The Assault on Reason
Our Information Ecosystem, from the Age of Print to the Age of Trump, 2017 Edition
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3.2 • 28 Ratings
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
Now With a New Preface and Final Chapter: “Post-Truth: On Donald Trump and the 2016 Election”
What has happened to our country and how can we fix it?
We are in the midst of a deepening crisis for our democracy. After the strangest election cycle in modern American history it is important that we address the grave threats to our way of life that were glaringly revealed in this campaign. In The Assault on Reason, Nobel Peace Prize winner and former Vice President Al Gore examines how faith in the power of reason—the idea that citizens can govern themselves through rational debate—is in peril. Our democracy depends on a well-informed citizenry and a two-way conversation about ideas, but our public sphere has been degraded by fake news and the politics of fear, partisanship, and blind faith. Now updated to investigate the rise of Trump and post-truth politics, The Assault on Reason is a call to rebuild the vitality of American democracy by restoring the nation’s information ecosystem so that we can start making good decisions again.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
As scathing as it is meticulous, Gore's treatise on reason juggernauts its way through the Bush administration, never even needing to include the controversial nature of Bush's presidential elections. He identifies the growing concentration of power in the executive branch virtually ignored by mainstream media. Drawing on the great political philosophers of history and his lengthy career in government, Gore contends that the loss of a genuine public forum in the age of radio and television has led to the decay of democracy. He delivers a serious critique of the United States tempered by hope and faith in the restoration of checks and balances. The articulated venom of Gore's words can be heard in Patton's voice as he narrates. He reads with an intensity that makes this already engaging prose compelling. Patton maintains a distinct smooth and edgy voice, but maintains a cadence that reminds listeners of Gore's own speaking mannerisms. In quoting historical figures, Patton's voice is distinct but not haughty or pompous. The combination of Patton's performance and Gore's words make this an impressive audiobook. Simultaneous release with the Penguin Press hardcover.
Customer Reviews
Reason! - With one glaring blind spot.
It would seem that Al, with his emphasis on reason as a candle in the dark, nonetheless betrays a glaring blind spot. His religion. He seems to be adept at applying reason to all areas of life, save one. Without a commitment to reason in ALL things, this book illustrates the very problem it is trying to illuminate. Sorry Al, try again when you have fully embraced reason in all areas of your life.
"It's the culture, stupid!"
Our culture has deteriorated to the point where we are rapidly losing our ability to rationally examine the choices available to us as a society. This brilliant book shows us what macro forces are at work in society... Forces which are preventing us from being able to have those rational conversations.
To those who love America, this books is essential reading. We must recapture our ability to critically examine the facts of the current situation. This books goes a long way toward enabling us to do so. I highly recommend it!
What a great book!
Every American should read this book!