From mere ignorance to constructed ignorance: on the nature of ignorance and its relationship with violence.

Sobre a natureza da ignorância e sua relação com a violência

Abstract

In this essay, we will start with a discussion on the nature of propositional ignorance, typically understood merely as the absence of an epistemic good or some kind of cognitive success. We will argue in favor of the thesis that some cases of ignorance or relationships with ignorance are not fully explained by appealing solely to this type of definition of propositional ignorance. In this sense, we will demonstrate that there can exist a structural and active relationship involving the production, maintenance, and nurturing of ignorance by society and individuals. Ultimately, we will assert that this broadening of investigation is crucial for ignorance to become an important concept in studying the social aspects of knowledge and its connection to other concepts such as injustice and epistemic violence.