Counterknowledge: how we surrendered to conspiracy theories, quack medicine, bogus science, and fake history

An important and compelling book on the viral dissemination of misinformation in today's world. We are being swamped with dangerous nonsense. From 9/11 conspiracy theories to Holocaust denial to alternative medicine, we are all experiencing an epidemic of demonstrably untrue descriptions of the world. For Damian Thompson, the misinformation industry is wreaking havoc on the once-lauded virtues of science and reason. Unproven theories and spurious claims are forms of "counterknowledge," and, helped by the Internet, they are creating a global generation of misguided adherents who repeat these untruths and lend them credence. Thompson explores our readiness to accept falsehoods and the viral role of technology in spreading quack remedies, pseudo-history, and creationist fanaticism. Following in the footsteps of Richard Dawkins's The God Delusion, Sam Harris's The End of Faith, and Christopher Hitchens's God Is Not Great, Counterknowledge is a brilliant defense of scientific proof in an age of fabrication. From Conspiracy Theories To Alternative Medicine, People Are Experiencing An Epidemic Of Untrue Descriptions Of The World. Following In The Footsteps Of Richard Dawkins's The God Delusion And Sam Harris's The End Of Faith, This Work Is A Defense Of Scientific Proof In An Age Of Fabrication. Knowledge And Counterknowledge -- Creationism And Counterknowledge -- The Return Of Pseudohistory -- Desperate Remedies -- The Counterknowledge Industry -- Living With Counterknowledge. Damian Thompson. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 141-162). From 9/11 conspiracy theories to Holocaust denial, creationism to alternative medicine, these demonstrably untrue descriptions of the world are forms of 'counterknowledge'. Here, the author demonstrates, the counterknowledge industry has the potential to create new political, social and economic disasters.