Online discourse has created a new media environment
forcontributions to public life, one that challenges the
socialsignificance of the role of public
intellectuals—intellectualswho, whether by choice or by
circumstance, offer commentary on issuesof the day. The value of
such commentary is rooted in the assumptionthat, by virtue of their
training and experience, intellectuals possessknowledge—that they
understand what constitutes knowledge withrespect to a particular
topic, are able to distinguish it from mereopinion, and are in a
position to define its relevance in differentcontexts. When
intellectuals comment on matters of public concern, theyare
accordingly presumed to speak truth, whether they are writing
booksor op-ed columns or appearing as guests on radio and
television newsprograms. At the same time, with increasing
frequency, discourse onpublic life is taking place online—l an
environment that ischaracterized by an abundance of speakers,
discussion, and access. Buthas this democratization of knowledge,
as some describe it brought withit a corresponding increase in
truth? Casting doubt on the assertion that online discourse, with
itsproliferation of voices, will somehow yield collective wisdom,
SpeakingPower to Truth raises concerns that this wealth of
digitally enabledcommentary is, in fact, too often bereft of the
hallmarks ofintellectual discourse: an epistemological framework
and the provisionof evidence to substantiate claims. Instead, the
pursuit of truth findsitself in competition with the quest for
public reputation, access toinfluence, and enhanced visibility. In
exploring the implications ofthe digital transition, the
contributors to Speaking Power to Truthprovide both empirical
evidence of, and philosophical reflection on,the current and future
role of the public intellectual in atechnologically mediated public
sphere.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
