Resistance

GERMAR RUDOLF, RESISTANCE IS OBLIGATORYThe difference is the linguistically formulated theories can be criticallydiscussed.”Translated into simpler terms, Popper is referring to the followingtwo main characteristics of specifically human dignity:1. In contrast to other forms of life, humans do not have to uncriticallyaccept their sensual impressions as true, but they can doubt and criticallyscrutinize and even correct them if necessary.2. In contrast to other forms of life, humans are able to objectify theresults of their doubting quest for truth, that is to say, by makingthose results independent of themselves as subjects, either throughwords, writings, pictures or other forms of data so that others canstudy and critique them independent of their presence.Thus, man’s right to doubt and critique, that is, the right to followhis curiosity in quest of truth and to communicate what he believes tohave found out to be true, are therefore integral parts of human dignity;indeed they form the very core of this dignity, which sets humans apartfrom other forms of life. Hence these rights are not negotiable. It istherefore an unsurpassed perfidy when agencies of the State attempt topit freedom of science against human dignity.I am entitled by nature to seek and announce the truth. I do not needany official permission for this.II. EssentialsArticle 19/2 of the German Basic Law provides that, in case of aconflict between two different fundamental civil rights, a compromisemust be worked out whereby neither civil right shall be undermined inits essential nature. On this basis I will now explain the essential nature,the non-negotiable core value of science.The first titan of western thought I may quote is the Königsberg PhilosopherImmanuel Kant: 69“Enlightenment is man’s leaving his self-caused immaturity. Immaturityis the incapacity to use one’s intelligence without the guidanceof another. Such immaturity is self-caused if it is not caused bylack of intelligence, but by lack of determination and courage to use6958Immanuel Kant, “Beantwortung der Frage: Was ist Aufklärung?,” Berlinische Monatsschrift,December 1784, pp. 481-494; see http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Immanuel_Kant.