Ignorance as an under-identified social problem

Area of Science:

• Sociology of Knowledge
• Information Science
• Cultural Studies

Background:

• The concept of the 'knowledge society' assumes widespread access to information and informed citizenry.
• However, persistent and intensifying ignorance is a growing concern, challenging this ideal.
• Functional knowledge deficits are observed across individuals, experts, and organizations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the persistence and intensification of ignorance within the knowledge society.
• To investigate the functional knowledge deficits that undermine the ideal of the well-informed citizen.
• To analyze the contradictory dynamics driving the knowledge-ignorance paradox.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical analysis of the knowledge society's dynamics.
• Examination of research and observations on functional knowledge deficits.
• Exploration of the knowledge-ignorance paradox through concepts like entry and speech barriers.

Main Results:

• The information explosion in the knowledge economy creates a knowledge-ignorance paradox.
• Pockets of public knowledge are often exceptional, requiring specific explanations.
• Ignorance poses a serious social problem with potentially severe consequences.

Conclusions:

• Ignorance is a significant social issue, yet it remains under-recognized due to its lack of marketability.
• Future research should focus on the cultural and institutional factors contributing to the production of ignorance.
• Addressing ignorance is essential for a functional and informed society.