Irrationality : a history of the dark side of reason / Justin E. H. Smith.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Smith, Justin E. H., Author.

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource (344 p.)

Place of Publication:

Princeton, NJ : Princeton University Press, [2020]

Language Note:

In English.

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 beIn 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.

Contents:

Frontmatter

CONTENTS

Preface

Preamble. A Mathematician’s Murder

Introduction

CHAPTER ONE. The Self- Devouring Octopus; or, Logic

CHAPTER TWO. “No-Brainers”; or, Reason in Nature

CHAPTER THREE. The Sleep of Reason; or, Dreams

CHAPTER FOUR. Dreams into Things; or, Art

CHAPTER FIVE. “I believe because it is absurd”; or, Pseudoscience

CHAPTER SIX. Enlightenment; or, Myth

CHAPTER SEVEN. The Human Beast; or, the Internet

CHAPTER EIGHT. Explosions; or, Jokes and Lies

CHAPTER NINE. The Impossible Syllogism; or, Death

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

Notes

Bibliography

Index

Notes:

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (publisher's Web site, viewed 24. Mrz 2021)

ISBN:

9780691210827

0691210829