Facts, Post-Truth and Epistemology | Åsa Wikforss

Summary

In this talk, the concept of 'post-truth' is explored, where objective facts hold less influence over public opinion than emotions and personal beliefs. The speaker discusses how this leads to phenomena like fake news, conspiracy theories, climate change denial, and anti-vaccination movements. By examining epistemic vulnerabilities, psychological factors, and the role of technology, the talk highlights the complexities of knowledge resistance. The speaker stresses that critical thinking alone can't solve the issue, as the nature of knowledge itself and the spread of misinformation create significant challenges in understanding and accepting objective truths.

Takeaways

• 😀 Post-truth refers to a situation where emotions and personal beliefs influence people's opinions more than objective facts.
• 😀 In 2017, the word 'post-truth' was named Word of the Year, highlighting the growing importance of personal beliefs over facts.
• 😀 Fake news and conspiracy theories have become more widespread, with examples such as false claims about the Notre-Dame Cathedral fire and the moon landing conspiracy.
• 😀 Climate change denial, despite overwhelming scientific evidence, has gained significant traction, including support from powerful political figures.
• 😀 Anti-vaccine movements pose serious threats to global health, with rising instances of diseases like measles due to vaccine denial.
• 😀 Fact polarization occurs when people's political beliefs influence their perception of objective facts, like the connection between CO2 emissions and global warming.
• 😀 Science denial can often stem from a misguided desire to be scientific and prove one's beliefs through flawed reasoning and 'experiments'.
• 😀 The nature of knowledge itself creates vulnerabilities, as people can hold beliefs strongly without them being true or based on solid evidence.
• 😀 According to the traditional definition of knowledge (Plato's), knowing something requires belief, truth, and a justified reason for the belief.
• 😀 The gap between belief and objective truth means that our personal beliefs might not always align with reality, highlighting the need for humility and openness to being wrong.

Q & A

What does the term 'post-truth' mean, as introduced in the script?

'Post-truth' refers to a situation where objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than emotions and personal beliefs. It highlights how people are more likely to believe what aligns with their feelings rather than what is true.

What are some of the manifestations of the post-truth era mentioned in the video?

The video mentions fake news, conspiracy theories (like the moon landing hoax and flat earth beliefs), climate change denial, vaccine denial, and political polarization based on differing 'facts' as major manifestations of the post-truth era.

Why is the spread of fake news problematic in the post-truth era?

Fake news spreads misinformation and manipulates public perception, often based on emotional appeal rather than factual accuracy. This undermines trust in genuine sources of information and can have serious real-world consequences, as seen with false claims after events like the Notre-Dame fire.

What is 'fact polarization' and how does it affect public discourse?

Fact polarization occurs when people from different political or social groups hold fundamentally different beliefs about objective facts. This division makes it difficult for groups to agree on common truths, even about scientific issues like climate change, and intensifies social and political conflicts.

What are epistemic vulnerabilities, and how do they contribute to knowledge resistance?

Epistemic vulnerabilities refer to the inherent limitations and complexities in how humans acquire and process knowledge. These vulnerabilities can make individuals more susceptible to misinformation, as they may not have the necessary tools or critical thinking skills to evaluate the truth of a claim.

How do psychological vulnerabilities interact with epistemic vulnerabilities in the context of knowledge resistance?

Psychological vulnerabilities, such as cognitive biases, emotional attachment to beliefs, and group identity, can exacerbate epistemic vulnerabilities. These factors make it harder for people to accept objective facts, especially when those facts challenge their personal beliefs or emotions.

What role do new technologies and disinformation play in the spread of knowledge resistance?

New technologies, especially social media, facilitate the rapid spread of disinformation. These platforms often amplify emotional responses and echo chambers, which can reinforce knowledge resistance and make it harder for people to encounter diverse, factual viewpoints.

What is the traditional philosophical definition of knowledge discussed in the video?

The traditional definition of knowledge, dating back to Plato, states that for something to be considered knowledge, it must meet three conditions: belief, truth, and justification. This means you must believe the fact, it must be true, and there must be some justification or evidence for your belief.

Why is it difficult to differentiate between truth and belief in the context of knowledge resistance?

The difficulty arises because people can strongly believe in something that is false, and this belief may feel justified to them, especially if it aligns with their emotions or personal experiences. This makes it challenging to separate subjective belief from objective truth, especially in the context of misinformation.

What is the importance of testimonial knowledge in human cognition, as discussed in the video?

Testimonial knowledge, which comes from other people or trusted sources, is crucial in human cognition because it allows individuals to access knowledge beyond their personal experiences. This division of cognitive labor enables societies to accumulate and pass on knowledge through language and communication.