A Dialog with Ignorance

Abstract

What are we to make of the recent intellectual ferment over ignorance? Clearly its explanation presents a fascinating problem in social psychological history, and the social psychological study of science in particular. While we are far from being able to obtain a complete account, I should like to suggest what such an account might look like. After all, this problem should hold more than the promise of intellectual interest; the more we know about why we are collectively and individually preoccupied with ignorance, the more able we will be to adopt mindful strategies and choices regarding ignorance.

“ The sage is full of anxiety and indecision in undertaking anything, and so he is always successful.” Chuang-tzu.

“In the case of uncertainty, the definition of rationality becomes problematic.” J.G. March & H.A. Simon