![]() ![]() ![]() The reporting of lies frightened him more than bombs, and after the experience of WWII that was a statement of some significance. The implied objective of this line of thought is a nightmare world in which the Leader or some ruling clique, controls not only the future, but the past. ![]() I know it is the fashion to say that most of recorded history is lies anyway … but what is peculiar to our own age is the abandonment of the idea that history could be truthfully written …. Deception constitutes a limit to our will: how can we make informed choices if the information we receive is inaccurate, false or untrue? As our information ecosystem becomes increasingly complex, unpredictable and balkanised, educators have a vital role in helping an informed public navigate what it encounters online. Indifference to truth, and the cynical espousing of lies, fake news or bullshit can be destabilising and harmful, as Brexit (the United Kingdom’s process of withdrawal from the European Union) is painfully revealing. ![]() This is because it is very closely related to trust, sincerity and integrity. While it may be expedient to distort or ignore the truth, we value truth in ways that cannot be reduced to its practical value. Truth is invaluable to the integrity of the person, institution and nation, and a climate of trust to the proper functioning of democracy. We will explore the distinctions between truth and truthfulness, and lies and deceit to centrally argue that truth has considerable intrinsic and instrumental value that should be protected and respected. Sections of mainstream political parties and the media do not appear to have basic knowledge or insight into processes that underpin our institutions, and we are confronted with the proliferation of lies, fake news and bullshit-and profound ignorance. ‘Post-truth’ politics poses a serious challenge to the values of truth, and consequently trust. ![]()
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