What is the epistemic crisis?

Question

• What is the epistemic crisis?
• What is the cause of the epistemic crisis?

Sources

• https://arnoldkling.substack.com/p/an-epistemic-crisis
• https://www.conspicuouscognition.com/p/americas-epistemological-crisis
• https://www.conspicuouscognition.com/p/elite-failures-and-populist-backlash
• https://www.natesilver.net/p/the-expert-class-is-failing-and-so

Answer from Wikle

An epistemic crisis is a state of profound uncertainty and discordance where the traditional methods and sources of knowledge are questioned, disbelieved, or entirely disregarded. It is a crisis of knowledge and belief, where people cannot agree on common facts or trust the institutions that provide information.

The causes of the epistemic crisis are complex and multifaceted. One key factor driving the crisis is the erosion of trust in institutions and experts, which has been amplified by the rise of social media and the internet. These platforms have democratized access to information, allowing anyone to publish and disseminate their views, regardless of their expertise or the veracity of their claims.

The crisis is also fueled by polarization, where people are more likely to believe information that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs and reject information that contradicts them. This is exacerbated by the echo chamber effect of social media, where algorithms feed users content that aligns with their views, further entrenching their beliefs.

Additionally, the crisis can be attributed to the failures of elites, particularly in the political and economic realms. These failures have undermined public trust in these figures as reliable sources of knowledge and truth.

Lastly, there is a sense that the rules of the knowledge game have changed, with a shift away from a reliance on expertise and institutions towards a greater emphasis on lived experience and personal narratives. This shift has further fragmented the knowledge landscape, contributing to the epistemic crisis.