Uncivilised: Ten Lies that Made the West

(Paperback)

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Description

Some things are a given. The value of a good education. Time's progress. Death.

Except most of the ideas that form Western Civilisation are just that - ideas. Taking cues from Greek philosophy and honed in the Enlightenment, certain notions about humanity and human society grew into the tenets we live by, and we haven't questioned them a great deal since. But isn't it time we asked who really benefits from the values at the core of our society How much truth lies in a science that conjured up 'race' Who do laws and nations really protect Why does it feel like time is money What even is 'art'

And the real question - is the West really as 'civilised' as it thinks it is

This book will put everything back on the table and ask readers to reconsider what they thought they knew about civilisation. Taking 10 core values of Western Civilisation in turn, it will examine the root of the idea, how it developed, and how it's impacted the way we live. Most importantly it will reveal how each of these ideas was either created in opposition to another group of people, or based on ideas they had first (and better).

Uncivilised will ask readers to open their eyes to the why behind how they think the world works.

Reviews

A witty and accessible survey of the shortcomings of western civilisation as many people imagine it -- Angela Saini, author of SUPERIOR
A vital piece of work in our challenging times that reminds us of the rich history and influences outside the West. Das writes with passion and humour to open our eyes to the history that has shaped our world -- Roma Agrawal

Author Bio

Subhadra Das is a writer, historian, broadcaster, and comedian who looks at the relationship between science and society. She specialises in the history and philosophy of science, particularly the history of scientific racism and eugenics. For nine years, she was Curator of the Science Collections at University College London, where, more recently, she was also Researcher in Critical Eugenics at the Sarah Parker Remond Centre for the Study of Racism and Racialisation, working with Paul Gilroy. She has written and presented podcasts and stand-up comedy shows, curated museum exhibitions, and regularly appears on radio and TV.