Objectivist truth served as philosophy’s safeguard against the intoxication of power

Evidence

The concept of ‘truth’ as something dependent upon facts largely outside human control has been one of the ways in which philosophy hitherto has inculcated the necessary element of humility. When this check upon pride is removed, a further step is taken on the road towards a certain kind of madness—the intoxication of power which invaded philosophy with Fichte, and to which modern men, whether philosophers or not, are prone. — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 2943

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to the history of German idealism, particularly Fichte, and to totalitarianism’s intellectual roots explored elsewhere in Russell’s history. — connects to: Plato sacrificed intellectual honesty to promote socially edifying philosophical conclusions — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 403; Compulsory acceptance of foundational state myths stunts human intelligence and philosophy. — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 535; The fundamental form of power is defining reality — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 387 (+13 more)
• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 2943

Library Connections

• Plato sacrificed intellectual honesty to promote socially edifying philosophical conclusions #complicates (0.75) — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 403
• Compulsory acceptance of foundational state myths stunts human intelligence and philosophy. #complicates (0.70) — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 535