conclusions that one is emotionally uncomfortable with; the second sign is a willingness to admit them publicly. – Yours, etc,
STEPHEN McDERMOTT,
Drumcondra, Dublin 9.