Ignorance: Everything You Need to Know about Not Knowing

by Robert Graef

Sums up the many fields of study where ignorance can undermine our understanding, while showing how an awareness of ignorance can lead to exploration and the discovery of new knowledge.The flip side of knowledge is ignorance. This book explores the vast scope of ignorance, even in an age when we think we know more than ever before. By marking off this ocean of ignorance into manageable categories, the author provides a kind of navigational chart to the unknown, and a series of red flags to all those who claim certitude. The book first lays out the many branches of ignorance--in education, the media, politics, religion, science, and other major institutions. It then assesses the costs and consequences of that ignorance. World conflicts, endemic poverty, environmental damage, waste, racism, and the manipulative forces of industry and politics that use propaganda to manipulate the public may all be seen as rooted in ignorance.But there are positive aspects of ignorance as well. Scientists and artists, by recognizing what they don't know, are spurred on to new creative approaches and discoveries, which would never be found by those too comfortable with the tried and true. The author cites Socrates, whom the Delphic Oracle declared to be the wisest of all people simply because he realized how much he didn't know. This book gives you ways to follow in the path that Socrates forged, to counter the closed minds whose false sense of certainty cannot help but distort reality, and to be better prepared to take on even the most serious challenges of today.

351 pages, Paperback

Published December 12, 2017

Reviews

[Tara Brabazon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a tremendous book. It is incredibly well written. What makes it truly outstanding is the capacity to offer arguments, with provocative evidence.

This book explores the nature of ignorance, but also how it is deployed in the understanding of the 'self' and personal experience. Further, it offers considered models for understanding the consequences of allowing self-ish politics and views to determine our engagement with - or disengagement with - evidence, facts and research.

There are chapters on the consequences of disrespecting schools and universities, teachers and academics. But there are also powerful arguments offered about what happens when politicians and political systems disregard and disrespect teachers and academics.

Outstanding, transformational book.

[Pauline Mountain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clear-eyed examination of the role ignorance plays in who we are as a society and the role it plays in education, both formal and lifelong learning.

[Cecilia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good topic but the content is obvious. Nothing new in here for me.