Physical conditions and scientific torture can destroy human will-power
Evidence
It has become clear, not only that sufficient torture will break down almost any man’s fortitude, but also that morphia or cocaine can reduce a man to docility. The will, in fact, is only independent of the tyrant so long as the tyrant is unscientific. — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 1080
Categorization
- corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 1080
- XREF: connects to: Dehumanising language and policy causes a ripple effect feeding through acts of violence and torture by state actors — ‘They deserve it for what they’re doing’: dehumanising rhetoric as a …; Extreme battlefield noise can annihilate thought and reduce a person to helpless reflex — George Michelsen Foy, Zero Decibels: The Quest for Absolute…, 424; CIA’s interrogation techniques influenced by psychological experimentation. — Nicholson Baker, Baseless- My Search for Secrets in the…, 81 (+4 more)
Broader Connections
- Extreme battlefield noise can annihilate thought and reduce a person to helpless reflex
#corroborates(0.60) — George Michelsen Foy, Zero Decibels, 424 - Corporal punishment actively suppresses the circuits moral learning requires
#corroborates(0.55) — , The Rod and the Child, 6149 - CIA’s interrogation techniques influenced by psychological experimentation.
#expands(0.50) — Nicholson Baker, Baseless- My Search for Secrets in the…, 81