Don't be Fooled

A Philosophy of Common Sense

Jan Bransen, Fulco Teunissen, Kate Kirwin

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Hardback

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English

Routledge
28 April 2017

Philosophy: epistemology & theory of knowledge; Ethics & moral philosophy; Popular philosophy; Philosophy of science

"In the debate leading up to the EU referendum in the United Kingdom, the British politician Michael Gove declared that ""people in this country have had enough of experts"". In the 2016 Presidential campaign in the United States, Donald Trump waged a war against the very idea of expertise. Yet if you are worried about your child's behaviour, don't know which laptop to buy, or just want to get fit, the answer is easy: ask an expert.

Where do we draw the line? Why do we appear to know more and more collectively, yet less and less individually? Has expertise painted itself into a corner? Can we defend both science and common sense?

In this engaging and much-needed book Jan Bransen explores these important questions and more. He argues that the rise of behavioural sciences has caused a sea change in the relationship between science and common sense. He shows how - as recently as the 1960s - common sense and science were allies in the battle against ignorance, but that since then populism and chauvinism have claimed common sense as their own. Bransen argues that common sense is a collection of interrelated skills that draw on both an automatic pilot and an investigative attitude where we ask ourselves the right questions. It is the very attitude of open-minded inquiry and questioning that Bransen believes we are at risk of losing in the face of an army of experts.

Drawing on fascinating examples such as language and communication, money, the imaginary world of Endoxa, domestic violence, and quality of life, Don't be Fooled: A Philosophy of Common Sense is a brilliant and wry defence of a skill that is a vital part of being human."

By: Jan Bransen
Translated by: Fulco Teunissen, Kate Kirwin
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 138mm,
Weight: 136g
ISBN: 9781138716735
ISBN 10: 1138716731
Pages: 190
Publication Date: 28 April 2017
Audience: General/trade , Primary & secondary/elementary & high school , College/higher education , ELT Advanced , Children's (6-12)
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction: How words liberate and captivate people Part 1: Living with common sense 1. Humaning on Endoxa 2. Expectations between hope and prediction 3. Understandable, efficient and good behaviour 4. Trust and accommodation 5. Dealing with grey Part 2: Living with expertise 7. Waking up without science 8. Understanding without objectivity 9. Satisfaction without policies 10. Responsibility without expert witnesses Epilogue. Bibliography Index

Jan Bransen is Professor of Philosophy of Behavioural Science at Radboud University in the Netherlands. He is the founder of Philosophical Explorations and has written scholarly work on practical identity, autonomy, narrative agency and love. Besides that, he publishes accessible books on the importance of cultivating a philosophical attitude to science, politics, media, mental health and modern life in general.

Reviews for Don't be Fooled: A Philosophy of Common Sense

'This is an outstanding book that will appeal to anyone curious about how we should navigate ourselves intellectually. Bransen hits a perfect balance between deep thought and relaxing humour. A big thumbs up!' Constantine Sandis, University of Hertfordshire, UK 'Jan Bransen writes eloquently about why we should not let the experts decide our lives. After all, he argues, there is no person better placed to be an expert on your life than you. Bransen's message of self-determination is uplifting, optimistic, and also timely, as people everywhere turn against technocratic and elite control of politics.' Stuart Derbyshire, National University of Singapore