Thomas, Sorokin and Aiken Debate Decline of Morality in U.S. Today

Sharp philosophical conflict and intense debate featured last night's Law School Forum on "Men and Morals."

A capacity crowd in Rindge Tech High School auditorium witnessed an abstract, sometimes violent, but always lively argument between Norman Thomas, Pitirim A. Sorokin, professor of Sociology, and Henry D. Aiken, associate professor of Philosophy.

The debate was entitled, "Are we losing our moral values in our fight against Communism?"

Thomas and Aiken agreed American was not in any real danger of losing its moral values, while Sorokin violently dissented.

"Communist Values"

Sorokin declared that moral values in our times have been "relativized, atomized and ground into dust." In fighting communism, he said, "we are introducing communist values, institutions and practices into this country in different colors and in different dress."

In reply to Sorokin's assertion that "the remnants of moral values had been shot to pieces in the 20th century," Thomas denied any "great moral decline." The only difference today, he said, is that "through now tools our sins and mistakes can do more harm than they ever could before."

Last night's forum was the fourth in this year's series.