In this Book
- Irrationality: A History of the Dark Side of Reason
- Book
- 2020
- Published by: Princeton University Press
summary
From sex and music to religion and politics, a history of irrationality and the ways in which it has always been with us—and always will be
In this sweeping account of irrationality from antiquity to the rise of Twitter mobs and the election of Donald Trump, Justin Smith argues that irrationality makes up the greater part of human life and history. Ranging across philosophy, politics, and current events, he shows that, throughout history, every triumph of reason has been temporary and reversible, and that rational schemes often result in their polar opposite. Illuminating unreason at a moment when the world appears to have gone mad again, Irrationality is timely, provocative, and fascinating.
Table of Contents
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- Introduction
- pp. 5-26
- “No-Brainers”; or, Reason in Nature
- pp. 51-72
- The Sleep of Reason; or, Dreams
- pp. 73-98
- Dreams into Things; or, Art
- pp. 99-130
- Enlightenment; or, Myth
- pp. 166-199
- The Human Beast; or, the Internet
- pp. 200-228
- Explosions; or, Jokes and Lies
- pp. 229-251
- The Impossible Syllogism; or, Death
- pp. 252-286
- Conclusion
- pp. 287-290
- Acknowledgments
- pp. 291-292
- Bibliography
- pp. 313-324
Additional Information
ISBN
9780691210827
Related ISBN(s)
9780691210513
MARC Record
OCLC
1083458136
Launched on MUSE
2019-04-29
Language
English
Open Access
No