This time, Palamedes pauses for a moment before answering—but only for a moment. “If the knowledge can be used towards positive ends, then yes, I think it can be, regardless of its source. Depending on the circumstances, I might even be inclined to say that it must be.”
For all its swiftness, Palamedes’ answer lacks some of the surety of his previous one. He is taken back, uncomfortably, to the unsettling conversation about necromancy that he and Jade had not too long ago. In those moments, Pal had insisted that the necromatic arts had no evil at their core, even if they could be used for evil means, laying out an argument that was as much meant for himself as for Jade. In order for that argument to hold water, Pal must also believe that something born in darkness and obsession can be used for good ends.
And he does believe that. Mostly.
“Knowledge, once acquired, is neutral. It does no good to refuse to use it merely on principle.” He studies Jade for a moment in silence. “I gather fomicry has not primarily been used in the making of children’s toys.”
no subject
For all its swiftness, Palamedes’ answer lacks some of the surety of his previous one. He is taken back, uncomfortably, to the unsettling conversation about necromancy that he and Jade had not too long ago. In those moments, Pal had insisted that the necromatic arts had no evil at their core, even if they could be used for evil means, laying out an argument that was as much meant for himself as for Jade. In order for that argument to hold water, Pal must also believe that something born in darkness and obsession can be used for good ends.
And he does believe that. Mostly.
“Knowledge, once acquired, is neutral. It does no good to refuse to use it merely on principle.” He studies Jade for a moment in silence. “I gather fomicry has not primarily been used in the making of children’s toys.”