Anti-Intellectualism in American Life

Anti-intellectualism in American life refers to a suspicion or distrust of intellectuals, experts, and academic knowledge. It involves valuing practical experience, common sense, or personal beliefs over specialized education or scientific evidence. This attitude can lead to skepticism of experts, dismissing complex ideas, and prioritizing intuition or tradition. Historically, it has shaped debates on issues like education, science, and government, sometimes hindering progress by undervaluing expertise. Overall, it reflects a cultural tendency to oppose or devalue intellectual authority, emphasizing individual judgment and lived experience instead.