Jun 14, 2023·edited Jun 14, 2023Liked by Montana Classical College
It's notable that the foundational figures of the two pillars of Western civilization, Socrates and Jesus, were both willing to be executed for the truth.
Being executed, not just dying, is the ultimate example of losing respectability. After all, someone who dies in a war is a hero, but being executed means one's own community decided one was unworthy of life.
One implication of this is that they (and their most dedicated followers) can be relied on to tell the truth no matter what since they're willing to endure the worst possible consequences of doing so.
Contrast this with scientists and their failed martyr, Galileo. Galileo recanted under pressure from the inquisition, showing that scientists can be pressured into saying what those doing the pressuring want.
In a sense picking on Galileo isn't fair here. The problem is that unlike with philosophy or Christianity, there is nothing in the scientific worldview to justify this kind of loyalty to the truth unto death and disgrace.
It's notable that the foundational figures of the two pillars of Western civilization, Socrates and Jesus, were both willing to be executed for the truth.
Being executed, not just dying, is the ultimate example of losing respectability. After all, someone who dies in a war is a hero, but being executed means one's own community decided one was unworthy of life.
One implication of this is that they (and their most dedicated followers) can be relied on to tell the truth no matter what since they're willing to endure the worst possible consequences of doing so.
Contrast this with scientists and their failed martyr, Galileo. Galileo recanted under pressure from the inquisition, showing that scientists can be pressured into saying what those doing the pressuring want.
In a sense picking on Galileo isn't fair here. The problem is that unlike with philosophy or Christianity, there is nothing in the scientific worldview to justify this kind of loyalty to the truth unto death and disgrace.
Great discussion!
Thanks for having me on Brian, really enjoyed it.
Thank you for your note. I was not aware of that book, so thank you for pointing it out. I look forward to checking out your project.