Cynical Theories

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Cynical Theories

Author : Helen Pluckrose,James A. Lindsay
Publisher : Pitchstone Publishing (US&CA)
Page : 353 pages
File Size : 44,9 Mb
Release : 2020-05-05
Category : Education
ISBN : 9781634312035

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Cynical Theories by Helen Pluckrose,James A. Lindsay Pdf

Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly Bestseller! Have you heard that language is violence and that science is sexist? Have you read that certain people shouldn't practice yoga or cook Chinese food? Or been told that being obese is healthy, that there is no such thing as biological sex, or that only white people can be racist? Are you confused by these ideas, and do you wonder how they have managed so quickly to challenge the very logic of Western society? In this probing and intrepid volume, Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay document the evolution of the dogma that informs these ideas, from its coarse origins in French postmodernism to its refinement within activist academic fields. Today this dogma is recognizable as much by its effects, such as cancel culture and social-media dogpiles, as by its tenets, which are all too often embraced as axiomatic in mainstream media: knowledge is a social construct; science and reason are tools of oppression; all human interactions are sites of oppressive power play; and language is dangerous. As Pluckrose and Lindsay warn, the unchecked proliferation of these anti-Enlightenment beliefs present a threat not only to liberal democracy but also to modernity itself. While acknowledging the need to challenge the complacency of those who think a just society has been fully achieved, Pluckrose and Lindsay break down how this often-radical activist scholarship does far more harm than good, not least to those marginalized communities it claims to champion. They also detail its alarmingly inconsistent and illiberal ethics. Only through a proper understanding of the evolution of these ideas, they conclude, can those who value science, reason, and consistently liberal ethics successfully challenge this harmful and authoritarian orthodoxy—in the academy, in culture, and beyond.

Cynical Theories

Author : Helen Pluckrose,James A. Lindsay
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 41,6 Mb
Release : 2020
Category : Education
ISBN : 1634312023

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Cynical Theories by Helen Pluckrose,James A. Lindsay Pdf

Have you heard that language is violence and that science is sexist? Have you read that you shouldn't practice yoga or cook Chinese food? Are you confused by these ideas and wonder how they have managed to challenge so quickly the very logic of Western society? In this probing and intrepid volume, Helen Pluckrose and James A. Lindsay document the evolution of this dogma, from its coarse origins in French postmodernism to its refinement within activist academic fields. As Pluckrose and Lindsay warn, the unchecked proliferation of these anti-Enlightenment beliefs presents a threat not only to liberal democracy but also to modernity itself. Only through a proper understanding of the evolution of these ideas can those who value science, reason, and consistently liberal ethics successfully challenge this dangerous and authoritarian orthodoxy.

Social (In)justice

Author : Helen Pluckrose,James Lindsay,Rebecca Christiansen
Publisher : Pitchstone Publishing (US&CA)
Page : 208 pages
File Size : 41,6 Mb
Release : 2022-01-18
Category : Education
ISBN : 9781634312240

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Social (In)justice by Helen Pluckrose,James Lindsay,Rebecca Christiansen Pdf

This is a book about ideas. Specifically, this is a book about the evolution of a certain set of ideas, and how these ideas have come to dominate every important discussion about race, gender, and identity today. Have you heard someone refer to language as literal violence, or say that science is sexist? Or declare that being obese is healthy, or that there is no such thing as biological sex? Or that valuing hard work, individualism, and even punctuality is evidence of white supremacy? Or that only certain people—depending on their race, gender, or identity—should be allowed to wear certain clothes or hairstyles, cook certain foods, write certain characters, or play certain roles? If so, then you've encountered these ideas. As this reader-friendly adaptation of the internationally acclaimed bestseller Cynical Theories explains, however, the truth is that many of these ideas are recent inventions, are not grounded in scientific fact, and do not account for the sheer complexity of social reality and human experience. In fact, these beliefs often deny and even undermine the very principles on which liberal democratic societies are built—the very ideas that have allowed for unprecedented human progress, lifted standards of living across the world, and given us the opportunity and right to consider and debate these ideas in the first place! Ultimately, this is a book about what it truly means to have a just and equal society—and how best to get there. Cynical Theories is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller. Named a 2020 Book of the Year by The Times, Sunday Times, and Financial Times, it is being translated into more than fifteen languages.

Summary of Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay's Cynical Theories

Author : I. D. B. Books
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 30 pages
File Size : 51,8 Mb
Release : 2020-12-14
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 9798581396636

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Summary of Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay's Cynical Theories by I. D. B. Books Pdf

Buy now to get key insights from Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay's Cynical Theories. Sample Insights 1) The right is trying to preserve outdated Western values, while the left is advocating for a more ordered world based on their more global values. The problem is that they have become too authoritarian in the sense that they completely reject any values that slightly clash with theirs. 2) The progressive left has aligned itself with postmodernism, which rejects objective truth as a fantasy dreamed up by naive and bigoted Enlightenment thinkers who underestimated the collateral consequences of modernity's progress.

Everybody Is Wrong About God

Author : James A. Lindsay,Peter Boghossian
Publisher : Pitchstone Publishing (US&CA)
Page : 268 pages
File Size : 53,9 Mb
Release : 2015-12-01
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781634310383

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Everybody Is Wrong About God by James A. Lindsay,Peter Boghossian Pdf

A call to action to address people's psychological and social motives for a belief in God, rather than debate the existence of God With every argument for theism long since discredited, the result is that atheism has become little more than the noises reasonable people make in the presence of unjustified religious beliefs. Thus, engaging in interminable debate with religious believers about the existence of God has become exactly the wrong way for nonbelievers to try to deal with misguided—and often dangerous—belief in a higher power. The key, author James Lindsay argues, is to stop that particular conversation. He demonstrates that whenever people say they believe in "God," they are really telling us that they have certain psychological and social needs that they do not know how to meet. Lindsay then provides more productive avenues of discussion and action. Once nonbelievers understand this simple point, and drop the very label of atheist, will they be able to change the way we all think about, talk about, and act upon the troublesome notion called "God."

How to Have Impossible Conversations

Author : Peter Boghossian,James Lindsay
Publisher : Hachette UK
Page : 272 pages
File Size : 49,7 Mb
Release : 2019-09-17
Category : Self-Help
ISBN : 9780738285344

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How to Have Impossible Conversations by Peter Boghossian,James Lindsay Pdf

From politics and religion to workplace negotiations, ace the high-stakes conversations in your life with this indispensable guide from a persuasion expert. In our current political climate, it seems impossible to have a reasonable conversation with anyone who has a different opinion. Whether you're online, in a classroom, an office, a town hall—or just hoping to get through a family dinner with a stubborn relative—dialogue shuts down when perspectives clash. Heated debates often lead to insults and shaming, blocking any possibility of productive discourse. Everyone seems to be on a hair trigger. In How to Have Impossible Conversations, Peter Boghossian and James Lindsay guide you through the straightforward, practical, conversational techniques necessary for every successful conversation—whether the issue is climate change, religious faith, gender identity, race, poverty, immigration, or gun control. Boghossian and Lindsay teach the subtle art of instilling doubts and opening minds. They cover everything from learning the fundamentals for good conversations to achieving expert-level techniques to deal with hardliners and extremists. This book is the manual everyone needs to foster a climate of civility, connection, and empathy. "This is a self-help book on how to argue effectively, conciliate, and gently persuade. The authors admit to getting it wrong in their own past conversations. One by one, I recognize the same mistakes in me. The world would be a better place if everyone read this book." —Richard Dawkins, author of Science in the Soul and Outgrowing God

The Counterweight Handbook

Author : Helen Pluckrose
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 288 pages
File Size : 54,5 Mb
Release : 2022-08-30
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 1800751087

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The Counterweight Handbook by Helen Pluckrose Pdf

Over the last several years, organisations and institutions throughout the West - both public and private - have adopted comprehensive diversity and inclusion policies and new forms of employee and student training on antiracism, unconscious bias, gender diversity, cultural sensitivity and other related topics. The stated goals of these programs are often reasonable if not noble - to create a more welcoming space and inclusive environment for all. But such training, when based on the activist ideology known as Critical Social Justice, crosses a clear line when participants are required to affirm beliefs they do not hold. The mildest questions about or objections to common teachings in the sessions - that all white people are racists, that all underrepresented minorities are oppressed or useful tools of the majority, that sex and gender differences have no biological basis - are regularly met with pat commands: 'Educate yourself,' 'Do the work,' 'Listen and learn.' At work, raises, promotions and even future employment may well depend on nodding approval during such training. At school, grades, nominations and awards may be contingent upon active agreement with these ideological beliefs. When faced with such a predicament - between silent submission and risky if ethical opposition - what is a person to do? The Counterweight Handbook provides individuals with a practical and easily navigable guide to understanding and addressing the issues that are likely to arise when this activist ideology is implemented in their organisation or institution. It also teaches them what to do when they are being expected to affirm their commitment to beliefs they simply do not hold, undergo training in an illiberal ideology they cannot support, or submit themselves to antiscientific testing and retraining of their 'unconscious' minds. It is for everyone who wishes to push back against the hostile work and educational environments such training inevitably creates - or who fears being fired, censored or cancelled for their deeply held beliefs and principled convictions.

Counter Wokecraft

Author : Charles Pincourt
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 97 pages
File Size : 53,5 Mb
Release : 2021
Category : Communism
ISBN : 9798536815038

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Counter Wokecraft by Charles Pincourt Pdf

The Woke ideology is colonizing Western Civilization. This ideology views the world through a Marxist-inspired lens of “systemic power dynamics” that divides us between the “privileged” and the “oppressed.” This colonization has successfully captured many of our noblest and most vital institutions through time-tested strategies and tactics. People from almost every sector of life are concerned about this capture but feel paralyzed and helpless as this ideology activates itself and wields its power. The good news is that Woke tactics are predictable and can be countered. This guide is an invaluable contribution to understanding, recognizing, and ultimately countering “Wokecraft” wherever it appears. While the guide is tailored to the university, its lessons are applicable throughout government, K-12 education, the private sector, churches, and even formal and informal affinity groups. This makes the guide a much-needed contribution as people seek to push back against the destructive Woke ideology.

Life in Light of Death

Author : James Lindsay
Publisher : Pitchstone Publishing (US&CA)
Page : 160 pages
File Size : 44,8 Mb
Release : 2016-11-15
Category : Self-Help
ISBN : 9781634310888

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Life in Light of Death by James Lindsay Pdf

Life is short, and it can be sweet. Contemplating death is looking into a mirror that allows us to see these simple facts clearly, as if for the first time. We have every reason to believe that we have but one life to live—and no good reasons to believe otherwise—and death marks the termination of each life. Examining this reality opens doors to understanding ourselves, each other, connection, love, and life itself in an entirely new way. Life in Light of Death offers a short exploration of the sweetness and opportunity available to those who understand and embrace this fact. By looking at life as reflected by death, we can see what really matters and how best to live.

The Righteous Mind

Author : Jonathan Haidt
Publisher : Vintage
Page : 530 pages
File Size : 55,6 Mb
Release : 2013-02-12
Category : Psychology
ISBN : 9780307455772

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The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt Pdf

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The acclaimed social psychologist challenges conventional thinking about morality, politics, and religion in a way that speaks to conservatives and liberals alike—a “landmark contribution to humanity’s understanding of itself” (The New York Times Book Review). Drawing on his twenty-five years of groundbreaking research on moral psychology, Jonathan Haidt shows how moral judgments arise not from reason but from gut feelings. He shows why liberals, conservatives, and libertarians have such different intuitions about right and wrong, and he shows why each side is actually right about many of its central concerns. In this subtle yet accessible book, Haidt gives you the key to understanding the miracle of human cooperation, as well as the curse of our eternal divisions and conflicts. If you’re ready to trade in anger for understanding, read The Righteous Mind.

Knowledge: A Very Short Introduction

Author : Jennifer Nagel
Publisher : OUP Oxford
Page : 153 pages
File Size : 43,9 Mb
Release : 2014-09-25
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9780191637315

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Knowledge: A Very Short Introduction by Jennifer Nagel Pdf

What is knowledge? How does it differ from mere belief? Do you need to be able to justify a claim in order to count as knowing it? How can we know that the outer world is real and not a dream? Questions like these are ancient ones, and the branch of philosophy dedicated to answering them - epistemology - has been active for thousands of years. In this thought-provoking Very Short Introduction, Jennifer Nagel considers these classic questions alongside new puzzles arising from recent discoveries about humanity, language, and the mind. Nagel explains the formation of major historical theories of knowledge, and shows how contemporary philosophers have developed new ways of understanding knowledge, using ideas from logic, linguistics, and psychology. Covering topics ranging from relativism and the problem of scepticism to the trustworthiness of internet sources, Nagel examines how progress has been made in understanding knowledge, using everyday examples to explain the key issues and debates ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

The Parasitic Mind

Author : Gad Saad
Publisher : Simon and Schuster
Page : 256 pages
File Size : 51,8 Mb
Release : 2020-10-06
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781621579939

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The Parasitic Mind by Gad Saad Pdf

"Read this book, strengthen your resolve, and help us all return to reason." —JORDAN PETERSON The West’s commitment to freedom, reason, and true liberalism have become endangered by a series of viral forces in our society today. Renowned host of the popular YouTube show “The SAAD Truth”, Dr. Gad Saad exposes how an epidemic of idea pathogens are spreading like a virus and killing common sense in the West. Serving as a powerful follow-up to Jordan Peterson’s book 12 Rules for Life Dr. Saad unpacks what is really happening in progressive safe zones, why we need to be paying more attention to these trends, and what we must do to stop the spread of dangerous thinking. A professor at Concordia University who has witnessed this troubling epidemic first-hand, Dr. Saad dissects a multitude of these concerning forces (corrupt thought patterns, belief systems, attitudes, etc.) that have given rise to a stifling political correctness in our society and how these have created serious consequences that must be remedied–before it’s too late.

Unassailable Ideas

Author : Ilana Redstone,John Villasenor
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 272 pages
File Size : 49,9 Mb
Release : 2020-09-22
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9780190078072

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Unassailable Ideas by Ilana Redstone,John Villasenor Pdf

Open inquiry and engagement with a diverse range of views are long-cherished and central tenets of higher education and are pivotal to innovation and knowledge creation. Yet, free inquiry on American campuses is hampered by a climate that constrains teaching, research, and overall discourse. In Unassailable Ideas, Ilana Redstone and John Villasenor examine the dominant belief system on American campuses, its uncompromising enforcement through social media, and the consequences for higher education. They argue that two trends in particular--the emergent role of social media in limiting academic research and knowledge discovery and a campus culture increasingly intolerant to diverse views and open inquiry--are fundamentally reshaping higher education. Redstone and Villasenor further identify and explain how three well-intentioned unwritten rules regarding identity define the current campus climate. They present myriad case studies illustrating the resulting impact on education, knowledge creation-and, increasingly the world beyond campus. They also provide a set of recommendations to build a new campus climate that would be more tolerant toward diverse perspectives and open inquiry. An insightful analysis of the current state of academia, Unassailable Ideas highlights an environment in higher education that forecloses entire lines of research, entire discussions, and entire ways of conducting classroom teaching.

Cynical International Law?

Author : Björnstjern Baade,Dana Burchardt,Prisca Feihle,Alicia Köppen,Linus Mührel,Lena Riemer,Raphael Schäfer
Publisher : Springer
Page : 369 pages
File Size : 46,7 Mb
Release : 2021-11-30
Category : Law
ISBN : 3662621304

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Cynical International Law? by Björnstjern Baade,Dana Burchardt,Prisca Feihle,Alicia Köppen,Linus Mührel,Lena Riemer,Raphael Schäfer Pdf

Analysing international law through the prism of “cynicism” makes it possible to look beyond overt disregard for international law, currently discussed in terms of a backlash or crisis. The concept allows to analyse and criticise structural features and specific uses of international law that seem detrimental to international law in a more subtle way. Unlike its ancient predecessor, cynicism nowadays refers not to a bold critique of power but to uses and abuses of international law that pursue one-sided interests tacitly disregarding the legal structure applied. From this point of view, the contributions critically reflect on the theoretical foundations of international law, in particular its relationship to power, actors such as the International Law Commission and international judges, and specific fields, including international human rights, humanitarian, criminal, tax and investment law.

Fear of Knowledge

Author : Paul Boghossian
Publisher : Clarendon Press
Page : 160 pages
File Size : 43,5 Mb
Release : 2007-10-11
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9780191622755

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Fear of Knowledge by Paul Boghossian Pdf

The academic world has been plagued in recent years by scepticism about truth and knowledge. Paul Boghossian, in his long-awaited first book, sweeps away relativist claims that there is no such thing as objective truth or knowledge, but only truth or knowledge from a particular perspective. He demonstrates clearly that such claims don't even make sense. Boghossian focuses on three different ways of reading the claim that knowledge is socially constructed - one as a thesis about truth and two about justification. And he rejects all three. The intuitive, common-sense view is that there is a way things are that is independent of human opinion, and that we are capable of arriving at belief about how things are that is objectively reasonable, binding on anyone capable of appreciating the relevant evidence regardless of their social or cultural perspective. Difficult as these notions may be, it is a mistake to think that recent philosophy has uncovered powerful reasons for rejecting them. This short, lucid, witty book shows that philosophy provides rock-solid support for common sense against the relativists; it will prove provocative reading throughout the discipline and beyond.