J. Robert Oppenheimer has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of learning which the Departments of Philosophy and Psychology have recognized in inviting him to give the William James Lectures this year.

We oppose the anxious attempts of "righteous moralists" to undercut Harvard's responsibility for providing the opportunity and the risk proper to higher education.

It is with regret that we see his potential contribution to our fuller comprehension of truth marred by fear-provoked attempts at misguided "protection" which have no place in a community with faith in the power of truth.  11 Divinity School Students

Irresponsible Intellectual

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

Contrary to what the CRIMSON reported on Monday, I did not in any way question Dr. Oppenheimer's qualifications as a philosopher...

I criticized Dr. Oppenheimer on the grounds that he was an example of irresponsibility on the part of a prominent intellectual, and that his appointment as William James lecturer could only champion those groups which excuse and abet this kind of irresponsibility. The Pound controversy and Kamin-Furry fiasco are excellent illustrations of this. I do not in any way deny Dr. Oppenheimer's right to speak. I criticize his appointment as William James lecturer.

I further stated that the liberal majority's reaction to conservative criticism of Dr. Oppenheimer's appointment will determine whether constructive controversy is to be allowed within the university community.  Cornelius M. Sheehan

An Important Thinker

Whatever the popularity or unpopularity of his views--whatever the contradictions in his behavior that he and others have pointed out--Dr. Oppenheimer is one of the important thinkers of our time. As for the fact that he is speaking on philosophy--well, perhaps the most important contributions to philosohy in this country have come from scientists.  Henrik A. E. Krogius '51