The Intellectual Distrust Dilemma: Searching for Another Word for Anti-Intellectualism
What is anti-intellectualism? According to a 1964 essay by Richard Hofstadter, it is “a resentment and suspicion of the life of the mind and of those who are considered to represent it: the intellectual.”
However, as culture and society evolve, so too does the understanding and application of this concept. Nowadays, the term “anti-intellectualism” has taken on a new meaning. People with a distrust of expertise and a preference for what they perceive as common sense are now often seen as anti-intellectual.
The intellectual distrust dilemma arises from a society that increasingly values practical knowledge over theoretical knowledge. Often, people will turn to charismatic speakers, celebrities or people without expertise, even when they are wrong. But, it is important to recognize the value of expert knowledge, and trust the expertise when it is available.
In recent times, this dialectic of distrust and expertise has resulted in numerous debates about the role of intellectualism in society.
The Root of Intellectual Distrust
One key reason for the rise of intellectual distrust is the illusion of competence. Sometimes, a certain competence may be wearing glasses, or having an advanced degree, or even being famous. It is then that people may feel they are competent because they wear glasses, have an advanced degree, or are famous.
But being able to spout an idea or point out a fact means very little without the knowledge and experience that backs it up. Making a person who is unqualified to speak, for example, an expert on a subject, only serves to undermine the intellectualism that experts can provide.
Rebuilding Intellectual Trust
While it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that anyone can be an expert by merely spouting an idea or point out a fact, it is important to acknowledge the value of expertise.
If we want to encourage intellectualism in our society, we need to start by recognizing the value of those individuals who have put in the time and effort to become experts. We can start by prioritizing the importance of expertise in our communities, and by making sure we’re not settling for mediocrity instead of expertise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the intellectual distrust dilemma can be solved with thoughtfullness and recognition of the value of expertise. It can only be done by making sure that we value experts in the same way that we prioritize common sense, and that we provide them with the forum to demonstrate their expertise in the most practical and meaningful ways.
