The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast
Ep. 327: Harry Frankfurt on Bullsh*t and Authenticity (Part One)
Oct 16, 2023
Philosopher Harry Frankfurt, author of 'On Bullshit,' joins the hosts to delve into the concept of bullshit, its relation to truth and deception, and whether it can serve a civic purpose. They analyze examples like the trolley problem and the play frame, discuss the use of irony and ambiguity, and explore the prevalence of bullshit in the media.
41:17
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Quick takeaways
- Bullshit involves misrepresenting the purpose or goal of the discourse, prioritizing personal agendas over truthfulness.
- The rise of mass media platforms and social media intensifies the prevalence of bullshit in public discourse.
Deep dives
The Definition and Purpose of Bullshit
Bullshit, as defined by Harry Frankfurt, is an attitude unconcerned with the truth of what is being said. While it may involve deceptive misrepresentation, its focus is not on deceiving the audience, but rather on misrepresenting the purpose or goal of the discourse. Bullshit artists prioritize their own agendas or desired impressions over truthfulness, often using exaggerated or manipulative language to create specific impressions. This can be seen in various contexts, such as political speeches or public relations, where the aim is to create an emotional response or project a certain image, regardless of the factual accuracy.
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