Stupid Idiots
A Philosophy of Stupidity and Complete and Utter Downright Idiocy
Lars SvendsenA witty yet thoughtful examination of stupidity and idiocy in modern life.
This witty yet thoughtful book examines stupidity and idiocy, and their most dangerous incarnation: stupid idiocy – the unthinking embrace of flawed thinking. While philosophers chase wisdom, this book takes a humbler route, asking instead how we might think just a little less badly. Drawing sharp distinctions between not thinking and thinking poorly, and doubling down on bad thought, it reveals how deeply these failings are tied to our mental habits. With clarity and humour, it considers how stupidity shapes everyday life and public discourse. Within its pages is a chapter on politics and a pointed critique of Donald Trump, ‘stupid idiot supreme’. This is an accessible philosophical guide for anyone who wants to better understand – and perhaps reduce – their own foolishness.
A witty yet thoughtful examination of stupidity and idiocy in modern life.
This witty yet thoughtful book examines stupidity and idiocy, and their most dangerous incarnation: stupid idiocy – the unthinking embrace of flawed thinking. While philosophers chase wisdom, this book takes a humbler route, asking instead how we might think just a little less badly. Drawing sharp distinctions between not thinking and thinking poorly, and doubling down on bad thought, it reveals how deeply these failings are tied to our mental habits. With clarity and humour, it considers how stupidity shapes everyday life and public discourse. Within its pages is a chapter on politics and a pointed critique of Donald Trump, ‘stupid idiot supreme’. This is an accessible philosophical guide for anyone who wants to better understand – and perhaps reduce – their own foolishness.
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There may be no greater clear and present danger to our society, our health, and our environment – indeed, to our very existence – than the current contagion of stupidity and idiocy. Svendsen’s serious but accessible and entertaining book is thus a timely and essential tool both for identifying the threat and for finding a way to save ourselves from the epistemological epidemic and restore some rationality to the world.
'Steven Nadler, Vilas Research Professor and William H. Hay II Professor of Philosophy, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Preface
Introduction
1 The Rich Variety of Stupidity
2 Stupidity: Being Thoughtless
3 Idiocy: Thinking Poorly
4 Stupid Idiocy: Thoughtless Acceptance of Bad Thinking
5 Are Conservatives Stupid and Radicals Idiots?
6 Is Stupidity Our Future?
The Idiocy of Philosophy
The Stupid Idiot in the White House
References
Further Reading
Acknowledgements
Index of Names
Lars Svendsen is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Bergen, Norway. He has written fifteen books, including A Philosophy of Fear (2008), A Philosophy of Loneliness (2017), A Philosophy of Lying (2022) and A Philosophy of Hope (2024), all published by Reaktion.
