Knowledge Resistance: How We Avoid Insight from Others

People and groups ignore, deny, and resist knowledge about society's many problems due to ideological polarization, fake news, and simplistic views about facts, knowledge, and human motivations. This book aims to advance our understanding of knowledge resistance by integrating insights from the social, economic, and evolutionary sciences and addressing controversies such as nature-nurture, climate change, gender roles, vaccination, genetically modified food, and artificial intelligence. It is aimed at the general, educated public and students and scholars interested in the interface of human motivation and social problems.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 19 June 2019
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Knowledge about society's many problems is often ignored, denied, and resisted by individuals and groups. In a world where alternative facts and fake news are prevalent, the question of why this occurs has become increasingly urgent. After years of ideologically polarized debates on this topic, the book aims to further advance our understanding of knowledge resistance by integrating insights from various social, economic, and evolutionary sciences. It identifies simplistic views in public and scholarly debates about what facts, knowledge, and human motivations are, as well as what rational use of information actually means.

The examples used in the book include controversies surrounding nature-nurture, climate change, gender roles, vaccination, genetically modified food, and artificial intelligence. Drawing on cutting-edge scholarship as well as personal experiences of culture clashes, the book is designed to appeal to a broad audience, including the general, educated public, students, and scholars interested in the interface of human motivation and the urgent social problems of today.

One reason why people and groups ignore, deny, and resist knowledge about society's problems is due to cognitive biases and heuristics. These mental shortcuts help us make quick judgments and decisions, but they can also lead us to ignore or discount information that contradicts our beliefs or assumptions. For example, people who believe that climate change is not real may ignore scientific evidence that supports this claim or discount the opinions of scientists who study the issue.

Another reason for knowledge resistance is political polarization. When individuals or groups align themselves with a particular political ideology, they may become more resistant to information that challenges their beliefs or supports opposing ideologies. This can lead to a lack of critical thinking and a willingness to accept information that confirms their biases.

Social norms and cultural beliefs can also play a role in knowledge resistance. For example, some societies may prioritize traditional gender roles and beliefs, which can limit women's access to education and employment opportunities. This can lead to a lack of knowledge about gender equality and women's rights, which can in turn limit women's ability to participate in decision-making processes.

Finally, fear and anxiety can also contribute to knowledge resistance. When individuals or groups are afraid of the consequences of accepting certain knowledge, they may resist learning about it. This can be particularly true when knowledge challenges their beliefs or threatens their sense of security.

To address knowledge resistance, it is important to promote critical thinking and media literacy. This can help individuals to identify and evaluate information more effectively, and to resist the influence of cognitive biases and heuristics. It can also help to create spaces for open and respectful dialogue, where individuals can share their perspectives and learn from others.

In addition, policymakers and social activists can play a role in promoting knowledge about society's problems. This can include investing in education and research, promoting public awareness campaigns, and advocating for policies that address social inequality and promote social justice.

In conclusion, knowledge about society's many problems is often ignored, denied, and resisted by individuals and groups. This is due to a variety of factors, including cognitive biases, political polarization, social norms and cultural beliefs, and fear and anxiety. By promoting critical thinking, media literacy, and open dialogue, we can work to address knowledge resistance and promote a more informed and engaged society.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 147 x 223 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526135209