La actitud crítica de la filosofía frente a la posverdad

Abstract

This paper highlights critique as a philosophical virtue that allows one to take a stance against post-truth. The article is structured in four main parts. First, a brief analysis is made of the collapse of truth and the conceptual aspects of post-truth. The problem of post-truth is illustrated with two emblematic and current cases: Donald Trump's elections and the recent death of Charlie Kirk. Second, post-truth is considered in light of the complex relationship among its different dimensions; for this reason, an analysis is made of the social, cultural, psychological, and technological aspects that have enabled its emergence. Third, the discussion addresses how the critical virtue of philosophy has historically served as an “antidote” to appearance and falsehood; here, the classical confrontation between the sophist and the philosopher is highlighted, and it is also noted how, to some extent, they appear indistinguishable. A brief overview of criticism in modernity and its emancipatory importance in relation to the arts of governance is presented. Finally, an underexplored aspect of post-truth is shown, which should be taken into account in future analyses: the enthusiasm for libertarian discourses that liken elite fallacies to seemingly critical positions.