Prejudice, Deception, Flattery
This chapter studies submissive and abusive ways of using our natural authority to teach and advise, all averse to the freedom of philosophizing. In submissive uses, we reinforce our own lack of control over our own free judgment. They are associated with what Spinoza describes as “preoccupied” or “prejudiced” minds. Such preoccupation and prejudice are contrasted with the integrity and self-contentment of minds in control of their own free judgment. In abusive uses, we prevent others from exercising their freedom of judgment. Spinoza discusses them as “deception with evil intent” and “flattery.” The chapter resituates these notions in a complex context of classical sources and contemporary accounts of similar vices, most importantly humanist discussions of fraudulent political counsel. The chapter finally offers an account of how submissive and abusive uses of the natural authority to teach and advise relate to violent rule and the political instrumentalization of the mob.