What is the epistemic crisis?

Question

What is the epistemic crisis? What is the cause of the epistemic crisis? What are some examples of elite failure the caused the epistemic crisis?

Sources

1. https://arnoldkling.substack.com/p/an-epistemic-crisis
2. https://www.conspicuouscognition.com/p/americas-epistemological-crisis
3. https://www.conspicuouscognition.com/p/elite-failures-and-populist-backlash
4. https://www.natesilver.net/p/the-expert-class-is-failing-and-so
5. https://samkahn.substack.com/p/its-the-epistemology-stupid
6. https://samharris.substack.com/p/the-reckoning
7. https://www.persuasion.community/p/why-the-media-moves-in-unison
8. https://unsafescience.substack.com/p/75-of-psychology-claims-are-false
9. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/10/28/jeff-bezos-washington-post-trust/
10. https://www.slowboring.com/p/elite-misinformation-is-an-underrated

Answer from Wikle

The epistemic crisis is a phenomenon where society is struggling to agree on what is truth and how to establish it. It represents a breakdown in the process of generating and validating knowledge, leading to a widespread distrust in institutions and an increase in misinformation (1,2,5).

Several factors contribute to the epistemic crisis. A significant factor is the failure of the expert class or elites to accurately predict and manage major societal events (4). This has led to a loss of public trust in experts and institutions, causing people to turn to alternative, often unreliable, sources of information (3). Another cause is the increasing polarization in society, where different groups have their own set of facts, further fueling the crisis (2). The advent of the internet and social media has also exacerbated the issue, providing platforms for the rapid spread of misinformation (5).

There are numerous examples of elite failures that have contributed to the epistemic crisis. One such failure is the expert consensus in psychology, where findings show that about 75% of psychology claims are false, leading to a skepticism of the field and experts in general (8). Within the media industry, the elite's tendency to move in unison, often pushing a singular narrative, has led to distrust among those who feel their perspectives are not represented (7). In addition, public figures like Jeff Bezos, owner of The Washington Post, have been accused of losing public trust due to perceived bias in media reporting (9).

The public discourse around the epistemic crisis is diverse and complex. Some argue that the crisis stems from an elitist disregard for the concerns of ordinary people, contributing to a populist backlash (3). Others emphasize the role of social media and the internet in enabling the spread of misinformation and the formation of echo chambers, where people are exposed only to views that align with their own (5). There is also a debate about the role of the media, with some criticizing mainstream outlets for promoting a specific agenda, while others highlight their importance in providing reliable information (7,9).

However, it is worth noting that not all sources agree on the causes or significance of the epistemic crisis. For example, some may argue that the crisis is more apparent than real and that skepticism towards elites and institutions is a healthy part of democratic discourse (3,4).

The epistemic crisis is a multifaceted issue that encompasses various aspects of society. Understanding its causes and potential solutions requires a nuanced understanding of the dynamics between the public, experts, and information platforms.