137. Post-truth

With conspiracy theories, fake news, and anti-science rhetoric everywhere, we are living in an age of post-truth. In episode 137 of Overthink, Ellie and David discuss the meaning of truth in our contemporary political and social landscape and how post-truth has increased in the recent years. How do phenomena like opinion overload, news fatigue, and information overload contribute to the spread of post truth? And are we really “post” truth, or do we simply live in an age of “many” truths? Ellie and David explore different conceptions of truth, the differences between misinformation and disinformation, and between lying and bullshitting. And what’s the connection between post-truth and postmodernism? Have so-called “pomo professors” contributed to the rise of political dishonesty and deception? In the bonus, your hosts talk about Michael Hannon’s article “The Politics of Post-Truth” and consider whether “post-truth” is even the right word for the crisis we’re facing. Overthink is a philosophy podcast hosted by your new favorite professors, Ellie Anderson (Pomona College) and David Peña-Guzmán (San Francisco State University). Check out our episodes for deep dives into concepts such as existential anxiety, empathy, and gaslighting. Works Discussed: Max Black, “The Prevalence of Humbug” Harry Frankfurt, “On Bullshit” Ralph Keyes, The Post-Truth Era Jean-François Lyotard, The Postmodern Condition Lee McIntyre, Post-Truth David M. Peña-Guzmán and Rebekah Spera, “The anatomy of a philosophical hoax: The politics of delegitimation in contemporary philosophy” Simon Truwant, De waarheid heeft vier gezichten Enjoy our work? Support Overthink via tax-deductible donation: https://www.givecampus.com/fj0w3v Join our Patreon for exclusive episode segments, monthly Zooms, and more: https://www.patreon.com/overthinkpodcast Website: overthinkpodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Overthink-podcast-105420885026249 Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overthink/id1538249280 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aIlXHTDz5vrc78DyjFg66 Buzzsprout RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1455199.rss Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok at @overthink_pod