The Rise of Anti-Intellectualism: Understanding the Phenomenon
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Chapter 1: The Nature of Arrogance
Arrogance manifests in various ways, and one particularly concerning form is anti-intellectualism.
“Only someone with a PhD could be so foolish.” — A real statement from an actual troll.
Despite being deemed unworthy by Medium's promotion team, this article is garnering support from numerous readers, and I appreciate every bit of it. Recently, I received an email mocking the writers of Original Philosophy, a Medium publication. The sender expressed the belief that philosophy articles lack value, suggesting that Medium should instead focus on topics like pop culture, dating advice, and business networking.
This correspondence exemplifies a long-standing issue: anti-intellectualism. It reflects not merely a disinterest in intellectual discourse but rather a sentiment that such discussions should be actively discouraged.
Section 1.1: The Arrogance of Intellectuals
Some individuals argue that certain intellectuals appear pretentious and condescending. This is a valid observation. Intellectual snobbery often permeates academia, scientific fields, and publishing. In any area devoted to research and critical thinking, there are bound to be individuals who display arrogance, mistakenly believing that their knowledge grants them superiority over others who do not share their interests.
While it’s easy to point fingers, I suggest that the most notorious offenders often emerge from STEM fields. However, I acknowledge that many in the humanities also exhibit this intellectual arrogance. Business professionals, especially self-proclaimed entrepreneurs and efficiency experts, can fall into this trap as well.
The crux of the matter is that some intellectuals do believe that an advanced understanding in one area elevates their social standing. However, they are just one facet of a broader issue.
Section 1.2: The Other Side of Arrogance
Arrogance takes many forms, including anti-intellectual arrogance. Both types involve a tendency for individuals to dictate what others should prioritize in their thinking.
It’s tempting to dismiss anti-intellectuals as simply envious of those who are more knowledgeable. While envy might be a factor for some, it’s overly simplistic to generalize. More often than not, anti-intellectuals assert that they know what truly matters, rejecting intellectual pursuits in favor of their own preferences.
Both the intellectual who believes that their PhD qualifies them as an expert on all matters and the anti-intellectual who dismisses academic inquiry as irrelevant display a similar arrogance.
It’s important to recognize the political undertones of anti-intellectualism. For years, reactionary figures on the political Right have aimed to strip education of its intellectual rigor, especially when it comes to challenging prevailing narratives. Some anti-intellectuals might merely exhibit a lazy aversion to complex ideas, while others actively seek to curtail the intellectual freedom of others.
The email I received ridiculing philosophy demonstrates this mindset. The sender, disinterested in philosophical topics, deemed them worthless and wished to obscure such discussions from public view. While not outright censorship, this reflects an inclination to confine discourse to preferred interests, creating echo chambers that stifle diverse perspectives.
Chapter 2: The Dilemma of Philosophers
The first video titled "The Dangerous Rise of Anti-Intellectualism" explores the implications of this growing trend and its impact on society.
The second video, "Why is Anti-Intellectualism So Popular in Restaurant Kitchens?" delves into the specific manifestations of anti-intellectualism within particular professions.
Philosophers often find themselves caught in the crossfire of condescension from both intellectuals in STEM fields and from anti-intellectuals. While it’s true that some philosophers may exhibit arrogance, that doesn’t justify the disparagement directed at the profession as a whole.
I have a deep appreciation for philosophy and do not expect everyone to share my enthusiasm. People have varied interests, and that diversity is what enriches life. However, the delusion that greater knowledge equates to moral superiority can be damaging.
Attempting to suppress discussions on topics that make one uncomfortable is counterproductive. Both forms of arrogance—intellectual and anti-intellectual—reflect a desire to limit others' intellectual freedoms.
Ultimately, everyone should pursue what excites them, provided it does not harm others. It is equally important to allow others the freedom to explore their passions, even if they differ from our own.
P.S. While I understand that not everyone will engage with this content, I encourage readers to reflect on whether their objections may stem from a place of arrogance.