Meaning
The passage holds that knowledge and freedom are twins, and that the structure of the civil state should be founded on them, with evidence presented and room made for differing opinions.
Limits of the reading
This witness does not mention tyranny or despotism, nor does it enumerate law, citizenship, equality, or justice.
For broader reading: Muhammad Shahrur, Religion and Authority and The Civil State, Religion, and Authority.
Civil state · Citizenship · Jurisprudence is historical and civil law is separate from it · Religion and Authority · Jurisprudence is historical and civil law is separate from it