In Search of Truth
By - Asangba Tzudir
Philosophy a subject, though unknown of its potency for many, also compounded by the fact that the subject is being taught in very few colleges and Higher Secondary Schools in Nagaland, yet, it is a subject that lies at the root of every subject including media. In this age of information which travels faster than thought itself, philosophy and media find themselves standing at a very delicate crossroads. While Media is being considered as the fourth pillar of democracy, it continues to be bogged down by the weight of misinformation, sensationalism, dramatization, moral panic and ideological polarization.
On the other hand, Philosophy understood as the love of wisdom, calls for reflection, reason in the pursuit of truth even as truth values becomes increasingly fragile in the public sphere that is increasingly ‘governed’ by the digital world. As such, the interaction between these two realms has become more relevant and crucial than ever. While the flow of information defines our times, the health of our societies depends not merely on the amount of information, but on the wisdom with which it is used.
Philosophy begins with wonder asking questions concerning what, when, where, why and how before accepting anything as true. This reflective inquiry is something which is ideal also for the media and thereby the need to embody this same spirit of inquiry. It can be said that Journalism at its best is philosophical in nature questioning appearances to distinguish real from virtual, seeks evidence, and demands clarity in the midst of confusions. The danger of this modern world for media is that it finds caught between immediacy and depth, emotion and reason, and virtual and truth. Passing over to the wrong side is like an entertaining fast food that is instantly satisfying but nutritionally or intellectually empty.
This is where philosophy can help engage the media critically serving as the conscience of communication, reminding both producers and consumers of their ethical responsibility. Critical questions such as “What is truth?” “What is justice?” or “What is a good life?” are not abstract questions but are central to how media frames reality. For instance, when headlines distort facts for the sake of inviting ‘clicks’, or narratives divide communities for profit, philosophy calls such practices into question.
While the media has an extraordinary power to shape collective consciousness, it defines who is seen and who is left out, which voices are amplified and which are silenced. And this is also where philosophical reflection can unmask the hidden power structures. Thinkers like Michel Foucault and Jürgen Habermas have shown that communication is never neutral and finds embedded in systems of power and ideology. Understanding this allows citizens to become more sensitive and perceptive as media consumers. This will also shield one from getting easily manipulated by propaganda or popular rhetoric. The challenge, therefore, is to translate wisdom without diluting it.
Thus, one can see that, both philosophy and media share a common mission which is the pursuit of truth in the greater service of humanity. Within this mission, it calls the media to rediscover its ethics and morals, and philosophy must continue to evolve and find newer ways to dialogue with the world. Clouded by information and misinformation, it is only when both work together that real understanding will emerge wherein information become wisdom.
(Dr. Asangba Tzudir writes a weekly guest editorial for The Morung Express. Comments can be emailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
