The Philosophy of Misinformation and Disinformation: From Information Disorder to Epistemic Integrity in the Digital Age
Subject Areas : Philosophy of mind
Ramin Rambod
1
,
Hadi Samadi
2
,
شهلا اسلامی
3
1 -
2 - Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Law, Theology and Political Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University
3 - عضو هیئت علمی واحد علوم و تحقیقات تهران
Keywords: Misinformation, Disinformation, Social Epistemology, Motivated Reasoning, Culpable Ignorance, Epistemic Injustice, Psychological Inoculation,
Abstract :
In contemporary information ecosystems, the phenomena of Misinformation and Disinformation have evolved into a growing and multifaceted challenge that necessitates philosophical and scientific exploration. Aiming to understand the nature and impact of this phenomenon, this paper examines its dimensions across three main axes.
First, the historical evolution of strategic falsehoods is reconstructed, from Roman propaganda to the Deepfakes of the digital age. Next, by presenting a taxonomy based on intent, content, and medium, key distinctions between misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation are clarified, and the spectrum of content authenticity is addressed. Third, drawing upon social epistemology and cognitive psychology, the mechanisms through which false beliefs are formed and become resistant to correction (such as motivated reasoning, culpable ignorance, and epistemic injustice) are analyzed to explain the persistence of false beliefs and the continuing influence effect.
Finally, the article addresses the societal consequences of this information disorder on democratic deliberation, consensus reality, and trust in expertise. It concludes by offering multi-pronged recommendations for safeguarding epistemic integrity by combining cognitive virtues, psychological inoculation, and problem-based information literacy. This analysis identifies the epistemic crisis caused by disinformation as a threat to the health and stability of society.
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