Two Wikipedia Articles: Agnotology and Éminence grise

Agnotology:

Agnotology, formerly agnatology, is a neologism for the study of culturally-induced ignorance or doubt, particularly the publication of inaccurate or misleading scientific data. The term was coined by Robert N. Proctor, a Stanford University professor specializing in the history of science and technology. Its name derives from the Greek word ἀγνῶσις, agnōsis, “not knowing”; and -λογία, -logia. More generally, the term also highlights the increasingly common condition where more knowledge of a subject leaves one more uncertain than before … Agnotology also focuses on how and why diverse forms of knowledge do not “come to be,” or are ignored or delayed. For example, knowledge about plate tectonics was delayed for at least a decade because key evidence was classified military information related to underseas warfare.

Eminence Grise:

An éminence grise (French for “grey eminence“) is a powerful advisor or decision-maker who operates secretly or unofficially. This phrase originally referred to François Leclerc du Tremblay, the right-hand man of Cardinal Richelieu. Leclerc was a Capuchin friar who wore grey, or rather brown, robes. Brown or light brown (now called “beige”) was called grey in that era. The phrase “His Eminence” is used to describe a Cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church. Although Leclerc du Tremblay never achieved that rank, it is not improbable that those around him may have addressed him thus in reference to the considerable influence this “grey friar” held over “his Eminence the Cardinal”.

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~ by D on May 4, 2009.