Pure, unbiased thought is a rare commodity. The mind and the heart are so well connected that normally our minds come to whatever conclusion our hearts desire to reach, and then the intellect builds mountains of arguments to back up our preconceived conclusions. Only during a quiet moment when our desires are at bay can we truly judge the world around us properly. In the midst of the quiet Hashem speaks to us and the unadulterated truth is revealed in all its glory. Then, and only then, must we translate that truth into concrete forms of action; woe to the truth that remains sterile and bears no fruit, for it has essentially divorced the Creator and His inspiration upon us from His creation. This is true not only on a personal level but on a communal decision making level as well.
"Shoftim Veshotrim", the only way truth can raise its head in a world so mixed with falsehood is by appointing unbiased judges who can stand back and view the world in its entirety, and perceive distilled truth. These philosophers must then have the means to enforce the implementation of the holy inspiration that they have attained, whether by peaceful means or otherwise. Indeed, all forms of rank within Judaism stem from closeness to absolute truth. All authority is designed to ensure that the holy inspiration that they acheive is implemented.
What happens though when a conclusion is reached and the emotions object to its implementation? the Torah compares this to a war between two armies. When the emotions rage, threatening to swallow us alive we must fear not. We must believe in the strength of truth that can withstand the storms of emotional outburst. We must even actively engage the emotions in active battle if they resist the rule of reason. We call to them to surrender, and if they don't acquiesce, we must lay seige on them until they do. Fruit trees must not surrender to barren Ashera trees.
If, however, the intellect neglects its responsibily and tragedy occurs as a result, the leaders are commanded to take an unused heifer and slaughter it in an unused place to signify the lack of fruition of their noble ideals. They must examine very carefully whether there was anything they could have done to further the control of Truth over man's base desires.
Adapted from Rabbi Vali's book on Dvarim. Questions and subscriptions can be mailed to: the Yeshiva