ENEMIES: From War to Wisdom Episode 40: What is Propaganda? How Can We Tell That We Are Being Persuaded by False or Fake Narratives? Part 2

Show Notes

Episode 40: What is Propaganda? How Can We Tell That We Are Being Persuaded by False or Fake Narratives? Part 2 with Polly Young-Eisendrath, Ph.D. and Eleanor Johnson with special guest Robert Caper

In this second part of this podcast, we will explore the nature of propaganda and how easy it is to believe in rhetoric that is based on false assumptions. How can a listener/reader/consumer discern whether there are facts and evidence backing any particular report, statement, or argument? Is there some way to know if something that you read or hear is likely to be true or false? What is “confirmation bias” and what is “negativity bias,” and how do they contribute to propaganda? How does “suggestion” relate to propaganda or false statements and what can we do to protect ourselves against false suggestions? What about scientific standards for truth? What are they? And finally, do parents offer propaganda to their children when they say “eat your spinach because it has a lot of vitamins?” or “Don’t stare at the computer screen because it will harm your eyes?” or is this simply good guidance? We will talk about how parenting and parental authority can help or hinder children in developing the ability to sift through propaganda.

Show Notes

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