Truth in the Public Sphere

Reviews / Votes

In short, the authors of this book succeed in presenting the truth in different contexts communication, but also according to a variety of media (traditional and digital). [Translated from original French] * Communication * This is a splendidly feisty, well-researched, passionately argued, and urgently topical book. It stands foursquare in the great tradition of radical social critique that has long played a notable part in U.S. political debate and the revival of which has never been more desperately needed than at present. The editor and contributors do a fine job in dissecting the lies, deceptions, hypocrisies, corruption, criminality, and sheer stupidity that have typified the conduct of successive administrations over the past three decades and more. Writing in the shadow of Donald J. Trump's emergence as a presidential candidate they anatomize these features of policy and public discourse from a range of well-chosen philosophical perspectives which lay bare the depth and extent of the rot that has done so much to undermine the basic decencies of civic and political life. A courageous, bracingly intelligent collection that deserves-indeed demands-a large readership within and beyond the U.S. academy. -- Christopher Norris, distinguished research professor at Cardiff University, Wales Truth in the Public Sphere makes an important and timely intervention in debates about the accountability of political discourse to citizens' truths. Avoiding the simple realism/relativism binary and the rationalism that has characterized public sphere theory, the contributors (who are top scholars in the field) convincingly make the case for the study of the pragmatics of 'truth from below.' This book also features innovative work on the affordances of corporeality, aesthetics, and affect in unconventional and creative ways to theorize and enact truth. It includes compelling case studies from art, history, education, journalism, public relations, mass communication, and rhetorical studies, enabling an interdisciplinary conversation about one of the most urgent questions of our time. -- Dana L. Cloud, Syracuse University What is truth? This collection is a good place to stay for an answer. Not to resolve the direct question, but rather to take up important issues that define and test public thought. By starting with the paradox that truth is indefinable yet indispensable, the authors articulate a strong network of concepts and claims for understanding contemporary media practices. Struggle and agreement, facts and authenticity, candor and shamelessness, clarity and affinity: these and other elements of public culture are brought to the light that "truth" promises-even as it also obscures them. -- Robert Hariman, Northwestern University