Ignorance Index

An empirical rating system for political talk shows invented by the author Stephen Euin Cobb. It is calculated by counting the total number of sentences spoken during the program as well as the number of sentences which are interrupted. The Interrupted sentences are then expressed as a percentage of all sentences. The reason this is an accurate measure of a program's ignorance level is that, since a sentence is an expression of an idea, an incomplete sentence is an incomplete idea, and there are few better definitions of ignorance than a disregard for ideas that are whole and complete. That ignorance can be so accurately quantified is useful for evaluating which talk shows can be given credence and which prudently ignored.

Related Topics:
Empirical - Stephen Euin Cobb

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Examples of typical Ignorance Index values include Larry King Live with an admireable 2%; Crossfire with a poor 17%; and The Jerry Springer Show which contains an astounding 61% ignorance. The index's inventor said, "A poor rating for an entertainment program such as The Jerry Springer Show is probably not a concern, but poor ratings for shows that claim to discuss the important political and social issues of the day might should be."

Related Topics:
Larry King Live - Crossfire - The Jerry Springer Show

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