I agree with the World that it's not helpful that the Belmont Club links to a Holocaust-denying website. However, I disagree with the last reader that it's bad to sympathize with people who are mistaken. Any person in favor of scientific freedom and a free and open exchange of ideas should sympathize with Holocaust deniers, especially those who are persecuted and jailed in countries such as Germany and Austria, and the fact that Amnesty International does not defend those people is a scandal. Remember Voltaire's dictum: "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." Also remember that criticism and open debate of mainstream ideas is vital for the progress of science, even if that also means you'll see bad quality criticism from time to time. So although I do not believe the Holocaust deniers are right, I do sympathize with those of them who are well meaning and not motivated by anti-semitism.

Henry Sturman