January 3, 2003

Ethics Is Part of Philosophy

To the Editor:

In the November 22 issue, Mikhail N. Epstein, a professor at Emory University, is quoted as saying: "Practically every generally accepted decision that is made in the humanities (philosophy, literature, ethics, linguistics) leaves room for an alternative yet unexpressed decision" ("A Cultural Hero of the Soviet Era Looks to the Future").

As a trained philosopher who has taught ethics for several decades, I must confess that I am troubled by the separation of