Evaluating Jordan B. Peterson: A Critique of His Academic Merit and Impact

Introduction

Jordan B. Peterson, a Canadian clinical psychologist, professor, and public intellectual, has garnered significant attention for his work, particularly through his books and public lectures. However, his academic standing has been contested by some scholars who question the rigor and relevance of his work. This article aims to critically evaluate Peterson's academic merit, focusing on his writings and approaches to psychology and philosophy.

Is Jordan B. Peterson's Work Academically Ripe?

H2: Academic Rigor and Jordan B. Peterson

If you have an academic background or have studied psychology and standard textbooks, you would likely recognize The Bible, Peterson for what it is: a stream of consciousness rather than a serious academic treatise. Peterson's writing is often seen as esoteric and mystical, lacking the empirical and analytical rigor that characterizes academic research in psychology and philosophy.

Qualifying his worldview as Jungian does not suffice to grant it academic validity. The book reads more like a modern-day mystic's prose rather than a serious endeavor in academic scholarship. Academic merit is defined by ideas that are well-supported by evidence, logical consistency, and a rigorous methodology. Peterson's work does not meet these criteria; instead, it often relies on subjective interpretations and subjective experiences.

H2: The Critique of His Academic Standing

H3: Misuse of Academic Standing

No academic standing can excuse the lack of substantive content in Peterson's work. Instead, one could argue that his appeal lies in his ability to use academic credentials to promote ideas that are largely unverifiable and even nonsensical. The standards of academic rigour in psychology and philosophy demand that ideas be tested and substantiated through empirical evidence and logical argumentation. Peterson's work falls short on these counts.

Peterson's books often present ideas that, while potentially of interest to particular audiences, lack the depth and rigor required for academic study. His work may be entertaining or thought-provoking for some, but it does not hold up to critical scrutiny from an academic standpoint.

H3: Analyzing Peterson's Prose and Ideas

H4: A Key Passage and Its Analysis

Consider the following excerpt from one of Peterson's works:

"How do we analyse such a passage? Is it as the philosophers put it, analytic? Is he unpacking the meaning of the term? Certainly not when talking about..."

H4: Obscurity of Profundity or Obscurity of Desperation?

Contemplating the passage, it is tempting to interpret it as profound. However, does this obscurity signify profundity or merely the attempt to sound profound? Are complex philosophical notions, like the works of H. Hart and Ronald Dworkin, reducible to simple and concrete parts even if the construction of the whole involves subtle logic and conceptualization?

Classic examples of profound thinking in analytic philosophy, such as Godel's Theorem and quantum physics, can be deconstructed into simpler, more concrete components. Even if the holistic understanding requires nuanced reasoning, the foundational ideas should be approachable and verifiable. The critical question, then, is whether Peterson's work provides any such solid, sound concepts that justify the effort required to understand it.

H4: Standards of Analytic Philosophy

The standards of analytic philosophy and science should not be invoked to excuse the lack of rigorous argumentation in Peterson's writing. Peterson continues to be lauded as an intellect, not as a poet or a mystic. His work should be assessed based on the criteria of scientific and philosophical rigor, and it fails to meet these standards. Peterson is a million miles from meeting the benchmarks set by analytical philosophers and empirical psychologists.

H2: Is Peterson a Thorn in the Side of Progressivism?

Is Jordan B. Peterson indeed a thorn in the side of progressivism? Despite his criticism of some academic and ideological trends, his work often promotes ideas that are rooted in traditional gender roles and conservative values. While his public persona is often at odds with progressive thought, whether he has a deleterious impact on progressivism depends on individual perspectives and the specific contexts in which his ideas are applied.

Those intrigued by his ideas might benefit from previewing some of his public talks on YouTube before delving into his books. This can provide a sense of his rhetorical style and the broader context in which his ideas are presented.

Conclusion

While Jordan B. Peterson's work has garnered significant attention, its academic merit remains questionable. His writing and ideas, though potentially engaging, do not meet the rigorous standards of academic scholarship in psychology and philosophy. As such, his work should be approached with a critical eye and a healthy dose of skepticism.