Ologies with Alie Ward

Agnotology (IGNORANCE) with Robert Proctor

Jul 8, 2020

Dr. Robert Proctor, a Stanford professor and co-editor of "Agnotology: The Making & Unmaking of Ignorance," explores the roots of willful ignorance and misinformation. He discusses the harmful effects of tobacco marketing and the sugar lobby, as well as the psychology behind movements like Flat Earthers. Proctor emphasizes the need for empathy in navigating difficult conversations about climate change and racism. He encourages listeners to confront ignorance in the digital age and advocate for societal change through awareness and education.

01:08:17

Creator website

Episode guests

Robert Proctor

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

Exploring the Depths of Ignorance: Agnotology Unveiled

3min

Unraveling Agnotology: The Science of Ignorance

13min

The Anatomy of Ignorance

9min

The Dual Nature of Ignorance in the Digital Age

16min

Racism in Tobacco Advertising and Knowledge Gaps

8min

Navigating Big History and Societal Change

19min

Challenging Ignorance and Embracing Learning

4min

Yes, there is an -ology for that. 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 the true evils of 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

Donations went to: SavingBlackLives.org; The National Black Law Students Association, and the Public Health Advocacy Institute

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For the list of books he mentions + more links, see: alieward.com/ologies/agnotology

Transcripts & bleeped episodes at: alieward.com/ologies-extras

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Sound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media & Steven Ray Morris

Theme song by Nick Thorburn

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