Bookbot

Daniel J. Flynn

    Intellectual Morons
    • Intellectual Morons

      How Ideology Makes Smart People Fall for Stupid Ideas

      • 304bladzijden
      • 11 uur lezen

      Why do educated antiwar activists label the U.S. president “the new Hitler” and suggest the government orchestrated the September 11 attacks? Why does Al Gore see cars as a “mortal threat” to national security? Why does a prominent animal rights advocate oppose eating animals but not sexual relations with them, a stance defended by PETA? In *Intellectual Morons*, Daniel J. Flynn explores the role of ideology in leading intelligent individuals to embrace irrational ideas. He reveals how influential social movements can blind people to reality, resulting in the endorsement of bizarre and often dangerous positions. Many Americans, especially among media, academia, and politics, fall prey to these flawed ideas, which can become institutionalized as truth with widespread repercussions. Flynn discusses various topics, including the environmental movement's roots in flawed science, the troubling figures behind animal rights advocacy, and the distortion of historical narratives by historians and journalists. This book serves as a critical examination of the excesses in today’s political and cultural discussions, highlighting the alarming lapses in judgment among celebrated opinion leaders. With sharp wit and insightful commentary, Flynn delivers a thought-provoking reality check on contemporary ideologies.

      Intellectual Morons2005