PH 353 - Truth & Propaganda: Ethics & the Media

The purpose of this course is to examine the nature of propaganda as it appears in various types of media. There are several guiding theoretical questions that we will explore: What is truth? What is propaganda? What is deception? If propaganda involves the manipulation of the message recipient’s beliefs, values, desires, etc., could it be effective without calling upon ideas or perspectives that people take to be truth? In other words, can propaganda function if it is devoid of truth? We will read philosophical theory on truth, perception, and deception, and we will examine examples of propaganda, in various media formats, as they relate to our political, economic, and cultural lived experiences.

Prerequisites: One 200-level Philosophy course or Permission of Instructor.

Full course