The Ethics Incubator Jonathan Rauch: On The Constitution of Knowledge
Aug 3, 2021
Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of The Constitution of Knowledge, dives into the importance of truth in today's polarized society. He explores personal identity and introversion, advocating for gradual societal change through 'radical incrementalism.' The conversation highlights the ethical roles of individuals and experts in knowledge democratization, the challenges of misinformation, and the need for open discourse amidst the culture of fear. Rauch emphasizes fostering environments that support free speech and learning from mistakes.
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Rauch's Introvert Revelation
- Jonathan Rauch identified as an introvert during college when others were partying and he preferred reading.
- His humor article "Caring for Your Introvert" became a bestseller and sparked the introverts' rights movement.
What Is Constitution of Knowledge?
- The Constitution of Knowledge is a social system that keeps society anchored to reality and turns disagreement into facts.
- It is unique historically as the system that avoids wars over truth and manages collective knowledge.
Democracy and Expertise in Knowledge
- The Constitution of Knowledge is highly democratic, allowing anyone to contribute to knowledge.
- However, expertise and mastery in protocols are crucial because knowledge-making is difficult and requires standards.
