Speaking on the radio recently, Richard Dawkins, who has done so much good to make evolution a cornerstone of our modern culture, had a great deal to say about religion and rationality. Making the public case for evolution is still an important priority for scientists, Dawkins argued. But making the case for rationality generally is an even more important priority. The problem with faith, he suggested, is that it replaces evidence with belief and tradition, even prejudice. Such irrational approaches to life do not deserve our respect, Dawkins concluded. But is irrationality the opposite of rationality? Spending time with those who are sick might teach us that fear is the true counterpoint to reason. Conversely, rationality may not be the opposite of irrationality. Hope may have better credentials. In seeking to survive illness under great stress, fear can be entirely rational and its consequences should not be rejected lightly. In seeking to improve the world, one may conclude that hope is entirely irrational. But necessary.
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