Ologies with Alie Ward

Agnotology (WILLFUL IGNORANCE) Updated Encore with Dr. Robert Proctor

Feb 12, 2025

Dr. Robert Proctor, a Stanford professor of the History of Science, dives deep into agnotology, the study of ignorance. He explores how industries like tobacco and sugar manipulate public perception through misinformation. The conversation spans climate change denial, racial injustice, and the psychology of the Flat Earther movement. Proctor emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in navigating difficult conversations and dismantling systems of willful ignorance, urging listeners to challenge misconceptions and promote informed dialogue.

01:20:03

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Robert Proctor

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Quick takeaways

Dr. Robert Proctor explains agnotology as the study of willful ignorance, emphasizing its profound societal impact and roots in misinformation.

Proctor highlights how industry trade associations perpetuate doubt about health risks, impacting public perception and understanding of safety.

Fear and identity play crucial roles in willful ignorance, suggesting that empathetic dialogues can bridge gaps in understanding and acceptance.

Deep dives

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Intro

5min

The Intricacies of Agnotology

15min

The Layers of Ignorance

22min

Examining Ignorance and Injustice

6min

Unveiling Hidden Realities

7min

Myopia and Empathy in Science

11min

Bridging Faith and Politics

12min

Embracing Learning and Dismantling Ignorance

4min

Navigating Government Actions: Resources and Reflections

3min

Yes, there is an -ology for that. And yes, we’re airing this episode -– with a ton of 2025 updates -– because it’s never felt more relevant. Dr. Robert Proctor is a Stanford professor of the History of Science and co-edited the book “Agnotology: The Making & Unmaking of Ignorance,” having coined the word 30 years ago. We chat about everything from tobacco marketing, to the sugar lobby, to racial injustice, horse vision, the psychology of the Flat Earther movement, which countries have the highest rates of climate denial, empathy, how to navigate difficult conversations and why it's critical to dismantle the systems of willful ignorance, starting locally.

Dr. Robert Proctor’s book: "Agnotology: The Making and Unmaking of Ignorance"

His 2021 book: Science and the Production of Ignorance: When the Quest for Knowledge Is Thwarted.

Donations in Dr. Proctor’s name went to: SavingBlackLives.org and the Public Health Advocacy Institute

An additional donation went to The National Black Law Students Association

More episode sources and links, including info on Federal Workers

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