Abstract
National civil discourse is intricately tied to a unique epistemology – the theory of knowledge and resulting methodologies – of American journalism. The rise of digital technology platforms in a democratic society has resulted in an unprecedented battle for the hearts and minds of a pluralistic people. While the spectrum and veracity of individual opinion appears to have reached its extremes, reliable and truthful sources are rapidly disappearing in the digital age. During the early 20 th century, the American press engaged in a rich dialogue within communities and was recognized as a stimulator of public debate. However, a shift soon occurred: The professional journalist attempted to fill the role of the “expert.” This phenomenon in the industry marked the beginning of a media reputation soiled by entertainment and consumerism. The evolution of the press has shaped public understanding of facts, and the resulting gravitational pull toward highly subjective versions of truth can arguably be an unfortunate characteristic of modernity.
Recommended Citation
Dickerson, Currie
(2019)
"Epistemological Threads of American Journalism,"
Pepperdine Policy Review: Vol. 11, Article 3.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/ppr/vol11/iss1/3
