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Why was Vargas Llosa's use of the expression "complete buggles" for the influence of Derrida and Lacan a linguistic error (É«ºÐÖ±²¥S, July 26)? Given Vargas Llosa's command of English, and his literary abilities, it is more likely that the neologism was a deliberate (and highly appropriate) coinage. ostmodernism is complete buggles.

Roger Scruton (É«ºÐÖ±²¥S, June 28) suggests that cruelty to animals is morally justified if it is part of the ritual slaughter. Surely we should suggest that a religion that requires animals to suffer in that way is itself morally questionable?

R. Harwood Department of philosophy University of Reading