Know-It-All Society: Truth and Arrogance in Political Culture by Michael P. Lync

Description: Know-It-All Society by Michael P. Lynch Winner - National Council of Teachers of English - George Orwell Award for Distinguished Contribution to Honesty and Clarity in Public Language The "philosopher of truth" (Jill Lepore, The New Yorker) returns with a clear-eyed and timely critique of our cultures narcissistic obsession with thinking that "we" know and "they" dont. FORMAT Paperback LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description Taking stock of our fragmented political landscape, Michael Patrick Lynch delivers a trenchant philosophical take on digital culture and its tendency to make us into dogmatic know-it-alls. The internet—where most shared news stories are not even read by the person posting them—has contributed to the rampant spread of "intellectual arrogance." In this culture, we have come to think that we have nothing to learn from one another; we are rewarded for emotional outrage over reflective thought; and we glorify a defensive rejection of those different from us. Interweaving the works of classic philosophers such as Hannah Arendt and Bertrand Russell and imposing them on a cybernetic future they could not have possibly even imagined, Lynch delves deeply into three core ideas that explain how weve gotten to the way we are: • our natural tendency to be overconfident in our knowledge; • the tribal politics that feed off our tendency; • and the way the outrage factory of social media spreads those politics of arrogance and blind conviction. In addition to identifying an ascendant "know-it-all-ism" in our culture, Lynch offers practical solutions for how we might start reversing this dangerous trend—from rejecting the banality of emoticons that rarely reveal insight to embracing the tenets of Socrates, who exemplified the humility of admitting how little we often know about the world, to the importance of dialogue if we want to know more. With bracing and deeply original analysis, Lynch holds a mirror up to American culture to reveal that the sources of our fragmentation start with our attitudes toward truth. Ultimately, Know-It-All Society makes a powerful new argument for the indispensable value of truth and humility in democracy. Author Biography Michael P. Lynch is Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor and director of the Humanities Institute at the University of Connecticut. His previous books include True to Life and The Internet of Us. Long Description Winner * National Council of Teachers of English - George Orwell Award for Distinguished Contribution to Honesty and Clarity in Public LanguageThe "philosopher of truth" (Jill Lepore, The New Yorker) returns with a clear-eyed and timely critique of our cultures narcissistic obsession with thinking that "we" know and "they" dont. Review Quote The book is accessible, admirably concise, clearly written, and richly insightful, both as a cultural diagnosis and as an exemplar of applying philosophical inquiry--ancient or otherwise--to everyday problems.--Chad Comello, Booklist Lynch offers an insightful, timely message.--Kirkus Reviews This book is both a treasure and a treat--that rare volume that is philosophically rich, politically relevant, and lyrically written.--Eboo Patel, author of Out of Many Faiths A sharp and engaging critique of the tribal arrogance thats so common in contemporary life, by one of our leading public philosophers. Lynch has a lot of provocative ideas--about social media, the rise of Donald Trump, whether we have to listen to neo-Nazis, and much else--and his rich book is a delight to engage with.--Paul Bloom, Professor of Psychology, Yale University, and author of Against Empathy: The Case for Rational Compassion Michael Lynch has done it. Finally, someone has answered the question that has exasperated so many in this post-truth era: Why are some people unconvinced by facts? The answer lies not in irrationality but identity. In these polarized times, to question someones beliefs is to question their sense of self. In this book, Lynch brilliantly demonstrates that a solution to the problem of belief lies not just in valuing truth and evidence but reforming some of the toxic mental attitudes that exist not just in others but ourselves.--Lee McIntyre, author of The Scientific Attitude A timely book on an important topic in our political culture today. Lynch is just the person to bring philosophical insight to these challenges--of trust, expertise, disagreement, and the prospects for conversation across the deep political chasms of our day.--Sanford Goldberg, author of To the Best of Our Knowledge If we have learned anything over these past few years, it is that democracy is difficult. In this essential book for our times, Michael Lynch unflinchingly lays out its central conundrums in painfully recognizable ways, and bravely offers hope, and perhaps, some ways out. A remarkable achievement.--Jason Stanley, author of How Fascism Works Michael Patrick Lynchs book uses the classics of philosophy to examine why our society, in a modern age of technology and education, is increasingly centered around a dysfunctional, narcissistic rejection of objectivity and reason. Know-It-All Society challenges us to consider why we arrogantly refuse to listen to each other, no matter what our politics or our beliefs.--Tom Nichols, author of The Death of Expertise Professor Lynch not only diagnoses the reasons for our current predicament but also suggests ways in which we can begin to challenge our tribal arrogance. Know-It-All Society is an important (and wonderfully readable) book.--David Edmonds, host of BBCs The Big Idea Details ISBN163149791X Year 2020 ISBN-10 163149791X ISBN-13 9781631497919 Format Paperback Author Michael P. Lynch Language English Pages 244 Short Title Know-It-All Society Subtitle Truth and Arrogance in Political Culture Imprint Liveright Publishing Corporation Country of Publication United States AU Release Date 2020-07-14 NZ Release Date 2020-07-14 US Release Date 2020-07-14 UK Release Date 2020-07-14 Publisher WW Norton & Co Publication Date 2020-07-14 Alternative 9781631493614 DEWEY 121 Audience General We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:137311764;

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