A Political Theory of Post-Truth

This book combines political theory with media and communications studies in order to formulate a theory of post-truth concentrating on the latter’s preconditions context and functions in today’s societies. Contrary to the prevalent view of post-truth as primarily manipulative it is argued that post-truth is instead a collusion in which audiences willingly engage with aspirational narratives co-created with the communicators. Meanwhile the broader meta-framework for post-truth is provided by mediatisation—increasing subjection of a variety of social spheres to media logic and the primacy of media in everyday human activities. Ultimately post-truth is governed by collective efforts to maximise the pleasure of encountering the world and attempts to set hegemonic benchmarks for such pleasure.