Can Socrates Help Us With Fake News?

A Socratic approach to fighting misinformation

I have to be really careful writing this because I often think I am on the verge of a solution, but mostly they are half-arsed solutions. This, come to think of it, is why I am writing this. The idea that we have a half-arsed solution.

I am a firm believer in our right to speak our minds no matter what it is. One of the reasons I moved to the third world country of Britain is to exercise that right, although I may live in poverty and have no real way to actually get the visa money for next year.

I love that I can, for my work, tell the truth, bring statements, and speak freely without being attacked, threatened, or killed for it. It’s so liberating, and for someone who needs to let off the steamboat of words, this is so important. I don’t think true creativity can flourish in a place where your freedom of speech is throttled.

That being said, we are living in an incredibly difficult age where everyone has their own opinion, and the opinion can have branches and soon become a whole forest. This is happening more and more because of something called the social media bubble or echo chambers.

Social media is great at connecting people with similar opinions; it’s one of the greatest things that you can connect with someone with the same interests thousands of miles away, and it’s great. But while social media might connect you to people with the same opinion, it hardly does a good job connecting you to verifiable objective truths.

You can also create your own content, and now with AI, you can create entire personalities that are fake, and, well, for objective truth to be sexy, you must really want the truth a lot! At this point, it’s almost as if we are asking everyone to be Socrates. While Socrates might be dead by hemlock, his theory of figuring out truth from arguments is alive, and you can still do that. You can still debate and find the nugget of truth.

Here are the seven steps to thinking like Socrates and fostering an environment that encourages truth-seeking

1. Question Assumptions

“Why do you believe this particular news source is trustworthy? What evidence or criteria do you use to determine its reliability?”

• The Socratic method involves asking probing questions to uncover assumptions and challenge preconceived notions. In the age of fake news, where information may be presented with hidden biases, questioning assumptions becomes crucial. By encouraging individuals to critically examine the foundations of their beliefs, the Socratic method helps reveal any unfounded or biased perspectives.

2. Promote Critical Thinking

Can you provide reasons or evidence supporting the claims made in this news article? How might someone with a different perspective interpret the same information?

• Fake news often relies on emotional appeals and sensationalism. The Socratic method encourages critical thinking by asking individuals to provide evidence and reasoning for their beliefs. By fostering a habit of critical examination, people are better equipped to discern between credible information and misleading narratives.

3. Encourage Open Dialogue

Let’s discuss our different viewpoints on this issue. Can you share your perspective, and I’ll share mine? How can we find common ground or better understand each other’s positions?

• The Socratic method values open and constructive dialogue. In the face of fake news, where echo chambers,our social media bubbles and confirmation bias can thrive, promoting open conversations allows for the exchange of diverse perspectives. This openness can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of issues and contribute to a more nuanced view of reality.

4. Highlight Contradictions

I noticed you believe X, but earlier, you mentioned Y. Can you help me understand how these two views align, or is there a contradiction in your position?

• The Socratic method involves pointing out contradictions within a person’s beliefs. In the context of fake news, individuals may unknowingly hold contradictory views or be exposed to conflicting information. By examining these contradictions, the Socratic method helps individuals identify inconsistencies and encourages them to seek more reliable sources of information.

5. Fostering Humility

It’s okay not to know everything. What aspects of this topic are unclear to you, and what information might we need to seek out to gain a more comprehensive understanding?

• Socratic questioning often leads to the acknowledgment of one’s own ignorance. In the age of fake news, where misinformation can spread rapidly, fostering humility is essential. Encouraging individuals to recognize the limitations of their knowledge promotes a more cautious and discerning approach to information consumption. the best way to do it I feel is to acknowledge ones own limitations first.

6. Building a Foundation for Fact-Checking

Let’s fact-check this information together. Can we find multiple reliable sources that confirm the details presented in this news story?

• The Socratic method encourages individuals to question the validity of information presented to them. This naturally leads to a habit of fact-checking and verifying sources. In an era where misinformation spreads easily, developing strong fact-checking skills is crucial for distinguishing between truth and falsehood.

7. Stimulating Curiosity

I’m curious about the background of this news event. What additional information can we find to gain a deeper understanding? Let’s explore various sources to get a more complete picture.

• The final piece is to stimulate curiosity and a desire for learning. In an age of fake news, where misinformation can be tempting due to its sensational nature, cultivating a genuine interest in seeking the truth can act as a powerful deterrent against falling for deceptive narratives.