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What the Book Explores

Peter Burke’s Ignorance: A Case Study is not a study *of* ignorance in the sense of a lack of knowledge, but rather an exploration of the social and cultural history of ignorance itself. Burke examines how ignorance has been defined, perceived, and utilized throughout history, arguing that it is not merely the absence of information but an active social construct. He delves into the ways societies have deliberately maintained ignorance, tolerated it, or even celebrated it, and how these practices have shaped social hierarchies, power dynamics, and collective beliefs. The book considers ignorance as a form of social control, a defense mechanism, and a condition for creativity and innovation.

Historical / Cultural Context

Published in 1987, Burke’s work emerged from a shift in historical inquiry towards a greater focus on mentalities and the social construction of knowledge. Traditional history often concentrated on what people *knew*, but Burke redirects attention to what they *didn’t* know, and, crucially, how that lack of knowledge functioned within their world. The book draws on a vast range of historical examples, from pre-modern Europe to early modern science, to illustrate the diverse ways ignorance has been managed and manipulated. It responds to the Enlightenment ideal of progress through knowledge by showing that ignorance has played a persistent and often positive role in shaping societies. It represents a move away from simple narratives of intellectual advancement and towards a more nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between knowledge, power, and social life.

Who This Book Is For

This work is best suited for readers with an academic interest in history, sociology, and the history of ideas. While accessible to a general audience with some background in the humanities, its scope and theoretical framework are more likely to appeal to students and scholars. It’s particularly relevant to those studying the social construction of knowledge, cultural history, and the history of science. Burke’s approach is interdisciplinary, drawing on anthropology, sociology, and literary theory alongside historical analysis, making it valuable across a range of fields.

Further Reading

• Michel Foucault, Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison (1975): Foucault’s work, like Burke’s, explores the relationship between knowledge, power, and social control.
• Carlo Ginzburg, The Cheese and the Worms (1976): Ginzburg’s microhistory provides a detailed look at the worldview of a 16th-century miller, offering insights into alternative forms of knowledge and belief.
• Keith Thomas, Religion and the Decline of Magic (1971): Thomas examines the changing beliefs about magic and witchcraft in 16th and 17th century England, shedding light on the social context of knowledge and superstition.

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