How ‘the professions’ helped kill objective truth
By alexandreBusiness
How ‘the professions’ helped kill objective truth
The concept of objective truth has been an important topic in philosophy and science for centuries. It refers to the idea that certain statements and propositions are true regardless of the opinions or beliefs of individuals. However, in recent years, objective truth has come under attack from a number of sources including social media, political propaganda, and professional organizations.
The Rise of Post-Truth
In today’s world, we are constantly bombarded with information from a variety of sources. With the rise of social media and the democratization of information, it has become increasingly difficult to separate truth from fiction. This has led to the phenomenon of post-truth where emotions and personal beliefs are often valued over objective facts.
Many people attribute the rise of post-truth to the internet and social media. According to a Pew Research Center survey, 62% of Americans get their news from social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, which are notorious for spreading misinformation and fake news.
However, the problem of post-truth cannot be solely attributed to social media. In fact, many professionals have contributed to the erosion of objective truth by prioritizing their own interests over the truth.
Professional Bias
One of the main factors contributing to the decline of objective truth is professional bias. Professionals like doctors, lawyers, and scientists are expected to be impartial and objective in their work. However, research has shown that professionals are often influenced by their own biases and self-interest.
For example, a study published in the Journal of Medical Ethics found that doctors who received gifts from pharmaceutical companies were more likely to prescribe their drugs. Similarly, lawyers who work for corporations may be more interested in protecting their clients’ interests than seeking justice.
In the case of scientists, professional bias can manifest in a number of ways. For instance, scientists who receive funding from industries or organizations may be more likely to produce results that are favorable to those groups. Additionally, scientists may be influenced by their own beliefs and values, which can impact the interpretation of data.
The Influence of Politics
Another factor contributing to the decline of objective truth is the influence of politics. In recent years, politicians have used propaganda and disinformation to sway public opinion and gain political power.
One of the most high-profile examples of this was the 2016 US presidential election, where Russian operatives were accused of using social media to spread fake news and disinformation in an effort to sway the election in favor of Donald Trump.
In addition to external actors, politicians themselves have contributed to the erosion of objective truth. For example, politicians may deny the existence of climate change or promote conspiracy theories in order to appeal to their base and gain support.
The Role of Media
Finally, the media has played a significant role in the decline of objective truth. While the media is often considered a watchdog of objective truth, it is also subject to bias and manipulation.
One of the main problems with the media is its tendency to focus on sensationalism and controversy rather than objective facts. This can lead to the spread of misinformation and the distortion of truth.
In addition to sensationalism, the media is also subject to bias due to its ownership and funding sources. For example, media outlets that are owned by large corporations may be more interested in protecting their interests than seeking the truth.
The decline of objective truth is a complex issue that is influenced by a number of factors including professional bias, politics, and media. While objective truth may never be fully attainable, it is important that we continue to strive for it in order to make informed decisions and create a more just society.
In order to combat the decline of objective truth, we must take steps to hold professionals, politicians, and the media accountable for their actions. This includes promoting transparency, encouraging critical thinking, and supporting independent journalism.
