The Crime of Reason: And the Closing of the Scientific Mind

Many of us believe that in our modern, Internet-enabled world, information is more freely available than ever before. But according to physicist Robert Laughlin, this is a dangerous delusion. Not only are we surrounded by mounting volumes of advertising and spam, but a great deal of truly valuable information is increasingly classified or designated as private property. A flash of insight can become a patent infringement or threat to national security. Free intellectual inquiryonce valued and honoredhas become an antisocial and often illegal activity. And the act of reasoning for oneself is becoming a crime. A passionately argued book, The Crime of Reason offers a stern warning that this involuntary decision to relinquish our intellectual rights may lead America into a new Dark Age.