HI everyone,
I am trying to figure out what a logical or philosophical technical description is that describes the phenomenon of media spin.
For instance, most of us who are Objectivist are aware that individuals allow tidbits of philosophy into their mind through their interactions with the culture and in particular the media. Some tidbits are erroneous others aren’t.
As an example, suppose a media spokesperson is discussing labor unions in a context that presents them, "As desirable for an individual and “The American way”. The latter part appeals to an Americans patriotism and emotions.
I know that this is a non-sequitur and stolen concept, but is there a description for this technique that is discussed in logic theory or philosophical theory.
I am writing an essay about media spin and I am trying to show concretely how these techniques hypnotize or sway the observer into a desired philosphical outcome-communism for instance.
Thanks for your ideas!
Well, the basic truth is that it’s essentially impossible to have media with NO spin. There’s simply too much information to report everything, so the selection of sources, the way they’re presented, even how many articles you devote to a particular subject are all aspects of “spin”.
Part of the reason I prefer to get news from blogs as opposed to the MSM is the fact that bloggers are honest about their bias. They are only going to present news that they find personally interesting and they are going to analyze and present it in a way that they find intelligible.
I am not certain what you mean by allowing tidbits of philosophy into your mind, though. Everyone has a philosophy, so I think it’s more a case of them looking at the world based on their own personal philosophy rather than acquiring it on the spot.
Regarding “Tidbits of philosophy”:
Unless a person has dilligently sorted out their thinking process by conscious effort and ‘installed’ objectivism or other philosophy (whether good or bad for their life) for instance, they by default are operating with a smorgasbord philosophy. Generally, most people that I engage in philosophical conversations are drawing from an assortment of philosphical ideas. I am using the term “philosophy” loosley. In other words, they borrow a tid-bit from Shakespear, a bite from Jesus, and a morsel from their favorite buffet of media personalites: Sports figures, news casters, musicians, actors etc. They whirl this together into their synapses and Joila! They have created a shifiting psycho-epistemology.
Most people just use whatever particular bite tastes right at any given moment to support their world-view integration or I should say mis or dis-integration.
Regarding my first post on media spin, I am certain that there is a specific psycho-epistemological phenomenon
that is occuring in the same way you find “Orthodoxy” in a Church or heirarchical institution. I am certain that there must be a description for this phenomenon of “media spin”. I guess I will have to re-read Hurley.
This may be such a complex issue that it is more of a behavioural science issue than a philosophical one.