09/16/2023
Can we want to live in a society that tolerates untruths, and thereby makes them the generally accepted opinion?
By Joerg M. Meyer, August 2023
Freedom of expression, as an essential foundation of the democratic order, allows every citizen to express their innermost thoughts and beliefs unhindered. In a society based on the principle of diversity and intellectual debate, as required in a democracy, this principle has paramount importance. At the same time, however, every citizen is obliged to exercise prudence and to exercise this freedom in respect for the norms of the rule of law. The line between a respectful exchange of views and exposure to hate speech or potentially dangerous speech requires a clear distinction.
Freedom of the press, for its part, represents a fundamental guarantee for an enlightened and informed community. Journalists, as vigilant guardians of the public, carry out the important task of reporting independently and critically on relevant events. The focus here is not only on disseminating information, but also on uncovering grievances, analyzing complex relationships and the resulting development of a responsible citizenry. The unhindered opportunity for press work acts as a counterweight to possible abuses of power and contributes to maintaining the transparency and accountability of state authorities.
In the same breath, the responsibility that comes with these freedoms underlines the need for them to be exercised responsibly and appropriately. Publishing information, whether in traditional media or in modern, digital spheres, requires meticulous fact-checking to avoid misinformation that could cloud public debate.
In today's technological era, in which the dissemination of information occurs in real time, the urgency to preserve the pillars of freedom of expression and freedom of the press is manifested. Governments and every member of civil society have a shared responsibility to protect and promote the exercise of these freedoms. Every citizen is called upon to be aware of these rights and to use them in a spirit of integrity and mutual respect.
As far as understanding the basics is a prerequisite for the following considerations:
The question of tolerance or active dissemination of untruths and their elevation into generally valid opinion touches on a central dilemma in the context of freedom of expression. It is essential to view this issue in a balanced light that reflects the balance between freedom and responsibility.
While freedom of expression is a fundamental principle of a democratic society, it also allows untruths or misinformation to circulate. This can indeed lead to problematic consequences by affecting public awareness, reinforcing prejudices or deepening social divisions. By tolerating untruths, the foundation could be laid for a distorted perception of reality, which in turn distorts public discussion and decision-making, thereby eroding the supports of a democratic society.
However, it is important to emphasize that tolerance of untruths does not necessarily mean that these untruths will become conventional wisdom. In an open society there is an opportunity to refute misinformation through well-founded facts and critical discussions. The use of reason, verification of sources, and careful analysis are critical to maintaining a nuanced perspective and identifying and refuting untrue claims.
The challenge is to find an appropriate framework that respects the freedom of expression but also includes mechanisms to detect and combat misinformation. This could include promoting media literacy, strengthening critical thinking and holding the media accountable for accurate reporting. In a society based on truthfulness and information, falsehoods may occur, but they should not be allowed to become the prevailing opinion because they will be refuted by an informed and intelligent public. In order to achieve this, the following requirements are necessary:
• A highly developed education system that gives citizens a broad general education and thus develops the ability to ask critical questions.
• A respectful debate culture in which even controversial topics can be discussed objectively and without indoctrinating elements with mutual tolerance.
• A highly developed moral and ethical value system, which is also developed and promoted through the education system but also through public debate.
