IS THE DISCUSSION LEGITIMATE? 



prohibit others from entering upon the same 

 ground, or from producing such arguments as 

 they may be able to find in support of an 

 opposite conclusion. But there are some 

 better arguments than this. This, indeed, 

 is enough to show that the discussion must, 

 as a matter of necessity, be encountered, 

 even though it should be deplored. But other 

 considerations may perhaps convince us that 

 it ought not to be avoided. It may be true, 

 and I believe it to be true, that the desire 

 of knowledge is capable of excess. The 

 spirit which in the ordinary concerns of 

 life is condemned as idle or vicious 

 curiosity has, surely, its counterpart in the 

 higher pursuits of intellect. David seems to 

 imply as much when he pleads in favour of 



