Understanding Ignorance

The Surprising Impact of What We Don't Know

Daniel R. DeNicola

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English

Massachusetts Inst of Tec
04 September 2018

Philosophy: epistemology & theory of knowledge; Popular philosophy; Politics & government

Series: Understanding Ignorance

An exploration of what we can know about what we don't know: why ignorance is more than simply a lack of knowledge.

Ignorance is trending. Politicians boast, I'm not a scientist. Angry citizens object to a proposed state motto because it is in Latin, and This is America, not Mexico or Latin America. Lack of experience, not expertise, becomes a credential. Fake news and repeated falsehoods are accepted and shape firm belief. Ignorance about American government and history is so alarming that the ideal of an informed citizenry now seems quaint. Conspiracy theories and false knowledge thrive. This may be the Information Age, but we do not seem to be well informed. In this book, philosopher Daniel DeNicola explores ignorance - its abundance, its endurance, and its consequences.

DeNicola aims to understand ignorance, which seems at first paradoxical. How can the unknown become known - and still be unknown? But he argues that ignorance is more than a lack or a void, and that it has dynamic and complex interactions with knowledge. Taking a broadly philosophical approach, DeNicola examines many forms of ignorance, using the metaphors of ignorance as place, boundary, limit, and horizon. He treats willful ignorance and describes the culture in which ignorance becomes an ideological stance. He discusses the ethics of ignorance, including the right not to know, considers the supposed virtues of ignorance, and concludes that there are situations in which ignorance is morally good.

Ignorance is neither pure nor simple. It is both an accusation and a defense (You are ignorant! Yes, but I didn't know!). Its practical effects range from the inconsequential to the momentous. It is a scourge, but, DeNicola argues daringly, it may also be a refuge, a value, even an accompaniment to virtue.

By: Daniel R. DeNicola
Imprint: Massachusetts Inst of Tec
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 17mm
ISBN: 9780262536035
ISBN 10: 026253603X
Series: Understanding Ignorance
Pages: 264
Publication Date: 04 September 2018
Recommended Age: From 18 years
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Winner of 2018 PROSE Award Winner, Philosophy 2018
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Winner of <PrizeName>2018 PROSE Award Winner, Philosophy</PrizeName> 2018
Winner of <PrizeName>Winner of the CHOICE Outstanding Academic Titles for 2018</PrizeName> 2018