The Reith Lectures
Licence to Deceive
May 1, 2002
Onora O'Neill, Principal of Newnham College and renowned political philosopher, delves into the fragility of trust in an age dominated by one-way information technologies. She highlights the media's critical role in fostering accountability and transparency. O'Neill critiques the balance between press freedom and the dissemination of misinformation. The talk also addresses the ethical dimensions of communication and the pervasive issues within the wellness industry, advocating for informed public engagement and robust journalistic integrity.
42:58
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Quick takeaways
- The lecture highlights the paradox of declining trust in society, particularly towards media, despite increased information availability and openness.
- Informed consent is crucial for establishing trust, as transparency in interactions directly influences individual and institutional relationships.
Deep dives
The Challenge of Trust in Modern Society
A central theme of the lecture is the paradox of declining trust despite increased openness in public institutions. The speaker argues that there exists a pervasive culture of suspicion that undermines trust in society. This skepticism is particularly pronounced toward the media, which is seen as a lagging sector in terms of accountability and transparency. The rise of a culture of suspicion signifies a disconnect between the availability of information and the ability to trust those who provide it.
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