No theory forbids me to say "Ah!" or "Ugh!", but it forbids me the bogus theorization of my "Ah!" and "Ugh!" - the value judgments. - Theodor Julius Geiger (1960)

Perceived Truths

Perceived Truths: Orientation in Times of Post-Factual Insecurity

Ortwin Renn has written a very nice book about the issue of a post-factual world.

Renn shows the impact of misinformation, thereby emphasizing the fragility of trust in the face of "errors" from authorities. He addresses challenges posed by stochastic events and the role of transparent and accountable organizations.

Renn discusses the manipulation of reality through projection and factual analysis. He shows the role of the internet in shaping perceptions. Renn explores media's influence on public perception; he stresses the need for critical thinking in the digital age.

Renn also provides insights into decision-making challenges, by examining cognitive biases, the role of intuition, and the influence of personal values. He writes about our echo chambers and advocates for a thoughtful and informed decision-making process, especially in addressing societal uncertainties.

The book explores strategies to address the legitimacy problem in political decision-making, while advocating for a shift towards deliberative democracy. Renn emphasizes the importance of participatory processes and open political discourse to enhance the democratic decision-making process.

Challenges are faced by traditional scientific research and Renn suggests a more integrative and transdisciplinary approach to policy consultation. He introduces the concept of an "analytic-deliberative discourse" to integrate scientific analyses into societal decision-making processes effectively.

Conclusion
"Gefühlte Wahrheiten" is a guide for dealing with the complexities of our post-factual era. Ortwin Renn offers valuable insights into trust-building, media literacy, decision-making, and the evolving role of science and politics. This book is a must-read for those seeking orientation in the midst of post-factual insecurity.