By Renata Salecl

An original and provocative exploration of our capacity to ignore what is inconvenient or traumaticIgnorance, whether passive or active, conscious or unconscious, has always been a part of the human condition, Renata Salecl argues. What has changed in our post-truth, postindustrial world is that we often feel overwhelmed by the constant flood of information and misinformation. It sometimes seems impossible to differentiate between truth and falsehood and, as a result, there has been a backlash against the idea of expertise, and a rise in the number of people actively choosing not to know. The dangers of this are obvious, but Salecl challenges our assumptions, arguing that there may also be a positive side to ignorance, and that by addressing the role of ignorance in society, we may also be able to reclaim the role of knowledge.

Drawing on philosophy, social and psychoanalytic theory, popular culture, and her own experience, Salecl explores how the passion for ignorance plays out in many different aspects of life today, from love, illness, trauma, and the fear of failure to genetics, forensic science, big data, and the incel movement―and she concludes that ignorance is a complex phenomenon that can, on occasion, benefit individuals and society as a whole.

The result is a fascinating investigation of how the knowledge economy became an ignorance economy, what it means for us, and what it tells us about the world today.

Introducing “Ignorance: How It Drives Our Decisions and Shapes Our World” by Renata Salecl

In a world overloaded with information and misinformation, it can be tempting to withdraw and choose not to know. Renowned philosopher and social theorist Renata Salecl explores this phenomenon in her latest book, “Ignorance: How It Drives Our Decisions and Shapes Our World”. In this thought-provoking exploration, Salecl challenges our assumptions about knowledge and ignorance and investigates the role they play in society.

Salecl dives into the complexities of ignorance, examining both its negative and positive aspects. While ignorance can lead to dangerous consequences, Salecl argues that it can also offer possibilities for growth and self-preservation. She draws on a range of disciplines including philosophy, psychoanalysis, pop culture, and her own personal experiences to shed light on how our passion for ignorance affects various aspects of our lives.

With fascinating insights, Salecl explores how ignorance influences love, illness, trauma, fear of failure, genetics, forensic science, big data, and even cultural phenomena such as the incel movement. Through these explorations, she reveals how ignorance has become a central force in our post-truth, post-industrial world, challenging the traditional notions of expertise and knowledge.

This thought-provoking investigation by Renata Salecl delves deep into the dynamics of ignorance and knowledge economy turned ignorance economy. It prompts us to question the flood of information we are exposed to daily and to reassess the significance of ignorance in our decision-making and understanding of the world. “Ignorance: How It Drives Our Decisions and Shapes Our World” is a compelling read for those seeking a fresh perspective on the role of knowledge and ignorance in our society.

Review of “Ignorance: How It Drives Our Decisions and Shapes Our World”

Renata Salecl’s “Ignorance: How It Drives Our Decisions and Shapes Our World” is an incredibly insightful and thought-provoking exploration of the role of ignorance in our lives. Salecl challenges our preconceived notions of knowledge and ignorance, shedding light on the complexities and contradictions surrounding these concepts.

The book delves into various areas of life where ignorance plays a significant role. Salecl examines the impact of ignorance on love, illness, trauma, fear of failure, genetics, forensic science, big data, and even cultural movements like the incel movement. Through these explorations, she highlights how ignorance can both hinder and benefit individuals and society as a whole.

What sets Salecl’s work apart is her interdisciplinary approach. Drawing on philosophy, psychoanalysis, and popular culture, she weaves together a compelling narrative that challenges the prevailing narratives about knowledge and expertise. Her exploration of the knowledge economy turned ignorance economy is particularly thought-provoking and reveals the complexities of our information-saturated world.

Salecl’s writing is engaging and accessible, making complex concepts and theories easily digestible for readers from various backgrounds. She blends her own personal experiences with scholarly research, creating a relatable and insightful narrative that captivates readers from start to finish.

For those interested in the social and cultural implications of knowledge and ignorance, “Ignorance: How It Drives Our Decisions and Shapes Our World” is a must-read. It challenges our assumptions and prompts us to reconsider the role of ignorance in our decision-making processes and understanding of the world. Whether you’re an expert in a particular field or simply curious about the complexities of human behavior, this book offers a fresh perspective that will leave you questioning the information overload we experience daily.

Order “Ignorance: How It Drives Our Decisions and Shapes Our World” Today

If you’re ready to delve into the fascinating exploration of knowledge and ignorance in our society, “Ignorance: How It Drives Our Decisions and Shapes Our World” by Renata Salecl is available for purchase. Don’t miss out on this captivating book that challenges our assumptions and sheds light on the role of ignorance in shaping our decisions and understanding of the world.

Order your copy of “Ignorance: How It Drives Our Decisions and Shapes Our World” today and embark on a journey that will change the way you think about knowledge and ignorance.

Product Details

• Publisher: Princeton University Press (November 29, 2022)
• Language: English
• Format: eBook Digital
• Pages: 216
• ISBN-10: 069124099X
• ISBN-13: 978-0691240992