In 'Private Truths, Public Lies', Timur Kuran unveils the hidden dynamics of societal beliefs and personal convictions. He explores how private preferences often clash with public perceptions, leading to phenomena like self-censorship and conformity. Kuran dissects the impact of these forces on collective decision-making and social movements. This thought-provoking examination reveals why certain truths remain obscured, despite being widely known. Join the journey to uncover the complexities of truth in the sociopolitical landscape and discover how personal beliefs can shape public discourse.
By Timur Kuran
Published: 1997
"In a world where public truths often obscure personal realities, the most profound insights come from acknowledging the silent struggles behind the facade."
Preface Living a Lie The Significance of Preference Falsification Private and Public Preferences Private Opinion, Public Opinion The Dynamics of Public Opinion Institutional Sources of Preference Falsification Inhibiting Change Collective Conservatism The Obstinacy of Communism The Ominous Perseverance of the Caste System The Unwanted Spread of Affirmative Action Distorting Knowledge Public Discourse and Private Knowledge The Unthinkable and the Unthought The Caste Ethic of Submission The Blind Spots of Communism The Unfading Specter of White Racism Generating Surprise Unforeseen Political Revolutions The Fall of Communism and Other Sudden Overturns The Hidden Complexities of Social Evolution From Slavery to Affirmative Action Preference Falsification and Social Analysis Notes Index.
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“In a world where public truths often obscure personal realities, the most profound insights come from acknowledging the silent struggles behind the facade.”
Private Truths, Public Lies
By Timur Kuran
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Timur Kuran is a prominent economist and political scientist known for his influential contributions to the study of economic development, political Islam, and historical economic analysis. He is the author of several notable works, including "The Long Divergence: How Islamic Law Held Back the Middle East" and "Islam and Mammon: Affordable Rent for the World's Poor," which critically examines the interplay between culture and economic outcomes. Kuran's writing style is characterized by a blend of rigorous quantitative analysis and historical narrative, making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience. He is the Batten Professor of Economics and Law at Duke University, where he continues to explore the implications of legal and institutional frameworks on economic behavior.
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