The Intellectual Dark Web: A History (and Possible Future)

by Jamie Q Roberts

Overview

Explore the history and future of the Intellectual Dark Web, a group that challenged restrictive orthodoxies and championed free speech.

Outside of progressive academics and activists, arguably no group influenced public discourse as much as the Intellectual Dark Web. Challenging restrictive intellectual and cultural orthodoxies, this group advocated for free speech and individual liberty. This book examines the IDW's history, philosophy, and impact, covering figures like Jordan Peterson, Sam Harris, and Elon Musk. It analyzes the group's concerns, including political correctness, identity politics, and the state of universities and media. Discover the IDW's role in shaping today's politico-cultural landscape and its potential future influence.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781634312707
Publisher:	Pitchstone Publishing
Publication date:	03/17/2025
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Dr Jamie Q Roberts is a lecturer in the Department of Government and International Relations at the University of Sydney. He specialises in international relations with a focus on international security and popular culture. More broadly, he is a ‘ first principles’ political philosopher who is interested in the relationship between the individual and the group, the nature of progress, and the creation of knowledge. Additional interests include exploring the political insights we can gain from literature.

Editorial Reviews

"A thorough, thoughtful and charitable overview of that ambiguous phenomenon known as 'The Intellectual Dark Web.' Jamie Roberts accessibly presents the political, philosophical, epistemological and ethical concerns that underlie the IDW. In doing so, he clarifies the objections of this ideologically diverse group to Critical Social Justice (wokeness). The Intellectual Dark Web will be of value both for those too entrenched in their corner of the Culture Wars to see the patterns within this unlikely collective, and for the more sensible people who would like a detailed overview without wading in too far."—Helen Pluckrose, author of The Counterweight Handbook

“What is the Intellectual Dark Web? Even though I am one of the early founding members I was not really sure what it was I belonged to―beyond my own characterization of it as 'a commitment to the search for truth and free speech as the royal road to it’―until I read Jamie Roberts' fair and thoughtful analysis that covers all the major players and ideas associated with the IDW. A masterful work of cultural history in this unique moment."—Michael Shermer, publisher of Skeptic Magazine, author of Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational

From the Publisher