Letter: Descartes, the Pope: epistemologists both
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It is true that Descartes used epistemology as a route into metaphysics, but the Pope's apparent objection to this is misplaced, as any system of metaphysics needs support from a theory of knowledge. The Pope, too, has a theory of knowledge, although philosophically it is a thoroughly disreputable one. Whether correct or not, Descartes' rationalist epistemology is far preferable to the Pope's dogmatic epistemology of revelation and authority.
Yours faithfully, ANDREW BELSEY School of English Studies, Communication and Philosophy University of Wales Cardiff 24 October
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