Politics, like religion before it, has taken aim at truth. It has weaponized philosophy (in the sense of traditional epistemology), and it has done so to amass power. Politicians now employ techniques usually found in philosophy circles — when their arguments and evidence fail, they challenge the foundation of any truth or certainty at all.

This has always been done. Why is it so widespread now? Because of economic conditions? In part, yes. In a happy and healthy society, there’s little need for scapegoating because there’s less general anger and frustration. Better conditions, less anger, less need to find blame; no major problems, no need for false solutions.

Grifters have always been around to offer easy answers and bogus solutions, especially when problems do arise. Hitler in the Weimar republic, the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages, etc. Donald Trump and his ilk are no different. Obvious con men. So then why is he president? Why are so many more people being fooled? Is it only economic conditions?

I don’t think so. I think it’s both economics and the overthrowing of media and institutions. It’s war on expertise and science. The little contraptions in our pockets — which one would think would result in more educated citizens — has helped this along and has resulted in more atomized citizens.

The drift between silos has become wider and more extreme, accelerated by social media and cell phones. But why are people so easily duped to begin with?

[This has been sitting in drafts and I never finished it, but since the forum is closing soon I’m throwing it out there.]