Cynical Theories
How Activist Scholarship Made Everything About Race, Gender, and Identity - and Why This Harms Everybody
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Cynical Theories
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Narrated by:
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Helen Pluckrose
About this listen
Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly best seller!
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.
©2020 Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay (P)2020 Pitchstone PublishingListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about Cynical Theories
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 30-01-23
Put My Feelings into Eloquent, Structured Words
This is not the kind of book I usually read and I am probably not it’s typical audience. Frankly, I don’t consider myself very academic at all. However I really found this book accesible, interesting and helpful.
I’ve become increasingly aware lately of attitudes in society changing and feeling more and more uncomfortable about it without knowing why. Starting in the early 2000s I have been involved in what I would have called ‘social justice’ ventures, both professionally and in my personal life. I’ve always felt strongly that all people should be treated as equally, but uniquely valuable. However in the last few years I’ve felt more and more detached from the ‘Social Justice’ movement and at times ashamed to be associated with it. At first I put this down to ‘political correctness gone mad’ and overzealous young people taking part in well-meaning activism, however with some lack of wisdom and measure. But recently it’s felt more sinister but I haven’t been able to put my finger on it.
Listening to this book felt like someone had translated my subconscious ‘gut feelings’ and put them into a well rounded, systematic explanation with academic credibility. I am grateful to the authors for speaking out on these issues, even as though they are opening themselves up to public backlash
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Mr. Paul John Price
- 27-08-21
This explains everything.
Very thoughrough, clear and understandable. Would be an easy read if the subject of the book were not so infuriating. I would say anyone considering further education should read it as a vaccine before they start.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- yfbc
- 16-02-21
Essential commentary on radical ideas
Everything is a bit strange right now, isn't it?
Why are people telling you everything and everyone is racist, transphobic and bigoted?
The answer is complex. A not at all adequate summary is that an underlying illiberal authoritarian idiology has begun to spread across society, under the guise of compassion and empathy. And its led to rising alt-right insanity.
Want to know more? This book tells you what's really going on.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- G Copeland
- 24-10-21
Great explanation
This is the best explanation I have seen about how the “woke” mindset was created.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Tom
- 06-11-20
A necessary book, with a well articulated message.
Well researched, compiled and presented. this is what so many need to read, but are scared to act upon.
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18 people found this helpful
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- sinkovich
- 03-12-20
One of the most important books of 2020
Very well researched. A concise and compelling case against the damaging ideology of postmodernism and it's application as 'Critical Theory'. Listen to/read this now before they ban it.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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- Malcolm M.
- 30-03-21
Excellent intro
A few repeated lines in the reading mar an otherwise great performance by Pluckrose. Fascinating and rigorous analysis of a dangerous phenomenon.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- SilentSabre
- 11-05-21
An antidote to postmodern ideologies
A must-listen for anyone who is frustrated by the damaging and self-righteous ideologies of post-modernist scholarship and activism.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 27-09-22
Insightful
Regardless of where you stand politically and philosophically this book will open your eyes with regards to the origin of many of our current lines of thought. A bit heavy during two first chapters but really gains pace from chapter three and onwards.
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- Diana Frances
- 28-04-22
Good
This book was informative as well as enjoyable. I loved every single part of it.
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