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Muhammed Syed STS 3726

Agnotology and the Epistemology of Ignorance: A Framework for the

Propagation of Ignorance as a Consequence of Technology in Balkanized
Media Ecosystem
Rose, L., & Bartoli, T. (2019). Agnotology and the Epistemology of Ignorance: a Framework for the Propagation
of Ignorance as a Consequence of Technology in a Balkanized Media Ecosystem. Postdigital Science and
Education, 2(1), 184–201. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42438-019-00084-5

Summary:
The article in question delves into a pressing societal concern of "culturally induced ignorance"
in the Postdigital Age, which Lydia Rose and Teresa Bartoli assert has contributed to what they
termed an "Age of Intellectual Darkness" in the United States (Rose & Bartoli, 2019). The central
argument revolves around this culture of ignorance, characterized by the rejection of established
credible information from scientific experts, leading to detrimental consequences such as the
propagation of fear, xenophobia, and posing a significant threat to the democratic processes in the
country (Rose & Bartoli, 2019). Rose and Bartoli's investigative focus are primarily directed toward
the sociological roots of this ignorance, emphasizing the influential role of technology, the
formation of virtual "tertiary social groups," the transformation of the news industry, and the
emergence of a fragmented media ecosystem, all perpetuating and disseminating this culture of
ignorance within a balkanized media landscape (Rose & Bartoli, 2019). Additionally, the article
introduces the concept of an "Epistemology of Ignorance" as a framework to comprehend and
explore this phenomenon further, with a specific emphasis on its potential utility for future
research into the evolving landscape of cultural ignorance under diverse circumstances, drawing
from the principles of agnotology (Rose & Bartoli, 2019).

Fundamentally, Rose and Bartoli argue that there exists a widespread "culture of ignorance" in the
United States, which transcends a mere absence of knowledge to encompass a purposeful and
reactive dismissal of scientifically validated data and facts (Rose & Bartoli, 2019). This culture of
ignorance is propagated by influential entities in the political and corporate spheres who actively
spread doubt, disseminate misinformation, and foster skepticism regarding scientific information,
all in the service of their vested interests, a phenomenon at the core of agnotology (Rose & Bartoli,
2019). The implications of this culture of ignorance are manifest in various aspects of society,
including public health, where vaccine hesitancy contributes to outbreaks of preventable diseases,
and environmental policy, where denial of climate change interferes with effective measures (Rose
& Bartoli, 2019). The author's investigative efforts are dedicated to unraveling the origins and
driving forces behind this culture of ignorance, with a particular focus on the significant role played
by technology, media, and powerful actors in shaping public perceptions and attitudes toward
scientific evidence (Rose & Bartoli). Furthermore, the article underscores the necessity of further
research to comprehend how key variables may evolve in different contexts, including the potential
consequences of legal measures aimed at countering false information within propaganda (Rose &
Bartoli, 2019). Overall, the author's work serves as both a call to study the intricate dynamics
between misinformation, technology, and agnotology and as a reminder of the importance of
critical thinking and ethical practices in the pursuit of knowledge (Rose & Bartoli, 2019).
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Pertinent Quotes:
“The source of most shared messages and memes can be attributed to political and corporate
institutions that first introduced particular propaganda messages into the balkanized media
ecosystem.” (Rose & Bartoli, 2019).
This highlights that much digital content stems from political and corporate entities. They serve as
the initial sources of propaganda in the diverse digital media ecosystem, underscoring their
significant influence. The use of a "balkanized media ecosystem" emphasizes media fragmentation,
with content originating from various sources. This suggests that political and corporate actors play
a pivotal role in shaping the Postdigital Age's information landscape, raising authenticity and
reliability concerns for individuals.
“The essential goal of culturally induced ignorance is to manufacture enough confusion and
distrust in scientific evidence as to cause the rejection of existing facts.” (Rose & Bartoli,
2019).
This quote reflects that certain forces such as government or advocacy group's interests actively
foster uncertainty and skepticism surrounding established scientific evidence. Their objective goes
beyond information neutrality, it aims to create an environment where scientifically supported facts
are systematically questioned and eventually denied. In essence, this concept underscores the
intentional creation of doubt and confusion, with the goal of undermining the credibility of
scientific knowledge. This manipulation of ignorance often serves specific agendas that contradict
the accepted scientific consensus.

Discussion Questions:
1. In a world where information spreads rapidly through digital channels, who do you think
should be responsible for fact-checking and ensuring the accuracy of information? How can
individuals, institutions, and technology companies play a role in promoting accurate
information and combating misinformation?
2. The article highlights the role of media and entertainment technology in disseminating
propaganda and shaping the culture of ignorance. Can you discuss specific instances where
you've encountered misinformation or propaganda in the media or online platforms? How
do you think media and technology can be better regulated to counteract this issue while
preserving freedom of speech?
3. The article discusses how technology, especially personal computers and smartphones, has
reshaped social behavior and the formation of social groups. How do you perceive the role
of technology in shaping our interactions and social connections in the Postdigital Age? Can
you provide examples of how technology has influenced your own social groups or
behaviors?

Multiple Choice Questions:

What is the concept introduced in the article to help understand the phenomenon of
culturally induced ignorance better?
A) "Technological Disruption"
B) "Postdigital Enlightenment"
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C) "Epistemology of Ignorance” (correct)