A Note from the Editor
Professor Jon T. Faintshaw recognizes that readers will occasionally feel compelled to correspond with him. While the necessity of such exchanges is not always apparent, the Professor acknowledges their potential educational value, particularly for the correspondent.
The Professor has long maintained that intellectual exchange is among the highest forms of human endeavor, though he has observed that its quality declines considerably when conducted between individuals of unequal understanding.
In the interest of preserving the dignity of scholarly discourse, correspondents are kindly asked to observe the following principles.
On Questions
Questions are welcome, provided they have not already been answered by the Professor, either explicitly in his published work or implicitly by the general superiority of his reasoning.
On Criticism
Constructive criticism has always occupied an important place in the Professor's intellectual philosophy. It is generally most constructive when directed elsewhere.
Readers who believe they have identified an error are encouraged to consider whether the apparent discrepancy might instead reflect a limitation in their own understanding.
On Complaints
The Review recognizes that some readers may experience discomfort when confronted with ideas that challenge their established perceptions.
Such discomfort is not necessarily evidence of a defect in the ideas.
Indeed, it is frequently evidence of progress, particularly when the reader eventually abandons the objection.
On Correspondence and the Privilege of Public Discourse
Professor Faintshaw receives correspondence in the spirit of intellectual generosity for which he is widely, and in his view insufficiently, recognized.
Correspondents should not, however, anticipate a personal reply. The Professor's time is necessarily devoted to the advancement of ideas, rather than the individual correction of those who encounter difficulty understanding them.
On occasion, the Professor may distinguish a submission by selecting it for publication in the Review's Correspondence & Discourse section, where it may receive the benefit of his considered public response.
Such recognition is reserved for correspondence possessing particular instructional value. The Professor has observed that even profoundly mistaken arguments may, when examined by a sufficiently capable mind, make a meaningful contribution to scholarship.
Selection for publication should therefore be regarded as an honor, irrespective of the conclusions reached regarding the correspondent's reasoning.
Those not selected are respectfully reminded that the absence of a response should not be mistaken for the absence of consideration.
The Professor is under no obligation to answer correspondence. Correspondents, however, remain free to benefit from whatever answers he elects to provide.
On Gratitude
Expressions of gratitude are always welcome and may receive priority consideration.