The Politics of (Post) Truth conference brings together academics, politicians, media practitioners, and members of the public in two days of collaborative exchange. It aims to revisit the prevailing understanding of what has popularly been labelled ‘post-truth’ politics. The conference brings together three, closely linked, disciplines – politics, philosophy and journalism – to explore new and shifting perspectives on this topic and establish an interdisciplinary understanding of ‘post-truth’.
The post-truth phenomenon raises difficult questions for politicians, philosophers and the public alike: have we lost trust in the media and other key institutions of the state? How might we rebuild it? Can we reassert the role of academic knowledge in contemporary political debate? How might politicians construct healthier political debate in the face of the corrosion of the ‘truthfulness’ of political, academic and journalistic discourse?
Responding to these questions, and in the shadow of the 2016 Brexit Referendum and Donald Trump’s presidential election victory, the conference explores the following key questions:
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How can we better understand ‘post-truth’? Does ‘post-truth’ represent a genuinely new form of politics? And if so, was there ever a ‘truth’ politics and what led to its collapse?
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What does the future hold for post-truth politics? What role, if any, do politicians, academics and the media have to play in ‘armouring’ politics against the perceived threat of post-truth discourse? Are we in danger of reifying a phenomenon that may not really exist?
In exploring these core questions, The Politics of (Post) Truth conference responds to the fact that this phenomenon has attracted significant popular commentary, but little in-depth analysis. The Politics of (Post) Truth challenges existing assumptions and examines shifting notions of truth in an age of increasing political volatility. The conference will be of interest to students, academics and media practitioners, and to anyone concerned by the direction of contemporary politics, journalism and philosophy. The Politics of (Post) Truth draws together different sectors of society and offers a unique opportunity to examine key socio-political questions and interrogate the emergence of the post-truth world.
Speakers
Confirmed speakers include:
- Dr Julian Baggini, Philosopher and Author, A Short History of Truth: Consolations for a Post-Truth World
- James Ball, Journalist
- Dr Jen Birks, Assistant Professor in Media, University of Nottingham
- Allie Elwell, Founder, Beyond Brussels Podcast
- Professor Steve Fuller, Chair in Social Epistemology, University of Warwick
- Dr Michael Hannon, Deputy Director, Institute of Philosophy, University of London
- Dr Darren G. Lilleker, Associate Professor in Media Communications, Bournemouth University
- Professor Chris Rojek, Professor of Sociology, City, University of London
- Hattie Schofield, Head of Communications, Simple Politics
- Professor Jane Singer, Professor of Innovation Journalism, City, University of London
- Professor Mark Wheeler, Professor of Political Communication, London Metropolitan University
- Professor James Williams, Honorary Professor of Philosophy, Deakin University
- Peter York, President, The Media Society
Student Bursaries
A number of student bursary places are available for this event, to help cover travel expenses. Please download an application form from the 'Downloads' box on this webpage, and send it to programmeteam@cumberlandlodge.ac.uk. A bursary covers all accommodation and travel costs.
Tickets
Single occupancy accommodation - £125
Shared occupancy accommodation - £85
Day delegate - £45
Cumberland Colloquia
This event has been organised by 2018's Colloquium Committee - (below, l-r) Laura Garcia, University of Kent, Tom Watts, University of Kent, Hannah Richter, University of Hertfordshire, Dr Chris Henry, University of Kent, and Guillermo Reyes Pascual, University of Kent.
Find out more about Cumberland Colloquia, and how to apply to organise an interdisciplinary conference at Cumberland Lodge with support from academic staff in our Programme Department, here.
The 2018 Cumberland Colloquium Committee.