Cynical Theories

Overview

Pluckrose and Lindsay, both architects of the controversial grievance studies hoax that made international headlines in 2018, break down how often-radical activist scholarship does far more harm than good, not least to those marginalized communities it claims to champion

Unmasking the dogmas that threaten reason, freedom, and progress.

Have you heard that language is violence and that science is sexist? Are you confused by these ideas and wonder how they have managed to challenge so quickly the very logic of Western society? Helen Pluckrose and James A. Lindsay document the evolution of this dogma, from its coarse origins in French postmodernism to its refinement within activist academic fields. They warn that the unchecked proliferation of these anti-Enlightenment beliefs presents a threat not only to liberal democracy but also to modernity itself.

• Understand the origins of postmodern thought
• Recognize the evolution of cynical theories
• Challenge dangerous and authoritarian orthodoxies

Cynical Theories offers a proper understanding of the evolution of these ideas so those who value science, reason, and consistently liberal ethics can successfully challenge this dangerous and authoritarian orthodoxy. For laypersons interested in understanding the influence of postmodern scholarship on society.

Reviews

"Many people are nonplussed by the surge of wokery, social justice warfare, intersectionality, and identity politics that has spilled out of academia and inundated other spheres of life. Where did it come from? What ideas are behind it? This book exposes the surprisingly shallow intellectual roots of the movements that appear to be engulfing our culture."

—Steven Pinker, Johnstone Professor of Psychology, Harvard University, and author of Enlightenment Now
 

"Cynical Theories is a brilliant book, offering an incisive and much needed critique of the cult of social justice. The authors painstakingly trace its origins in postmodernism and, in doing so, expose the ways in which a once fashionable coterie of theorists infiltrated the mainstream with catastrophic consequences for liberalism, equality, and free speech."

—Andrew Doyle, creator of Titania McGrath
 

"In this important and timely book, Pluckrose and Lindsay trace the intellectual origins of today's Social Justice crusaders. With clear prose and a fair-minded spirit, they argue forcefully that struggles for social justice are strongest when they are founded on respect for evidence, reason, and free and open debate. They deplore the harm that closed-minded Social Justice ideologues are doing to the cause of social justice (lower-case), and they offer practical strategies for doing better."

—Alan Sokal, Professor of Mathematics, University College London, and coauthor of Fashionable Nonsense: Postmodern Intellectuals' Abuse of Science
 

"A fascinating and mandatory guide to understanding the culture war. Meticulously researched and impeccably written, Cynical Theories offers explanations as to how we got here and the best solutions going forward."

—Debra Soh, PhD, sex neuroscientist and author of The End of Gender
 

"If you want to know the philosophy behind cancel culture and why it is so creepy, get this book. Then, give it to your friends and family." 

—Ayaan Hirsi Ali, human rights activist
 

"Is there a school of thought so empty, so vacuous, so pretentious, so wantonly obscurantist, so stupefyingly boring that even a full-frontal attack on it cannot be read without an exasperated yawn? Yes. It is called postmodernism. If you sincerely want to understand what postmodernism is, read this exceptionally well-informed book by two noble heroes of the enlightenment project. If you have better uses for your neurons and your time, stick to science. It’s the real deal."

—Richard Dawkins, emeritus fellow of New College, Oxford

Author Biography