Post-Truth: The Weaponization of Reality

Lee McIntyre demonstrates that post-truth is a deliberate political strategy rather than an accidental cultural shift. In the wake of the 2016 United States presidential election, the term “post-truth” transitioned from an academic concept to a defining characteristic of modern society. It refers to a phenomenon where emotional appeal and personal belief are prioritized over objective facts, often leading to the manipulation of truth for political gain.

While many view this as a byproduct of social media and cultural changes, philosopher Lee McIntyre argues that it is a calculated method aimed at exploiting societal divisions and eroding the foundations of democratic discourse.

The Roots of the Problem: Science Denialism

One prominent aspect of post-truth culture is science denialism. This is defined as the selective rejection of scientific consensus on critical issues such as: