Date of Publication

2023

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts Major in Philosophy

Subject Categories

Philosophy

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Philosophy

Thesis Advisor

Mark Anthony L. Dacela

Defense Panel Member

Robert James M. Boyles
Napoleon M. Mabaquiao, Jr.
Elenita D. Garcia

Abstract/Summary

The topic of fake news has recently been receiving increasing attention due to its negative impact on our information environment. Although philosophers have different views on fake news, most would agree that our epistemic communities due to the presence of fake news, amplified by the advancements in our technology, have made it hard for agents to achieve positive epistemic status. There is a debate between educationists and structuralists on the possible approaches to combating(reducing the spread or mitigating the negative effects) the effects of fake news. The structuralists/institutionalists suggest that we should not focus on the epistemic agency of individuals, and structuralists like Fritts & Cabrera, Millar, and Rini, claim that the only way we can effectively address the problem of fake news is through intervention in the structural features of institutions that allow its proliferation in our information environment. In this paper, I will defend the educationist from the negative answer that educational approaches are ineffective against the effects of fake news. I will start the paper by first showing that the problem of fake news needs an urgent solution. I will discuss the debate between the structuralist and educationists and its implications, show the weaknesses of the structuralist camp and use this as a reason to focus on educational approaches. I will then argue why Alfano’s framework is compatible and then continue to analyze cases with instances of fake news. This would serve as a defense for the educationists since the improvement of one’s skills rooted in epistemic virtues is in essence part of educational approaches. I will then recommend Alfano’s SRCE as a starting point for the further development of other educational-based solutions.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Fake news; Virtue epistemology; Social epistemology; Educators

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Embargo Period

4-27-2023

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