Trumping Laminated Inquiry: Intellectual Honesty Reconsidered

This short review examines Chapter 5 of Sarah M. Stitzlein’s Teaching Honesty in a Populist Era: Emphasizing Truth in the Education of Citizens, concentrating on “The Role of Honesty in Teaching About Controversial Issues.” Emphasizing what I call “zetetic avoidance creep” (ZAC), the review explores how teachers may either consciously or unconsciously drift from open inquiry toward more superficial, more palatable educational discourse to maintain harmony. Stitzlein’s chapter offers a compelling case for preserving honest engagement — even with divisive topics — to bolster democratic and intellectual endeavors. By analyzing three key passages, I underscore Stitzlein’s emphasis on transparency and robust debate, concluding with reflections on ZAC’s broader implications for educational practice.