Cynical Theories: How Activist Scholarship Made Everything About Race, Gender, and Identity

A Book Review

In "Cynical Theories," Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay argue that the rise of activist scholarship in the academy has led to a narrowing of intellectual discourse and a decline in the quality of education. They contend that activists have hijacked the language of social justice to promote their own political agendas, and that this has had a negative impact on students, faculty, and the public at large.

The Authors' Argument

Pluckrose and Lindsay begin by defining activist scholarship as "a form of scholarship that is primarily motivated by a desire to promote a particular political or social agenda, rather than by a commitment to objective truth or intellectual inquiry." They argue that this type of scholarship is often characterized by its use of inflammatory rhetoric, its lack of empirical evidence, and its unwillingness to engage in open debate.

The authors then trace the rise of activist scholarship in the academy to the 1960s and 1970s, when student protests and social movements led to a greater focus on social justice issues in higher education. They argue that this shift in focus has led to the creation of new academic disciplines, such as women's studies and ethnic studies, which are often based on activist scholarship.

Pluckrose and Lindsay also discuss the impact of activist scholarship on students. They argue that this type of scholarship can lead students to develop a narrow and biased view of the world, and that it can discourage them from thinking critically about social issues. They also contend that activist scholarship can create a hostile environment for students who hold dissenting views.

The Evidence

Pluckrose and Lindsay provide a wealth of evidence to support their claims. They cite numerous examples of activist scholarship that is based on faulty evidence, that uses inflammatory rhetoric, and that is unwilling to engage in open debate. They also discuss the negative impact that activist scholarship has had on students and faculty.

The Conclusion

Pluckrose and Lindsay conclude by arguing that activist scholarship is a threat to the academy and to society as a whole. They call for a return to a more objective and rigorous form of scholarship, and they urge students and faculty to resist the siren song of activist scholarship.

Why You Should Read This Book

"Cynical Theories" is a must-read for anyone who is concerned about the state of higher education. Pluckrose and Lindsay provide a powerful critique of activist scholarship, and they offer a clear and concise vision for how to restore intellectual rigor to the academy. This book is essential reading for students, faculty, and anyone else who cares about the future of education.

Praise for "Cynical Theories"

"A devastating critique of the rise of activist scholarship in the academy. Pluckrose and Lindsay show how this type of scholarship has corrupted the pursuit of truth and undermined the quality of education." —Jordan Peterson, author of "12 Rules for Life"

"A must-read for anyone who cares about the future of higher education. Pluckrose and Lindsay provide a powerful defense of intellectual freedom and academic rigor." —Charles Murray, author of "The Bell Curve"

"A brilliant and devastating critique of the intellectual rot that has infected the academy. Pluckrose and Lindsay show how activist scholarship has replaced objective truth with political ideology, and they offer a clear and concise vision for how to restore intellectual rigor to the academy." —Roger Scruton, author of "How to Be a Conservative"