Disinformation v. Misinformation: The Real Enemy of Truth

With Dr. Lee McIntyre, Center for Philosophy and History of Science, Author of The Scientific Attitude and How to Talk to a Science Denier

There is a lot of talk these days about how truth is threatened in this “age of misinformation.” On topics ranging from science to democracy to foreign war, a staggering percentage of people seem to make up their minds on issues such as climate change, vaccines, the integrity of elections, and the war in Ukraine, based on “facts” that crumble after a little examination. Why? There’s plenty of blame to go around — from lack of critical thinking to social media to partisan media to politics, but the first thing we need to get straight on is the real threat we face: it’s not from misinformation but disinformation.

This talk will examine the critical difference between mis- and dis- information and strategies for understanding and countering it.

December 7, 6-7:30

Room 1512

School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA)

Lee will also be available to sign books after the talk and discussion.