the-unbearable-asymmetry-of-bullshit

3/3/2016

In this thought-provoking essay, the author delves into the concept of bullshit and its prevalence in modern society. They argue that while lies are intentional falsehoods, bullshitting is a more insidious form of deception because it doesn't necessarily involve a regard for truth or falsehood. The author suggests that the asymmetry of bullshit lies in its ability to undermine and erode genuine discourse and intellectual integrity. They explore various examples of bullshit, from political rhetoric to pseudo-intellectual jargon, highlighting how it can manipulate public opinion and hinder honest and meaningful conversations. Ultimately, the author urges readers to be vigilant in distinguishing between genuine information and manipulative bullshit.

rhetoric ꞏ critical thinking ꞏ logical fallacies ꞏ rationality ꞏ deception ꞏ truth ꞏ epistemology ꞏ argumentation ꞏ cognitive bias ꞏ pseudoscience ꞏ sophistry ꞏ intellectual dishonesty ꞏ misinformation ꞏ disinformation ꞏ propaganda ꞏ manipulation ꞏ reasoning ꞏ skepticism ꞏ philosophy ꞏ scientific method ꞏ bullshit detection ꞏ bullshit ꞏ language ꞏ semantics ꞏ cognitive psychology ꞏ media literacy ꞏ persuasion ꞏ rhetoric techniques ꞏ fact-checking ꞏ critical analysis ꞏ logical reasoning ꞏ cognitive processes ꞏ information overload ꞏ media manipulation ꞏ conspiracy theories ꞏ evidence-based ꞏ critical examination ꞏ fallacies ꞏ cognitive dissonance ꞏ media bias ꞏ information evaluation ꞏ information literacy ꞏ critical reading