Ep40 "Is there any such thing as true news?" (Truth Part1)
Jan 1, 2024
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Explore the illusion of truth and cognitive biases, the complexity of truth and multiple perspectives, and the power of storytelling in determining truth. Discuss the influence of photography and technology on the perception of truth and the challenges of seeking truth in a complex world. Delve into the impact of AI on the future of truth and the importance of intellectual humility and dialogue.
Truth is subjective and influenced by individual perspectives, making it difficult to present an objective truth in media.
Our internal models of truth are shaped by limited experiences and biases, leading to a lack of understanding of different viewpoints.
Fact-gathering and storytelling in media are complex, with language choices and diverse perspectives challenging the notion of a singular objective truth.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Truth in Media
The podcast episode explores the complexity of finding truth in media and the challenges associated with it. It highlights that truth is subjective and depends on individual perspectives, making it difficult to present an objective truth. The episode discusses how storytelling and the choice of words can spin sentiment and affect the way a story is perceived. Additionally, it argues that even facts can be interpreted differently and the search for truth is often influenced by personal biases and agendas. The episode also raises questions about the feasibility of presenting only facts in the media and the limitations of technologies in achieving this goal. Overall, it emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of truth and the diversity of perspectives in any given situation.
The Illusion of Complete Knowledge
The podcast episode challenges the notion that individuals possess complete knowledge and understanding of the truth. It argues that our internal models of truth are shaped by our limited experiences and perspectives, which are influenced by various factors such as upbringing, culture, and social connections. The episode discusses how people tend to believe that they see the truth clearly and struggle to comprehend why others may hold different viewpoints. It highlights the fallibility of human memory and how it contributes to our belief that things were simpler and clearer in the past. The episode also explores the illusions and cognitive biases that lead us to believe in our own truth, while often dismissing or misunderstanding the perspectives of others.
The Complexity of Fact-Gathering and Meaning-Making
The podcast episode delves into the challenges of fact-gathering and meaning-making in media. It acknowledges that while some facts can be independently verified, most real-world events are complex with multiple perspectives and interpretations. The episode discusses the difficulties of telling a story neutrally, as the choice of words, verbs, and adverbs can influence the emotional spin of a story. It also explores the heterogeneity within communities and the impossibility of summarizing a group's truth due to the diverse range of perspectives. The episode further examines the role of science in the search for truth, highlighting its progressiveness but also its fallibility. Overall, it emphasizes the complexity of truth in media and the need for a nuanced understanding of diverse perspectives rather than a singular objective truth.
The challenges of seeking truth
Seeking the truth is complex due to evolving data and changing recommendations, diverse interpretations, and the limitations of science. Internal models influence how individuals perceive truth, and people tend to favor information that confirms their existing beliefs while dismissing contradictory evidence.
The difficulty in achieving objective truth
Objective truth exists, but it is challenging to access due to limited internal models, the complexity of real-world situations, and individual biases. While seeking truth involves evaluating evidence and considering multiple perspectives, intellectual humility and the ability to hold opposing ideas are crucial. The app 'Citizen' exemplifies the failure of just-the-facts reporting as individual interpretations and anxieties influence the information shared. The search for truth requires questioning our own internal models and recognizing the limitations of our beliefs.
We all worry about fake news. But is misinformation and disinformation really new? Join Eagleman for a deep dive into the past, present, and future of truth. Why do cameras not tell us what we think they do? What should we not forget about pamphleteering? And what does this have to do with agriculture in the USSR, or book banning in America, or dog whistles, or apps that only tell facts? And why is it so hard to understand the viewpoints of millions of brains at once? This week's episode is the first of a three-parter -- and today we tackle truth in the media.
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