Conspiracy theories are more likely to be believed by those who frequently rely on their own intuition to evaluate what is real and what is not. Researchers at Linköping University in Sweden who looked at the connection between being susceptible to false information and thinking that the truth is relative came to that result.
Summary:
Two investigations were done by Linköping University researchers to investigate the link between acceptance of relative truth and propensity towards conspiracies. They discovered that people who believe in the subjectivity of truth are more prone to hold conspiracy theories, reject contrary information, and practice dogmatism. The research, which included subjects from Sweden and the UK, shed insight into the possible perils of a relativistic perspective on truth.
Key Findings:
Conspiracy theories and the acceptance of subjective truth are strongly correlated. People who believe that truth is subjective tend to ignore factual inconsistencies and give meaning to absurd sentences. Surprisingly, the idea of subjective truth is linked to dogmatism, implying a propensity to disregard other people's truths. According to the researchers, there are two types of truth relativism: personal truth (the idea that what you feel is genuine) and cultural relativism (the idea that one's culture or group determines what is true). Subjectivists are more prone to hold onto their convictions in the face of contradicting data and give a meaningful meaning to words that make no sense.
These findings have ramifications for political discussions, especially those involving education, because varying perspectives on the truth might underpin differences about instructional strategies and critical thinking abilities.
Overall, the research indicates that a focus on subjective reality may increase one's vulnerability to false information and may have negative effects in a variety of contexts, such as public discourse and education.
Two investigations were done by Linköping University researchers to investigate the link between acceptance of relative truth and propensity towards conspiracies. They discovered that people who believe in the subjectivity of truth are more prone to hold conspiracy theories, reject contrary information, and practice dogmatism. The research, which included subjects from Sweden and the UK, shed insight into the possible perils of a relativistic perspective on truth.
Key Findings:
Conspiracy theories and the acceptance of subjective truth are strongly correlated. People who believe that truth is subjective tend to ignore factual inconsistencies and give meaning to absurd sentences. Surprisingly, the idea of subjective truth is linked to dogmatism, implying a propensity to disregard other people's truths. According to the researchers, there are two types of truth relativism: personal truth (the idea that what you feel is genuine) and cultural relativism (the idea that one's culture or group determines what is true). Subjectivists are more prone to hold onto their convictions in the face of contradicting data and give a meaningful meaning to words that make no sense.
These findings have ramifications for political discussions, especially those involving education, because varying perspectives on the truth might underpin differences about instructional strategies and critical thinking abilities.
Overall, the research indicates that a focus on subjective reality may increase one's vulnerability to false information and may have negative effects in a variety of contexts, such as public discourse and education.
Pakistan's Conspiracy Theories: The Implications of Subjective Truth Beliefs
The study by Linköping University provides insightful information that is relevant to Pakistan's situation, where a propensity for conspiracy theories is common. Although the initial studies only included people from Sweden and the UK, their conclusions shed light on a wider issue. They show a direct link between embracing the concept of subjective truth and endorsing conspiracy theories. The existence of conspiracy theories among some Pakistani population segments may be explained by this correlation. People who believe that truth is subjective often ignore contradictory evidence and give significance to seemingly irrational claims, which strengthens their participation in conspiracy theories. Furthermore, the unexpected link between dogmatism and subjective truth shows that those who believe in conspiracies are resistant to other points of view. These results highlight the necessity of fostering media literacy and critical thinking in Pakistan in order to prevent the spread of false information, particularly in an environment where conspiracy theories are routinely accepted as fact. In conclusion, this study stresses the broader, cross-cultural implications of a relativistic perspective of reality and highlights the significance of encouraging critical thinking based on evidence and productive debate in public awareness campaigns.
Source:
https://neurosciencenews.com/truth-relativism-conspiracy-theories-23896/
https://neurosciencenews.com/truth-relativism-conspiracy-theories-23896/
