Rational Faith

* Regarding the criticism of Bart Kosko’s opinions on faith (letters, Feb. 21), his critics make two common errors. First, the burden of proof for claims of the existence of any afterlife, or gods, is on those who make such claims. If they had any sound evidence they wouldn’t need faith as their only basis for belief. Second, religion isn’t the only alternative to science in dealing with social problems. Philosophy has, through rational thought, given us practical alternatives, such as humanism, utilitarianism and the golden rule. All of these have the advantage of addressing problems of human need without promoting religious dogma.

DAVE SILVA

Seal Beach