This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Thursday, 22 December 2022
Bullshit Rools, OK?
Aditya Chakrabortty provides an illuminating account on the distinction between lies and bullshit (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/dec/22/politics-difference-between-lies-bullshit). Chakrabortty draws heavily on Harry Frankfurt's book 'On Bullshit'. A major distinction appears to be that liars set out to mislead other folk about the verity of checkable facts. Bullshitters, on the other hand, attempt to distract by spinning yarns, hoping to confuse and change the perceptions of their audience. Attempting to check a bullshitter's claims is consequently a complete waste of time. Frankfurt, justifiably claimed, that bullshitting was more dangerous to public understanding than was lying. It's certainly a much-used device in political pledges about preserving biodiversity and countering climate change et cetera. All I want for Christmas, is for everyone to get a bullshit detector!
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