Knowledge Resistance

'A must-read, especially in these turbulent times. An insightful approach to a complex issue.' Nazli Choucri, Professor of Political Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 'At all levels of society, our world is becoming increasingly dominated by an inability, even refusal, to engage with others' ideas. It does not bode well either for democracy or for science. Mikael Klintman's book offers just the kind of in-depth exploration of the issues that surround this disturbing phenomenon that is desperately needed.' R. I. M. Dunbar, Professor of Evolutionary Psychology at Oxford University and author of Grooming, Gossip and the Evolution of Language 'Few things could be more important right now than trying to shed new light on knowledge resistance in the Internet age. It may not be a new phenomenon, but the way it impacts on our lives today, it is an existential threat to humanity. Mikael Klintman's book provides valuable perspectives on knowledge resistance and suggests how we, as individuals and societies, could find ways to manage and prevent its harmful forms.' Bjoern Ulvaeus, songwriter, producer and member of the Swedish pop group ABBA and tireless promotor of critical thinking in the spirit of the Enlightenment Mikael Klintman provides a thoughtful, wide-ranging, and imaginative analysis of the interwoven factors that obstruct the transmission of accurate information. He shows how such practices as avoidance, blocking, and conscious rejection of arguments and factual evidence can serve both harmful and protective roles, and helpfully evaluates strategies for individuals and groups to cut back on damaging types of knowledge resistance.' Sissela Bok, Professor of Philosophy, Harvard School of Public Health, winner of the Orwell award for Lying: Moral Choice in Public and Private Life