Activity

But where does he discuss the critical need for “honesty” when discussing scientific and political issues? — CC

But did he say anything about there being times within or across cultures that lies are suppressed as something to disdain, vs when lies become a normalized part of the society, such that the best liars are in control? –Tim

 

I’m trying to grapple with your questions, but it seems we’re reading different articles. One of us is missing something. The theme is that if you can spot fake news, then by definition we are addressing it. The danger is in switching to a focus on calling out fakers and making up things about who they are and why they are doing it. We aren’t irredeemably irrational. If you give in to that then the tendency is to excuse your own irrational behavior, which is what I see in statements like:

What about a little militancy for honesty?

That can happen by hitting ’em below their dogma belt. – CC

 

He goes on to say we can change people’s minds with data and evidence, and he shows how to do it.