Description
Book SynopsisWorldwide, people are circulating damaging lies and falsehoods through powerful social media platforms that reach billions. They range from claims that COVID-19 is a hoax to the theory that vaccines cause autism. In Liars, Cass Sunstein argues that free societies must generally allow falsehoods and lies, which cannot be excised from democratic debate. At the same time, governments should regulate specific kinds of falsehoods: those that genuinely endangerhealth, safety, and the capacity of the public to govern itself. Sunstein concludes that government and private institutions, like Facebook and Twitter, currently allow far too many lies, including those that threaten public health and democracy.
Trade ReviewThis is a closely argued examination of lying and fake news, mainly in relation to US laws and organisations... He certainly shows it is a complex subject and offers some suggestions on how to deal with our Age of Deception without embracing Orwellian controls and restrictions. * Nigel Watson, Fortean Times *
Sunstein has provided an excellent foundation for understanding the possible roles that the legal system and private institutions in the United States can play, bearing in mind, all the while, adherence to the First Amendment. * Clay Calvert, Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Books *
A passionate and forceful argument from America's pre-eminent legal scholar that our law ought to do more to protect the public from the harms of falsehood. * Robert Post, Sterling Professor of Law, Yale Law School *
An increasing amount of what we hear and read is demonstrably factually false, and the acceptance of falsity has grave consequences for democratic decision-making. Drawing on legal doctrine, psychological research, and an impressive command of the dynamics of modern media, Cass Sunstein offers a sobering explanation of why factual falsity is increasingly prevalent in contemporary public discourse and why American free speech doctrine may do more to exacerbate than alleviate the problem. This book is essential reading in the modern political and media environment. * Frederick Schauer, David and Mary Harrison Distinguished Professor of Law, University of Virginia *
An insightful, balanced, and readable book, by one of America's leading legal scholars — whether you ultimately agree with its suggestions or not, you will learn much from its analysis. * Eugene Volokh, Gary T. Schwartz Professor of Law, UCLA School of Law *
Table of ContentsChapter 1: Lies and Falsehoods Chapter 2: A Framework Chapter 3: Ethics Chapter 4: Stolen Valor Chapter 5: Truth Chapter 6: Falsehoods Fly Chapter 7: Your Good Name Chapter 8: Harm Chapter 9: Truth Matters Appendix: Excerpts from Policies of Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube Acknowledgments
