2007-03-17 12:29:15 · 19 answers · asked by Kallan 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes - one needs to have intelligence to willfully ignore something. The term willful ignorance implies a knowledge of something you don't want to examine for fear of the knowledge it may impart.
2007-03-17 14:12:39 · answer #1 · answered by awayforabit 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I guess that would depend on what you are talking about. You could be intelligent OR unintelligent and still practice willful ignorance. For instance, I might choose not to learn anything scientific re: the creation of the Earth if I am a Christian (because it contradicts the Bible) and this is willful ignorance. I might be a brilliant, Harvard educated Christian or a high school drop-out. There are people in both categories who practice willful ignorance. I would guess that higher intelligence is loosely inversely correlated with willful ignorance (smarter people practice willful ignorance less). This is just a guess, though.
2007-03-17 12:35:58 · answer #2 · answered by eastchic2001 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No; but discernment may be a requisite for willful ignorance presently!!!
2007-03-17 14:07:14 · answer #3 · answered by jefferyspringer57@sbcglobal.net 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great question!
To be "willfully ignorant" would mean choosing ignorance over enlightenment, so I would have to say, yes, intelligence would be a requirement.
2007-03-17 12:55:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes and because I am intelligent I willfully choose enlightenment. Peace be with you.
Tam Tam, don't look down. I'm right here
2007-03-17 12:34:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
No.....fanaticism pays little attention to intelligence and is usually willfully ignorant.
2007-03-17 12:36:40 · answer #6 · answered by Terry 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Obviously not. I don't see any overly intelligent sheep OR christians being anything but willfully ignorant.
2007-03-17 12:32:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
A certain kind of intelligence. Not wisdom, though.
2007-03-17 12:49:17 · answer #8 · answered by Mr Ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
willfully ingnorant infers that intelligence is present - yes
2007-03-17 12:53:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
for something to be willfully ignorant means it must be possible to be informed. Therefore, yes.
2007-03-17 12:36:28 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋