Pro Truth: A Practical Plan for Putting Truth Back Into Politics

by Gleb Tsipursky, Tim Ward

Overview

How can we turn back the tide of post-truth politics, fake news, and misinformation that is damaging our democracy? First, by empowering citizens to recognize and resist political lies and deceptions: Using cutting-edge neuroscience research, we show you the tricks post-truth politicians use to exploit our mental blindspots and cognitive biases. We then share with you strategies to protect yourself and others from these threats. Second, by addressing the damage caused by the spread of fake news on social media: We provide you with effective techniques for fighting digital misinformation. Third, by exerting pressure on politicians, media, and other public figures: Doing so involves creating new incentives for telling the truth, new penalties for lying, and new ways of communicating across the partisan divide. To put this plan into action requires the rise of a Pro-Truth Movement - a movement which has already begun, and is making a tangible impact. If you believe truth matters, and want to protect our democracy, please read this book, and join us. In the lead up to the 2020 US Presidential Election, Dr. Gleb Tsipursky and Tim Ward have teamed up to help citizens learn to protect themselves from lies, and empower them to put truth back into politics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781789044003
Publisher:	Hunt, John Publishing
Publication date:	05/29/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	271
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Dr. Gleb Tsipursky is the founder of the Pro-Truth Pledge (www.protruthpledge.com) and a well-known thought leader,best-selling author and scholar on fighting fake news, misinformation, and post-truth politics. He serves as the volunteer President of the Board of Directors of nonprofit organization, Intentional Insights, which popularizes truth-seeking, rational thinking, and wise decision making in politics, business, and other areas of daily life. He lives in Columbus, OH, USA. Tim Ward is the author of nine books, including Pro Truth, The Master Communicator's Handbook and the best-selling What the Buddha Never Taught. His travel stories have appeared in 13 anthologies, including several volumes of Traveler’s Tales Best Travel Writing. Tim is the publisher of Changemakers Books. He also co-owns Intermedia Communications Training with Teresa Erickson, his wife and business partner. They live in Washington DC

Table of Contents

Foreword 1

Preface 3

Acknowledgments 6

Introduction: Our Moment of Truth 8

The Pro-Truth Pledge 14

Chapter 1 Why Should We Care About Truth in Politics? 15

Chapter 2 The Behavioral Science of Political Deception: The 2016 US Election 37

Chapter 3 The Illusory Truth Effect 57

Chapter 4 The Decline of Mainstream Media's Influence 75

Chapter 5 The Rise of Online and Social Media - and Viral Deception 109

Chapter 6 Truth and the Tragedy of the Commons 140

Chapter 7 The Pro-Truth Pledge: Tilting the Scale Toward the Truth 156

Chapter 8 Rational Communication and the Backfire Effect 189

Chapter 9 Collaborative Truth-Seeking Instead of Argument 216

Conclusion: Building a Pro-Truth Movement 237

Glossary of Cognitive Biases, Mental Errors, and Other Important Terms 241

References 247

About the Authors 266