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The Tyranny of Opinion

Conformity and the Future of Liberalism
Series: Think Now
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( 36 ratings, 9 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Tyranny of Opinion by Russell Blackford explores the societal pressure to conform to dominant views and the impact this has on free speech and individual expression. Delving into the tension between public discourse and personal autonomy, Blackford examines the cultural forces that shape opinions and the consequences of suppressing dissenting voices. This philosophical work challenges readers to consider the balance between social harmony and the right to hold unpopular beliefs.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$4899
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're interested in exploring the complex interplay between social pressure and individual thought. It delves into the impact of social media and public opinion on free expression, making it an intriguing read for those curious about how societal expectations shape personal beliefs and freedoms.

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The Tyranny of Opinion

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

We live in an age of ideology, propaganda, and tribalism. Political conformity is enforced from many sides; the insidious social control that John Stuart Mill called “the tyranny of the prevailing opinion and feeling.” Liberal or left-minded people are often more afraid of each other than of their conservative or right-wing opponents. Social media and call-out culture make it easier to name, shame, ostracize, and harass non-conformists, destroying careers and lives.

How can we oppose this, regaining freedom and our sense of ourselves as individuals? The Tyranny of Opinion identifies the problem, defines its character, and proposes strategies of resistance. Russell Blackford calls for an end to ideological purity policing and for recommitting to the foundational liberal values of individual liberty and spontaneity, free inquiry, diverse opinion, and honest debate.

Series: Think Now

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Tyranny of Opinion by Russell Blackford is highly regarded for its exploration of the impact of the internet on self-expression, highlighting the risks of online mob formation. Reviews praise the book for its nuanced examination of political correctness, free speech, and liberal values, encouraging courage in public discourse. Blackford's writing is noted for its civility and depth, offering a significant contribution to the conversation on civil discourse and democracy, making it recommended reading for those engaged in political debate.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781350056008

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 18 October 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 214.0mm

Weight: 340g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Russell Blackford is a philosopher, legal scholar, literary critic based at the University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. He is the author of Freedom of Religion and the Secular State (2012), Humanity Enhanced (2014), The Mystery of Moral Authority (2016) and Science Fiction and the Moral Imagination (2017). In 2014, he was inducted as a Laureate of the International Academy of Humanism.

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