February 16, 2018
The wars on democracy and truth
The “War on Truth” is a new and somewhat useful cliché. But like any short phrase, it isn’t perfectly accurate. In particular:
- “Truth”* is in danger from many different threats.
- Some of those threats are surely deliberate attacks …
- … but others are not.
*There also are a number of semantic and epistemological issues around the concept of “truth”, but let’s put those aside for now
For starters, let’s note:
- Any authoritarian leader attacks democracy in his own country.
- Any authoritarian leader lies.
- If nothing else, they try to cover up their most self-serving, corrupt and/or otherwise disgusting behavior.
- Further, there’s a worldwide norm that freedom and democracy are basically good things. Thus, governments that provide little freedom or democracy need to lie to their populations by claiming one or both of:
- They’re providing more freedom and democracy than they are.
- Freedom and democracy are overrated anyway.
- Authoritarian leaders — who, as we’ve just established, tend to denigrate democracy — want supporting evidence for their claims. In particular, rivals of the United States:
- Would like US democracy, long an exemplar for the world, to be seen as working badly.
- Would like US democracy to actually work badly, both to support their anti-democratic messaging and to generally undermined their US rivals.
- Hence are motivated to directly undermine US democracy if they can successfully do so. I.e., some authoritarian leaders directly attack democracy in the US and other countries.
- All of the above are also true of authoritarian wannabes, such as Donald Trump.
If that were as far as it went, I might accept the idea of a single “War on Truth”, notwithstanding the extent to which authoritarian leaders can be enemies to each other. But we also have:
- The long-standing tendency of all politicians to lie.
- The recurring trend that people of all political persuasions may believe in conspiracy theories.
- Doubts among people of all political persuasions — most famously in the case of college students — that free, rational discourse is important.
- The much-lamented partisan fragmentation in traditional and social media alike, and the economic decline of most traditional media outlets that might be viewed as exceptions.
- The utter debasement of the United States Republican Party.
“Truth” is at risk in many ways, only some of which come in the form of coordinated, warlike attacks.
Categories: Public policy and privacy
Subscribe to our complete feed!
Comments
25 Responses to “The wars on democracy and truth”
Leave a Reply
[…] Some say our troubles are due to a deliberate war on truth and democracy. Some say they’re just consequences of broad, long-running trends. I think both views are partially correct. […]
[…] minds can be changed. The War on Truth is not […]
[…] Changing somebody’s mind is particularly hard in our current hyper-partisan, truth-challenged political environment. Yet political swings are common. How can that […]
[…] ones on “Modifying beliefs” (which will include some technology marketing advice) and “The war on truth and democracy” (which will argue that part — and only part — of what’s going on is properly […]
[…] outlined my views about the “War(s) on Truth” in February, […]
Playing the latest is very pleasing to the heart and mind.
If you like playing online games, Join us now. There is a
great variety of varieties of online games and excellent consoles that can elevate your experience to
an optimal level. All games here are free of course with
some latest tricks to be able to play smoothly.
Download the game for free in the direct link and full version. You can download the latest cracked games for
GOG, CPY, codex, skidrow, and reloads.
Dubai Dubai operator
The wars on democracy and truth : The Monash Report
Demon Slayer Merch
The wars on democracy and truth : The Monash Report
, .
, .
, .
, .
It’s genuinely very complex in this busy life to listen news on Television, therefore I only use
web for that purpose, and get the most recent news.
Hi mates, how is all, and what you wish for to say on the topic of
this piece of writing, in my view its really amazing in support of me.
harga tutup uditch
blog topic
consists of the book itself
I am not ѕure where you arｅ gettіng y᧐ur info, but ɡood topic.
Ι needs to spend ѕome tіme learning mᥙch moгe оr understanding more.
Thanks foг fantastic іnformation І was l᧐oking for thiѕ infоrmation for my mission.
No matter if some one searches for his vital thing, so he/she needs to be available that in detail,
so that thing is maintained over here.
hr staff n stuff https://www.hrstaffnstuff.fr
I have read so many articles concerning the blogger lovers however this post is really a nice paragraph, keep it up.
From designing simple websites to developing robust software applications or
crafting the most effective digital marketing strategy with SEO, AdWords and social media at the core, we are the perfect web design company in Srilanka for businesses of all sizes.
Amazing insight! You covered all the angles.
Thanks a lot!
Why pay full price when you can score designer looks at a fraction of the cost?
Our collection features top brands in fashion, ensuring quality and style for all.
Whether you’re looking for an elegant leather belt to complete your office look or trendy branded shoes
for a night out, we have options that fit every style and budget.
I delight in, lead to I discovered just what I was taking a look
for. You’ve ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great
day. Bye
This article was exactly what I needed! Are there any related
topics you plan to write about soon?
Thanks for sharing this! How do you keep up with trends
when working across multiple projects?
Hi all I recently found a great site that really impressed me. It’s a guide to discovering trusted platforms. The website offers great comparisons and made it simple to explore options. If you’re looking for something fun this is definitely worth checking out: online casinos real money. Check it out and share your thoughts.