4 ms·
This is a motte and bailey argument. The motte: nobody is perfectly neutral, so no journalism can be perfectly objective. (true) The bailey: it is normal and
by haberman 3y ago
This is a motte and bailey argument.
The motte: nobody is perfectly neutral, so no journalism can be perfectly objective. (true)
The bailey: it is normal and reasonable for journalists to present a biased narrative without even attempting to find or mention relevant information that would contradict it. (false)
Objectivity is an ideal that, while impossible to perfectly achieve, can certainly be done better or worse, and is important for journalists to think about if they want the trust of the public.
- emodendroket 3y agoI only really see this as a relevant objection if the "omitted" information is such that it distorts what is actually presented. Is that the accusation? Or are they "biased" because they didn't publish this next to a counterpoint about how wonderful internal combustion engines are?
- zmgsabst 3y agoEmotional manipulation by only presenting a view which aligns with your desired policy outcomes — but not the contrast, eg that ICEs enable modern farming — is classic propaganda technique.
- viraptor 3y agoI'd add manipulation by picking phrasing you want to though... Like "ICEs enable modern farming". Machines/vehicles are one of the things that enable modern farming, it's ICE that's currently the most common power source for them - but ICE is just one implementation of it and can be replaced.
- deleted 3y ago[deleted]
- emodendroket 3y agoWhy does an investigative reporter need to tell me that fossil fuels can be used to operate a tractor? We knew that already. No investigation is required.