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title: "Post-Truth (The MIT Press Essential Knowledge series)"
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# Post-Truth (The MIT Press Essential Knowledge series)

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desertcart.com: Post-Truth (The MIT Press Essential Knowledge series): 9780262535045: McIntyre, Lee: Books

Review: Great Book, well-written and eloquent prose - *Post-Truth* (The MIT Press Essential Knowledge Series) – A Graduate-Level Exploration of the Modern Crisis of Truth** In an era where information overload, digital echo chambers, and political polarization dominate public discourse, *Post-Truth* by Lee McIntyre stands as an essential guide to understanding one of the most pressing issues of our time. As part of The MIT Press Essential Knowledge series, this succinct yet profoundly insightful work takes on the contemporary crisis of truth, dissecting the roots, implications, and philosophical underpinnings of a world that increasingly seems to prioritize belief over fact. For graduate students in fields ranging from philosophy to political theory, communication, and sociology, this book offers a clarifying lens through which we can understand the dynamics of truth, misinformation, and the ethics of knowledge in a post-truth world. ### Unmasking the Post-Truth Phenomenon: An Intellectual Journey At the core of McIntyre’s *Post-Truth* is the idea that we are living in a moment when traditional concepts of truth and objective reality are being systematically undermined. For graduate students studying ethics, philosophy, and political theory, this work offers an invaluable exploration into the nature of truth in the contemporary world. McIntyre doesn’t merely describe the phenomenon; he rigorously **analyzes the cultural, political, and philosophical forces** that have given rise to the post-truth era, urging students to think critically about the consequences of such an intellectual shift. McIntyre’s argument is both sobering and enlightening. Drawing from the fields of philosophy, psychology, and political science, he demonstrates how **emotion, identity, and ideology** have become powerful drivers in shaping our perceptions of truth. As the lines blur between objective fact and subjective belief, McIntyre warns of the dangers of epistemic relativism, where "truth" becomes a matter of personal preference rather than rational inquiry or empirical evidence. For graduate students in an ethics class, McIntyre’s work raises profound ethical questions: **What is our responsibility in defending the truth in an era where facts are contested?** What does it mean to engage in public discourse when shared facts no longer serve as a foundation for mutual understanding? This book pushes students to reflect not just on the nature of truth, but on the **moral obligations** inherent in protecting it. ### The Rise of Misinformation: A Political and Social Crisis One of the most compelling aspects of McIntyre’s analysis is his exploration of how post-truth thinking has **infected politics and public life**. The political landscape is littered with **alternative facts**, deliberate misinformation, and “fake news,” making it increasingly difficult for citizens to distinguish between reality and rhetoric. McIntyre demonstrates that this is not a mere passing trend but a **structural issue** that threatens the very foundations of democracy. For graduate students studying political ethics, McIntyre’s work is invaluable in examining the **political consequences** of the post-truth era. The rise of populism, the spread of conspiracy theories, and the undermining of expert knowledge are all byproducts of a society where **facts are no longer sacrosanct**. The book provides a thorough analysis of the **moral responsibility** that lies with politicians, the media, and the public in combating the dangerous effects of misinformation. In a graduate ethics class, McIntyre’s insights offer a much-needed opportunity to interrogate how **truth manipulation** can undermine democratic institutions and destabilize societies. Students are invited to consider how ethical principles—such as accountability, transparency, and integrity—can be applied to restore a **shared commitment to facts** in public discourse. McIntyre’s work underscores the importance of **ethical leadership** in this struggle, urging a return to rational dialogue grounded in evidence-based reasoning. ### Truth, Objectivity, and the Role of Experts A key philosophical question that McIntyre explores is the relationship between truth and objectivity. In a world dominated by post-truth rhetoric, what does it mean to be **objective**? How can we trust expertise when **scientific consensus** is increasingly questioned, and those in power cherry-pick data to fit their agendas? For students in graduate programs focused on ethics, this question is pivotal. *Post-Truth* urges readers to confront the **value of expert testimony** and the **integrity of scientific inquiry** in a world where expertise is often dismissed as “elitist” or “biased.” McIntyre’s examination of the **scientific method** and its role in uncovering truth challenges students to think critically about the delicate balance between **empirical knowledge** and **public perception**. In a graduate class, McIntyre’s arguments offer a timely reflection on the **ethics of knowledge dissemination**. What happens when scientific knowledge is obscured or disregarded for political gain? How do we safeguard intellectual integrity when misinformation is deliberately spread to undermine trusted sources of authority? These questions are at the heart of the ethical challenges presented by the post-truth world, and *Post-Truth* serves as an indispensable text for grappling with them. ### The Psychological Dimensions of Belief While the political and philosophical aspects of *Post-Truth* are certainly captivating, McIntyre also delves into the **psychological mechanisms** that make people so susceptible to misinformation. Cognitive biases, the need for cognitive closure, and the influence of social media algorithms all contribute to the spread of falsehoods and the rejection of evidence-based reasoning. For graduate students in fields such as psychology, sociology, or communications, McIntyre’s exploration of the **cognitive roots** of post-truth thinking provides essential insights into why people cling to **false beliefs** in the face of contradictory evidence. His analysis of **confirmation bias**, the echo chamber effect, and the **backfire effect** illuminates how deeply entrenched ideologies can warp perceptions of reality, creating a dangerous disconnect between **fact and belief**. In a graduate classroom, these psychological insights prompt vital discussions about **educational responsibility** in combating misinformation. How do we equip individuals with the critical thinking tools necessary to resist cognitive biases and make informed decisions? *Post-Truth* provides the theoretical and practical foundation for fostering **media literacy**, **critical thinking**, and **civic engagement** in the face of widespread misinformation. ### A Call to Action: Restoring the Truth In the final chapters, McIntyre offers a call to action: How can we reclaim truth in a world increasingly defined by post-truth rhetoric? The answer, he suggests, lies in **reaffirming our commitment to reason, evidence, and dialogue**. The restoration of truth requires not just the efforts of intellectuals, scientists, and political leaders but a **societal shift** toward a renewed respect for facts and shared knowledge. For graduate students, *Post-Truth* functions as both a warning and a roadmap. It reminds us that the crisis of truth is not just an intellectual issue—it is an **ethical and political challenge** that demands immediate attention. Students are encouraged to reflect on their own role in **defending truth**, **challenging misinformation**, and **creating spaces for open dialogue** in their professional and personal lives. ### Conclusion: A Must-Read for Graduate Scholars In conclusion, *Post-Truth* by Lee McIntyre is a must-read for any graduate student engaged in the study of ethics, philosophy, political theory, and the social sciences. It offers a **timely**, **rigorous**, and **thought-provoking** exploration of the post-truth era, providing students with a wealth of insights into the complex dynamics of truth, misinformation, and belief in the modern world. McIntyre’s work challenges students to think critically about the role of truth in shaping society, the ethical responsibilities of individuals and institutions, and the vital need for **rational discourse** in addressing the many challenges of the post-truth world. This book is not only an invaluable resource for graduate-level coursework—it is also a **call to action** for anyone concerned with the integrity of knowledge, democracy, and public life. *Post-Truth* is more than just a diagnosis of the present moment; it is a blueprint for the future of truth, reason, and intellectual integrity. Whether you’re engaged in political theory, philosophy, or any other field, McIntyre’s book offers critical lessons for navigating the complexities of our post-truth society with wisdom and responsibility.
Review: Intentionally seek the truth not confirmation of your belief - Conspiracy theories, some ridiculous, are believed or at least taken seriously. There’s anti-vaxxers, climate change denial, a President lying repeatedly and followers flat out denying it, and then the flat earthers too. We have a problem, we’ve always had a problem with the truth, but now it has become a crisis. There are many reasons for this, cognitive biases, the Dunning-Kruger effect, tribalism, the partisan political climate, religious superstition, and then the people and propagandists taking advantage of our weaknesses in the internet era. Political propagandists such as Limbaugh has effectively set themselves up as a source of truth in opposition to the rest American media. On page 3 & 4 a journalist is interviewing Newt Gingrich who flat out states that facts don’t matter to him, it is what people feel is true that matters. This is a good definition of post-truth; the "Contention that feelings are more accurate than facts, for the purpose of the political subordination of reality." The book appears to be taking political sides when the author state that fake news and false beliefs are a bigger problem among American conservatives. The statistics tells us that and based on what I’ve seen as an independent “outsider” it is quite easy to believe. The book offers some advice for how to deal with post-truth problems. When people are faced with facts that contradict their beliefs, they commonly don’t reevaluate their beliefs, which would be logical. Instead they double down and defend their belief so that the contrary evidence ends up strengthening their belief (the backfire effect). That seems backwards and hopeless. Despite that keep telling the truth and presenting the evidence because the backfire effect is temporary. I have personal experience that this works. This is a timely and quite interesting book and it is a quick read. I highly recommend it. Let us all intentionally seek the truth not confirmation of your belief.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Best Sellers Rank | #116,850 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #49 in Epistemology Philosophy #167 in Communication & Media Studies #281 in Political Philosophy (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (630) |
| Dimensions  | 5 x 0.66 x 7 inches |
| ISBN-10  | 0262535041 |
| ISBN-13  | 978-0262535045 |
| Item Weight  | 7.5 ounces |
| Language  | English |
| Part of series  | MIT Press Essential Knowledge |
| Print length  | 236 pages |
| Publication date  | February 16, 2018 |
| Publisher  | The MIT Press |

## Images

![Post-Truth (The MIT Press Essential Knowledge series) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61LJNJwasjL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great Book, well-written and eloquent prose
*by B***N on January 7, 2025*

*Post-Truth* (The MIT Press Essential Knowledge Series) – A Graduate-Level Exploration of the Modern Crisis of Truth** In an era where information overload, digital echo chambers, and political polarization dominate public discourse, *Post-Truth* by Lee McIntyre stands as an essential guide to understanding one of the most pressing issues of our time. As part of The MIT Press Essential Knowledge series, this succinct yet profoundly insightful work takes on the contemporary crisis of truth, dissecting the roots, implications, and philosophical underpinnings of a world that increasingly seems to prioritize belief over fact. For graduate students in fields ranging from philosophy to political theory, communication, and sociology, this book offers a clarifying lens through which we can understand the dynamics of truth, misinformation, and the ethics of knowledge in a post-truth world. ### Unmasking the Post-Truth Phenomenon: An Intellectual Journey At the core of McIntyre’s *Post-Truth* is the idea that we are living in a moment when traditional concepts of truth and objective reality are being systematically undermined. For graduate students studying ethics, philosophy, and political theory, this work offers an invaluable exploration into the nature of truth in the contemporary world. McIntyre doesn’t merely describe the phenomenon; he rigorously **analyzes the cultural, political, and philosophical forces** that have given rise to the post-truth era, urging students to think critically about the consequences of such an intellectual shift. McIntyre’s argument is both sobering and enlightening. Drawing from the fields of philosophy, psychology, and political science, he demonstrates how **emotion, identity, and ideology** have become powerful drivers in shaping our perceptions of truth. As the lines blur between objective fact and subjective belief, McIntyre warns of the dangers of epistemic relativism, where "truth" becomes a matter of personal preference rather than rational inquiry or empirical evidence. For graduate students in an ethics class, McIntyre’s work raises profound ethical questions: **What is our responsibility in defending the truth in an era where facts are contested?** What does it mean to engage in public discourse when shared facts no longer serve as a foundation for mutual understanding? This book pushes students to reflect not just on the nature of truth, but on the **moral obligations** inherent in protecting it. ### The Rise of Misinformation: A Political and Social Crisis One of the most compelling aspects of McIntyre’s analysis is his exploration of how post-truth thinking has **infected politics and public life**. The political landscape is littered with **alternative facts**, deliberate misinformation, and “fake news,” making it increasingly difficult for citizens to distinguish between reality and rhetoric. McIntyre demonstrates that this is not a mere passing trend but a **structural issue** that threatens the very foundations of democracy. For graduate students studying political ethics, McIntyre’s work is invaluable in examining the **political consequences** of the post-truth era. The rise of populism, the spread of conspiracy theories, and the undermining of expert knowledge are all byproducts of a society where **facts are no longer sacrosanct**. The book provides a thorough analysis of the **moral responsibility** that lies with politicians, the media, and the public in combating the dangerous effects of misinformation. In a graduate ethics class, McIntyre’s insights offer a much-needed opportunity to interrogate how **truth manipulation** can undermine democratic institutions and destabilize societies. Students are invited to consider how ethical principles—such as accountability, transparency, and integrity—can be applied to restore a **shared commitment to facts** in public discourse. McIntyre’s work underscores the importance of **ethical leadership** in this struggle, urging a return to rational dialogue grounded in evidence-based reasoning. ### Truth, Objectivity, and the Role of Experts A key philosophical question that McIntyre explores is the relationship between truth and objectivity. In a world dominated by post-truth rhetoric, what does it mean to be **objective**? How can we trust expertise when **scientific consensus** is increasingly questioned, and those in power cherry-pick data to fit their agendas? For students in graduate programs focused on ethics, this question is pivotal. *Post-Truth* urges readers to confront the **value of expert testimony** and the **integrity of scientific inquiry** in a world where expertise is often dismissed as “elitist” or “biased.” McIntyre’s examination of the **scientific method** and its role in uncovering truth challenges students to think critically about the delicate balance between **empirical knowledge** and **public perception**. In a graduate class, McIntyre’s arguments offer a timely reflection on the **ethics of knowledge dissemination**. What happens when scientific knowledge is obscured or disregarded for political gain? How do we safeguard intellectual integrity when misinformation is deliberately spread to undermine trusted sources of authority? These questions are at the heart of the ethical challenges presented by the post-truth world, and *Post-Truth* serves as an indispensable text for grappling with them. ### The Psychological Dimensions of Belief While the political and philosophical aspects of *Post-Truth* are certainly captivating, McIntyre also delves into the **psychological mechanisms** that make people so susceptible to misinformation. Cognitive biases, the need for cognitive closure, and the influence of social media algorithms all contribute to the spread of falsehoods and the rejection of evidence-based reasoning. For graduate students in fields such as psychology, sociology, or communications, McIntyre’s exploration of the **cognitive roots** of post-truth thinking provides essential insights into why people cling to **false beliefs** in the face of contradictory evidence. His analysis of **confirmation bias**, the echo chamber effect, and the **backfire effect** illuminates how deeply entrenched ideologies can warp perceptions of reality, creating a dangerous disconnect between **fact and belief**. In a graduate classroom, these psychological insights prompt vital discussions about **educational responsibility** in combating misinformation. How do we equip individuals with the critical thinking tools necessary to resist cognitive biases and make informed decisions? *Post-Truth* provides the theoretical and practical foundation for fostering **media literacy**, **critical thinking**, and **civic engagement** in the face of widespread misinformation. ### A Call to Action: Restoring the Truth In the final chapters, McIntyre offers a call to action: How can we reclaim truth in a world increasingly defined by post-truth rhetoric? The answer, he suggests, lies in **reaffirming our commitment to reason, evidence, and dialogue**. The restoration of truth requires not just the efforts of intellectuals, scientists, and political leaders but a **societal shift** toward a renewed respect for facts and shared knowledge. For graduate students, *Post-Truth* functions as both a warning and a roadmap. It reminds us that the crisis of truth is not just an intellectual issue—it is an **ethical and political challenge** that demands immediate attention. Students are encouraged to reflect on their own role in **defending truth**, **challenging misinformation**, and **creating spaces for open dialogue** in their professional and personal lives. ### Conclusion: A Must-Read for Graduate Scholars In conclusion, *Post-Truth* by Lee McIntyre is a must-read for any graduate student engaged in the study of ethics, philosophy, political theory, and the social sciences. It offers a **timely**, **rigorous**, and **thought-provoking** exploration of the post-truth era, providing students with a wealth of insights into the complex dynamics of truth, misinformation, and belief in the modern world. McIntyre’s work challenges students to think critically about the role of truth in shaping society, the ethical responsibilities of individuals and institutions, and the vital need for **rational discourse** in addressing the many challenges of the post-truth world. This book is not only an invaluable resource for graduate-level coursework—it is also a **call to action** for anyone concerned with the integrity of knowledge, democracy, and public life. *Post-Truth* is more than just a diagnosis of the present moment; it is a blueprint for the future of truth, reason, and intellectual integrity. Whether you’re engaged in political theory, philosophy, or any other field, McIntyre’s book offers critical lessons for navigating the complexities of our post-truth society with wisdom and responsibility.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Intentionally seek the truth not confirmation of your belief
*by T***N on June 20, 2020*

Conspiracy theories, some ridiculous, are believed or at least taken seriously. There’s anti-vaxxers, climate change denial, a President lying repeatedly and followers flat out denying it, and then the flat earthers too. We have a problem, we’ve always had a problem with the truth, but now it has become a crisis. There are many reasons for this, cognitive biases, the Dunning-Kruger effect, tribalism, the partisan political climate, religious superstition, and then the people and propagandists taking advantage of our weaknesses in the internet era. Political propagandists such as Limbaugh has effectively set themselves up as a source of truth in opposition to the rest American media. On page 3 & 4 a journalist is interviewing Newt Gingrich who flat out states that facts don’t matter to him, it is what people feel is true that matters. This is a good definition of post-truth; the "Contention that feelings are more accurate than facts, for the purpose of the political subordination of reality." The book appears to be taking political sides when the author state that fake news and false beliefs are a bigger problem among American conservatives. The statistics tells us that and based on what I’ve seen as an independent “outsider” it is quite easy to believe. The book offers some advice for how to deal with post-truth problems. When people are faced with facts that contradict their beliefs, they commonly don’t reevaluate their beliefs, which would be logical. Instead they double down and defend their belief so that the contrary evidence ends up strengthening their belief (the backfire effect). That seems backwards and hopeless. Despite that keep telling the truth and presenting the evidence because the backfire effect is temporary. I have personal experience that this works. This is a timely and quite interesting book and it is a quick read. I highly recommend it. Let us all intentionally seek the truth not confirmation of your belief.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Essential read for our present era
*by J***Y on July 9, 2024*

“Post-Truth" by Lee McIntyre is a compelling and timely exploration of the phenomenon of "post-truth" and its implications for our society. McIntyre expertly navigates the landscape of misinformation, fake news, and the erosion of trust in facts, providing readers with a thorough understanding of how we arrived at this juncture and what it means for the future. One of the book's strengths is McIntyre's ability to clearly define and contextualize "post-truth." He traces its roots through historical and philosophical perspectives, linking contemporary issues to broader patterns of human behavior and societal change. This approach not only deepens the reader's comprehension but also highlights the seriousness and complexity of the problem. McIntyre's writing is accessible yet profound, making complex ideas understandable without oversimplifying them. He engages with a wide range of examples, from political discourse to scientific skepticism, illustrating how post-truth has permeated various aspects of our lives. The author's insights into the role of social media and the internet in amplifying falsehoods are particularly relevant and thought-provoking. However, the book sometimes falls short in offering concrete solutions to counteract the post-truth trend. While McIntyre provides valuable strategies and emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and education, readers may find themselves wanting more actionable steps to take in their daily lives. Overall, "Post-Truth" is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the dynamics of our current information landscape. It is a sobering reminder of the importance of truth and the need for vigilance in preserving it. Lee McIntyre has crafted a thought-provoking and necessary work that will resonate with readers long after they finish the last page.

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