The History and Theory of Post-Truth Communication

Maddalena, Giovanni; Gili, Guido

This book traces the principal roots of the concept of post-truth to uncover how it came by its present meaning. The concept of post-truth is the ripe and poisonous fruit of a tree fertilized and watered by many gardeners: some with good intentions, some with bad intentions, and others without a full understanding of the consequences of their thoughts and actions. If the concepts behind the expression ‘post-truth’ have a long history, what is behind the current rise in interest and alarm about the concept? Chosen by the Oxford English Dictionary as ‘word of the year’ in 2016, post-truth has entered both journalistic and common languages. There is, however, much confusion and a suffocating rhetoric about what it is, how it became such a powerful force, and its positive or perverse effects. Offering a fast-paced discussion of philosophical concepts, sociological theories, communication strategies, and original interpretations of historical events from the birth of mass media until today, this book is a guide for those who want to understand what is going on in Western society and culture.

Details

Published by: Palgrave Macmillan

Publication Date: 2021-04-14

Format: Paperback

ISBN-13: 9783030414627

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-41460-3

Dimensions: 210cm x148cm

Pages: 110