Truth about the past limits human power, future-dependent truth expands it

Evidence

The past cannot be affected by what we do, and therefore, if truth is determined by what has happened, it is independent of present or future volitions; it represents, in logical form, the limitations on human power. But if truth, or rather ‘warranted assertability’, depends upon the future, then, in so far as it is in our power to alter the future, it is in our power to alter what should be asserted. — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 2937

Categorization

• DEFINE: Explains Dewey’s ‘warranted assertability’ as a future-oriented substitute for truth.
• XREF: Resonates with Nietzsche’s will-to-power and Fichte’s activism that Russell later invokes. — connects to: Dewey judged past-event beliefs by their future effects — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 2934; The fundamental form of power is defining reality — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 387; Future literature mobilizes people toward predetermined ends — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 747 (+6 more)
• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 2937

Broader Connections

• Power as a medium frees influence from contingent motivational and historical preconditions #corroborates (0.80)
• Dewey judged past-event beliefs by their future effects #expands (0.75) — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 2934
• Power cannot self-realize but depends on societal-structural conditions for legitimacy #expands (0.75)