These words written circa 380 BC by Plato in The Republic are singularly relevant to our society today. Plato’s words ring true because we now live in a society where critical, thoughtful intellectual engagement is frowned upon as distractive, idle theory. Public discourse and policy decisions and even action is often unbridled by sound knowledge or evidence. The dominant cultural momentum in our society is at odds with reason and evidence. The dearth of public intellectuals is exemplified by fact that ours is a society where issues of great moment are framed and led by a bellicose political class.

Source: The Star May 04, 2017 08:33 UTC