Stupidity in Politics: Its Unavoidability and Potential

Stupidity is pervasive in politics and cannot be contained within or attributed to one specific political position, personal trait, or ignorance and erroneous reasoning. This book challenges the assumption that stupidity can be avoided and argues that it is an ineluctable problem of thinking, leading to the potential of stupidity—that radical new ideas can emerge out of our seemingly banal and stupid thinking in our daily political activity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Stupidity permeates our perception and practice of politics, with politicians, bureaucrats, journalists, voters, elites, and the masses often being accused of it. However, it is not only populist politicians, sensational journalism, and uneducated voters who are targeted. Similar accusations can be made concerning those who criticize them. Stupidity seems ubiquitous, unable to be contained within or attributed to one specific political position, personal trait, or even ignorance and erroneous reasoning.

In his book, "Stupidity: A Theoretical Investigation," Otobe challenges the assumption that stupidity can be avoided. He argues that the very ubiquity of stupidity implies its unavoidability, that we cannot contain it in domains such as error, ignorance, or post-truth. Instead, what we witness is that reasoning can be sound, evidence-based, and stupid. Otobe contends that stupidity is an ineluctable problem not only of politics but also of thinking. We become stupid because we think, and it is impossible to distinguish a priori stupid thought from upright, righteous thought. Moreover, the failure to address the unavoidability of stupidity leads political theory to fail to acknowledge the productive moments that experiences of stupidity harbor within. These productive moments constitute the potential of stupidity, that radical new ideas can emerge out of our seemingly banal and stupid thinking in our daily political activity.

Otobe's book offers a critical examination of the role of stupidity in our political world and challenges us to think more deeply about the ways in which our thinking can be both rational and stupid. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the productive moments that experiences of stupidity can bring and encourages us to embrace the potential for stupidity as a source of creativity and innovation. While stupidity may be a frustrating and problematic phenomenon, Otobe's book suggests that it can also be a catalyst for positive change and progress. By acknowledging the inevitability of stupidity and exploring its potential, we can develop new ways of thinking and acting that are more effective and responsive to the challenges of our time.

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367554309