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About this quote

What does it mean?
Using thinkers to alibis for crimes does not condemn their whole philosophy but suggests aspects may lead there.
In plain terms
Bad outcomes don't condemn all philosophy but suggest dangerous aspects.
What can you take from it?
Scrutinize philosophies if they support harmful outcomes.

Where it applies

  • political ideology
  • academic study
  • history

Putting it to work

  • audit logic
  • track consequences

Questions to consider

  • When does logic become dangerous?

Another view

Philosophies are often blamed for misuse.

More from Albert Camus

  1. One might think that a period which, in a space of fifty years, uproots, enslaves, or kills seventy million human beings should be condemned out of hand. But i…

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  2. Every ideology is contrary to human psychology.

    Permalink to quote #84
  3. The slave begins by demanding justice and ends by wanting to wear a crown. He must dominate in his turn.

    Permalink to quote #81

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