The Illusion of the Free Press

(Paperback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

This book explores the relationship between truth and freedom in the free press. It argues that the relationship is problematic because the free press implies a competition between plural ideas, whereas truth is univocal. Based on this tension the book claims that the idea of a free press is premised on an epistemological illusion. This illusion enables society to maintain that the world it perceives through the press corresponds to the world as it actually exists, explaining why defenders of the free press continue to rely on its capacity to discover the truth, despite economic conditions and technological innovations undermining much of its independence. The book invites the reader to reconsider the philosophical foundations, constitutional justifications, and structure and functions of the free press, and whether the institution can, in fact, realise both freedom and truth. It will be of great interest to anyone concerned in the role and value of the free press in the modern world.

Reviews

An interesting contribution to the ongoing discussion about the meaning of free speech, press freedom and the freedom of politics in general. (Translated from the original Spanish) -- Pablo Marshall, Universidad Austral de Chile * Derecho y Crtica Social *
One of the many virtues of John Charneys The Illusion of the Free Press is that it situates its analysis of truth-discovery in the midst of increasingly grim realities for 21st-century journalism Charney does a fine job of setting the scene for why we should all be concerned about the presss diminished state. He should also be commended for his clear organisation, lucid writing, creative argumentation and intellectual honesty in taking on such a challenging topic of scholarly research. -- Randall Stephenson * Oxford Journal of Legal Studies *

Author Bio

John Charney is Associate Professor of Constitutional Law at Pontificia Universidad Catlica de Valparaso.