Callicoon Center

To the editor:

I hear all the time, people claiming that certain media outlets purporting to provide true information are guilty of dissemination of falsehoods. One should make the distinction between news and opinion but that is an aside from the basic discussion.

The notion of what is “truth” has a long history in epistemology, a branch of philosophy that studies the theory of knowledge. It is a tenet of this study that the verification aspect requires referencing other information which ultimately must chain down to some basic foundation of undeniable truth.

Some refer to a deity as the only source. For them the words of the Bible, or other works from God, is the only true source of knowledge. Speaking of false teachers, Jude 11 says, “They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.”

In other words, a false teacher can be known by his pride (Cain’s rejection of God’s plan), greed (Balaam’s prophesying for money), and rebellion (Korah’s promotion of himself over Moses). Jesus said to beware of such people and that we would know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:15-20).

It is difficult for me, however, to believe that reputable news organizations, labeled as “fake news” are motivated by pride, greed or rebellion.

Another branch, known as Skeptics, argue that objective truth can never be known, so the whole idea of what is truth and what is false cannot be verified. I lean this way. A healthy dose of skepticism and critical thinking go a long way.

Most people would claim that if a fact conforms to their evidential experience then it must be true, but as we know, people are easily fooled so what do they really know?

To conclude, I believe that when the “fake news” label is applied it is because it counters the beliefs of the labeler. In that case, this characterization is in itself is fake news.

But what do I know? Sigh.