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Disinformation

The Nature of Facts and Lies in the Post-Truth Era

ebook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available

Does the idea of a world in which facts mean nothing cause anxiety? Fear? Maybe even paranoia? Disinformation:The Nature of Facts and Lies in the Post-Truth Era cannot cure all the ills of a post-truth world, but by demonstrating how the emergence of digital technology into everyday life has knitted together a number of seemingly loosely related forces–historical, psychological, economic, and culture–to create the post-truth culture, Disinformation will help you better understand how we got to where we now are, see how we can move beyond a culture in which facts are too easily dismissed, and develop a few highly practical skills for separating truth from lies.

Disinformation explains:

  • How human psychology—the very way our brains work—can leave us vulnerable to disinformation.
  • How the early visions of what a global computer network would and should be unintentionally laid the groundwork for the current post-truth culture.
  • The ways in which truth is twisted and misrepresented via propaganda and conspiracy theories.
  • How new technology not only spreads disinformation but may also be changing the way we think.
  • The ways in which the economics of information and the powerful influence of popular culture have contributed to the creation of the post-truth culture.
  • Unlike the far-too-numerous one-sided, politically ideological treatments of the post-truth culture, Disinformation does not seek to point the finger of blame at any individuals or groups; instead, its focus is on how a number of disparate forces have influenced human behaviors during a time when all of humanity is struggling to better understand and more effectively control (for better or worse) challenging new technologies that are straining the limits of human intellectual and emotional capacity.

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      • Booklist

        January 12, 2022
        In this age of rampant disinformation, it is becoming increasingly important to be able to discern fact from fiction, truth from deception. But what is truth? Philosophers have been debating that for centuries. In order to address the contemporary issues modern society is facing, Barclay pulls out the tools of philosophy and epistemology to analyze and understand the use of disinformation for political, social, and economic purposes. Barclay takes a seriously academic approach to his subject matter, and his book is structured--and often reads--like a textbook or scholarly thesis. He makes a point in every chapter of discussing issues relevant to modern society. For instance, his analysis of propaganda reads like the playbook for Fox News, and the chapter on conspiracy theories is dead-on for QAnon and Trumpism. While Barclay clearly understands his subject, his relatively dry, scholarly prose would be tough going for the casual reader. However, those doing serious academic research will find the book a valuable source of information.

        COPYRIGHT(2022) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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    Languages

    • English

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