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Comparing Proctor's Use Of Truth In Agnotology And Go Hitler

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Society plays a pivotal role in shaping one’s knowledge and ignorance. In “Agnotology,” Robert Proctor describes and explains the impact culturally induced ignorance has on society. Similarly, Trevor Noah’s personal narrative, “Go Hitler!” explains the importance culture plays in shaping one’s perspective about the world and others. Both texts combine ignorance, knowledge, and truth to persuade readers. Proctor’s use of factual validity through research and data in “Agnotology” argues that ignorance prevents one from seeing the truth and illuminates Noah’s use of effectual validity through narrative and symbolism in “Go Hitler!” to argue that one’s cultural perspective can be biased toward the truth, revealing that society can hinder knowledge. Overall, this revelation implies that one should actively seek knowledge and truth in all aspects of life. In “Agnotology,” Proctor brings attention to the importance of understanding culturally induced ignorance by dividing ignorance into three main categories: native state, selective, and strategic ignorance, with each type supporting his claim through data and research. By researching how and where ignorance occurs, …show more content…

Like Proctor states, one’s culturally-induced ignorance should serve as a prompt for knowledge, not a hindrance. By knowing that ignorance exists and has an impact on society, one can become more actively aware of uncovering the truth and expanding one’s knowledge. Noah’s ignorance about the teacher’s culture encourages him to withhold judgement before looking at the situation from the teacher’s perspective. Both Proctor and Noah persuade readers that questioning one’s current knowledge can reveal society’s secrecy of the truth. This shows that one’s ignorance should serve as a resource to uncover new knowledge in order to gain a more objective perspective of the

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