The Socialist Resurgence in Our Era of Broken Minds - Dr. Stephen Hicks

Quick Overview

Professor Stephen Hicks defines truth as the subject's awareness successfully mapping onto objective reality, noting that while simple truths are easy to know, complex abstract theories require rigorous self-reflection on logic and standards, which is increasingly difficult in the current information landscape saturated with misinformation and disinformation.

Key Points: Hicks defines truth as a success concept concerning the subject's awareness mapping onto objective reality, contrasting it with fact language which addresses the object side of the relationship. He argues that while simple truths like "we are talking to each other" are easy, abstract theories become complicated because human cognitive use of brains is fallible, subject to tiredness, biases, and emotions. Hicks distinguishes between information, misinformation (uncritical passing on of untruths), and disinformation (deliberately constructed artificial false imaginary worlds), noting the term disinformation originates from the espionage world. The current information overload presents a new challenge analogous to dealing with an era of food plenty, requiring individuals to learn cognitive hygiene and control appetites for undiscriminating consumption of content. Hicks suggests that modern society has devolved unprecedented cognitive and psychological loads onto the individual across areas like nutrition, religion, career, and politics, all historically unprecedented. He critiques the idea that Christian thinkers solely planted the seeds of universal human equality, stating that while Christianity has some individualistic elements, major exponents like Augustine and Aquinas were comfortable with hierarchical structures and burning heretics. The shift toward individualism and cognitive responsibility stems historically from early modernity and the Enlightenment, accelerated by technological revolutions like the printing press enabling broader scripture access, which forced mass literacy.

Context: Professor Stephen Hicks, Executive Director at the Center for Ethics and Entrepreneurship and Senior Scholar at the Atlas Society, discusses fundamental philosophical concepts, specifically the nature of truth and how to navigate the modern landscape rife with misinformation and disinformation, during an interview with John on Dad Saves America.