Intellectualism, Anti-Intellectualism, and Epistemic Hubris in Red and Blue America

Epistemic hubris—the expression of unwarranted factual certitude—is a conspicuous yet understudied democratic hazard. Here, in two nationally representative studies, we examine its features and analyze variance. We hypothesize, find, that epistemic hubris is (a) prevalent, (b) bipartisan, (c) associated with both intellectualism (an identity marked by ruminative habits learning for own sake) anti-intellectualism (negative affect toward intellectuals the intellectual establishment). Moreover, these correlates are distinctly partisan: disproportionately Democratic, whereas anti-intellectuals Republican. By implication, suggest Blue America Red contribute to intemperance intransigence characterize civil society United States.