antiintellectualist

Anti-intellectualism is a stance or attitude that is hostile or suspicious toward intellectuals, intellectual pursuits, or academic and scholarly knowledge. It can manifest in various forms, including the rejection of established scientific consensus, distrust of experts, and a preference for common sense or practical knowledge over abstract reasoning. This attitude often arises from a perception that intellectuals are out of touch with the concerns of ordinary people or that their knowledge is elitist and irrelevant.

Historically, anti-intellectualism has appeared in different societies and political movements. It can be fueled by a sense of grievance or disenfranchisement, where intellectual elites are seen as responsible for societal problems or as a barrier to progress. Conversely, some argue that a certain degree of skepticism towards dominant intellectual narratives is healthy, preventing intellectual stagnation and encouraging critical thinking. However, when anti-intellectualism becomes widespread, it can undermine education, scientific progress, and informed public discourse. It can lead to the marginalization of expertise and the embrace of misinformation. The term is often used pejoratively to criticize individuals or groups who dismiss or disparage intellectual achievement.