Single Idea 23171

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 6. Liberalism / a. Liberalism basics]

Full Idea

Empiricism is to be commended not only on the grounds of its greater truth, but also on ethical grounds. Dogma demands authority rather than intelligent thought; it requires persecution of heretics and unbelievers, and favours systematic hatred.

Gist of Idea

Empiricism is ethically superior, because dogmatism favours persecution and hatred

Source

Bertrand Russell (Philosophy and Politics [1950], p.31)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Unpopular Essays' [Unwin 1990], p.31


A Reaction

He links empiricism with the liberal outlook. At its best, the respect by empiricists for evidence is a sort of humility.

Related Idea

Idea 23172 Empiricist Liberalism is the only view for someone who favours scientific evidence and happiness [Russell]