Post-Truth

In this episode of Overthink, Dr. David Peña-Guzman and Dr. Ellie Anderson delve into the concept of "post-truth" in contemporary society, exploring its manifestations in politics, social media, and various forms of misinformation and disinformation. They discuss the Oxford English Dictionary's definition of post-truth and trace the term's usage back to the early 1990s, highlighting its increased relevance with events like Brexit and Trump's election. The hosts analyze the differences between misinformation and disinformation, referencing communication scholar Jason Harsin's definitions, and introduce the concept of "truth pluralism" from Belgian philosopher Simon Truant, who suggests that different conceptions of truth coexist and cause confusion in public discourse. They also dissect Harry Frankfurt's essay "On Bullshit," contrasting it with Max Black's analysis of "Humbug," and critique the notion that postmodern philosophy is responsible for the rise of post-truth, challenging arguments made by figures like Daniel Dennett and Lee McIntyre.