Publishers Weekly
12/04/2023
This ho-hum treatise by Thagard (Balance), a philosophy professor emeritus at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, explores the dangers posed by misinformation. Outlining his “AIMS theory of information and misinformation,” Thagard suggests the former can be distinguished from the latter by attending to differences in “acquisition, inference, memory, and spread.” For instance, he contends that information is acquired through systematic observation and careful experiments, whereas misinformation relies on cherry-picked anecdotes and lies from fake experts. Thagard applies his theory to recent flash points, illustrating motivated reasoning’s role in “inferring” misinformation by discussing how purveyors of sham Covid-19 treatments are financially incentivized to cast skepticism on the efficacy of vaccines. Strategies for disabusing people of false beliefs include “motivational interviewing,” which involves using open-ended questions to discover the personal reasons an individual might have for believing a mistruth. To prevent misinformation’s spread, Thagard offers sensible if familiar recommendations, arguing that social media companies should “use recommendation algorithms that prioritize accuracy” and be held “liable for harmful misinformation.” Unfortunately, the prose is somewhat dry and the case studies showing how the AIMS theory applies to falsehoods regarding climate change, QAnon, the Russia-Ukraine War, and wealth inequality can feel a bit repetitive. This doesn’t bring much new to a widely discussed topic. (Feb.)
Yale Climate Connections
In Falsehoods Fly, a leading cognitive scientist and philosopher offers a new framework for recognizing and countering misleading claims by exploring the ways that information works — and breaks down. Thagard develops an innovative theory of how we gain information and provides practical, concrete strategies to stop the creation and spread of misinformation.
Lee McIntyre
Paul Thagard has done a great public service by writing such an accessible, comprehensive book on what many feel is the great scourge of our age: misinformation. I am delighted to see a philosopher of such stature take on this problem, bringing logic, crystal-clear prose, and a little hope to a topic that affects us all. This is public philosophy at its finest.
Sander van der Linden
In this important book, renowned philosopher Paul Thagard doesn’t beat around the bush: misinformation kills. But what is misinformation exactly? Thagard offers not only a bold new theory but also actionable solutions. A timely and compelling read.
Olaf Dammann
In his signature lucid and witty style, Paul Thagard offers a novel theory of misinformation—how it is generated and spread and how it can be fixed. His theory is rooted in a solid foundation and comes with a healthy dose of optimism that bullshitters and their "alternative facts" will not prevail. A refreshing perspective and satisfying read.
Cailin O'Connor
Falsehoods Fly gives a novel framework for thinking about the various mechanisms involved in the spread of misinformation. By breaking this process down into concrete stages, Thagard helps identify what makes people susceptible to false beliefs. He draws on the latest in cognitive science to identify where the processes of misinformation can best be interrupted and stopped. A range of current examples, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the Russia-Ukraine war, helps situate his arguments. This insightful book can help us all better understand ourselves and improve our ability to form good beliefs.
From the Publisher
In this important book, renowned philosopher Paul Thagard doesn't beat around the bush: misinformation kills. But what is misinformation exactly? Thagard offers not only a bold new theory but also actionable solutions. A timely and compelling read.--Sander van der Linden, author of Foolproof: Why Misinformation Infects Our Minds and How to Build Immunity
Falsehoods Fly gives a novel framework for thinking about the various mechanisms involved in the spread of misinformation. By breaking this process down into concrete stages, Thagard helps identify what makes people susceptible to false beliefs. He draws on the latest in cognitive science to identify where the processes of misinformation can best be interrupted and stopped. A range of current examples, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the Russia-Ukraine war, helps situate his arguments. This insightful book can help us all better understand ourselves and improve our ability to form good beliefs.--Cailin O'Connor, coauthor of The Misinformation Age: How False Beliefs Spread
In his signature lucid and witty style, Paul Thagard offers a novel theory of misinformation--how it is generated and spread and how it can be fixed. His theory is rooted in a solid foundation and comes with a healthy dose of optimism that bullshitters and their "alternative facts" will not prevail. A refreshing perspective and satisfying read.--Olaf Dammann, Tufts University School of Medicine
Paul Thagard has done a great public service by writing such an accessible, comprehensive book on what many feel is the great scourge of our age: misinformation. I am delighted to see a philosopher of such stature take on this problem, bringing logic, crystal-clear prose, and a little hope to a topic that affects us all. This is public philosophy at its finest.--Lee McIntyre, author of On Disinformation: How to Fight for Truth and Protect Democracy
