The Panacea of Knowledge 147toward solving the mystery of nature in terms of causality and can
grasp at least part of the chain of cause and effect, why should it not be
possible to end the power of social destiny at the same time? From time
to time, sabotages of destiny are successful, and consequendy the sense
of entidement grows among those who previously had to bow to des-
tiny and who now hope to reap all of the benefits that make our lives
more comfortable. The distribution of opportunities for the pursuit of
life and advancement becomes a question of just versus unjust organi-
zation. The unfortunate begin to see their destinies as injustices that can
be litigated.
Nietzsche regarded the close affiliation between science and the
rebellious spirit of democracy not just in terms of specific outcomes but
in their overall ethos, as evidenced by Socrates' lack of respect for the
prevailing opinions of his time. Violence entered the arena of argumen-
tation. Claims to truth that came armed to the teeth were disarmed in
the pros and cons of the dialogue. Dialectics did not allow for authori-
tarian stances. The Socratic Logos distrusted "incommensurability," and
the "monstrosities" (1,81; BT § 11) of tragedy were considered injus-
tices. Surely, such injustices have always sought obscurity to elude dis-
covery! The dark is therefore an object of suspicion to the Socratic
spirit. When someone speaks of "matters that defy clarification" (1,101 ;
BT§ 15), does this not indicate an attempt at concealment? Nietzsche
eventually came right out with it: the democratic spirit was incubated "in
the womb of this Socratic culture" (1,117; BT§ 18). In Socratic science,
truth is valid without regard to the individual. Although geniuses and
renowned researchers have a major role in the sciences, scientific truths
and discoveries are valid "intersubjectively," as we say these days. The
meaning of truth is valid on its own and must stand up to scrutiny.
Specific results that do not lend themselves to generalization cannot
claim the status of truth. Truth is constituted in such a way that it can be
grasped by everybody. Everyone is equal before the truth- There are no
privileged routes of access.
Nietzsche regarded the Socratic spirit, scientific progress, and demo-