COGNITIVE PRECONDITIONS OF “POST-TRUTH”

Abstract

The article analyzes the cognitive preconditions of the post-truth situation. It is generally accepted that the post-truth situation and the “epidemic of ignorance” are symptoms of the emergence of the information society, caused on the one hand by easy access to information, and the cognitive features of our thinking on the other. It has been established, that we interpret information based on the principle of the hermeneutic circle, in which the role of the whole is performed by the individual’s worldview, formed on the basis of his/her linguistic and cultural identity.

We have focused our research on how cognitive preconditions affect the formation of worldviews and manifest themselves during online discussions. It is noted that a “Confirmation bias” plays a particularly important role in the formation of beliefs, because it prompts us to interpret information in a way that confirms our views and ignore the information that contradicts them. Also, such cognitive effects as joining the majority, the information cascade, the illusion of knowledge, the Dunning-Krueger effect and the equality effect all make people susceptible to information manipulation, which spreads propaganda and post-truth, as well as “the epidemic of ignorance”. The mechanism of their influence on our thinking is similar to the principle of the hermeneutic circle, which shows the dependence of the interpretation of separate components of information on the person`s worldview and his/her previous attitude regarding individual identity.

It has been established that as the opportunities for information dissemination in the world will only increase, the need to raise the level of critical thinking, the ability to reflect and an objective analysis of information will exist as well. Therefore, we consider, that the development of critical thinking should be a priority, starting with elementary education and ending with higher education. At the same time, we also need programs to support independent media that would purposefully oppose misinformation, because not all people are able to cultivate the desire for rational thinking. In philosophy, it is also desirable to emphasize the values of truth for the proper functioning of society.

Key words: information, manipulation, epidemic of ignorance, hermeneutic circle, cognitive bias, cognitive effects, confirmation bias, critical thinking.