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EconTalk

Misinformation and the Three Languages of Politics (with Arnold Kling)

Oct 14, 2024
Arnold Kling, an economist and author known for his work on political economy, joins the discussion to tackle the pressing issue of misinformation in democracy. He delves into how we can navigate truth in an age of conflicting narratives and the dangers of censorship on social media. Kling also reflects on the concept of 'noble lies' and the tension between self-interest and moral reasoning. With insights into shifts in academia and political discourse, he provides a framework for understanding modern societal challenges.
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Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Understanding truth is an ongoing process influenced by evolving beliefs, emphasizing the discomfort of acknowledging that many ideas can be incorrect.
  • The dangers of censorship arise when individuals claim objective truth, undermining healthy discourse and hindering diverse perspectives in society.

Deep dives

The Search for Truth and Misinformation

The podcast discusses the complexities of searching for truth in a world filled with misinformation. Rather than viewing truth as an absolute destination, it emphasizes that understanding truth is an ongoing process where many beliefs may initially seem valid but could ultimately be proven incorrect. This perspective aligns with the historical evolution of scientific understanding, where past beliefs have been superseded by new insights over time. The idea of accepting that many of our beliefs might not be true is uncomfortable but necessary in confronting misinformation.

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