What do you think defines intellectual dishonesty? I would include the following points: 1. Serious omissions. 2. Using weasel words. 3. Treating an opinion or theory as a matter of fact. 4. Looking for confirmation evidence. 5. Treating an controversial idea as though it is factual. EDIT: 6. Engaging in Obfuscation.
Depends really, some people are dishonest others are genuinely delusional and I think many are a mix of both really.
First of all I have some respect for Michael Moore as a documentary maker. I was listening to a radio program -available as a podcast- on his latest and he came in for some criticism for using out of date data. Michael Moore's divisive documentary So I would add using out dated data,or outdated scientific research (especially studies to have been shown to be fraudulant. Example would be Ancel Keys' 6 Countries Study).
I find may to be a rubbery term. I frequently see it used for the conclusion of some scientific study relating to human health. If something may be the cause, it also may not be the cause.
With respect to number 4- I’d say looking for confirmation evidence elicits confirmation bias…which is a no-no, for sure. Anyway, though, in answer to your original question- I think all of those things on the list come to just being plain old disingenuous. I think that adjective covers all of them…when a person certainly well knows better, and doubles down anyway.
Does anyone have examples of factually incorrect statements or intellectual dishonesty in the mainstream media? Send me a PM as I am starting a blog entry.
