Practice of argumentation in media philosophy

Abstract

This article aims to clarify the role of the use of argumentative practice in mediating, representing and commenting within media practices, as well as to expose the problems of manipulation and obstructing of critical thinking in this context. The article is mainly descriptive in nature. The author set the goal of formulating the problem, not proposing its solution. The author of the article used a number of empirical and general logical methods. In particular: description, analysis and synthesis, induction, abstraction, generalization, idealization, etc. Communication presupposes the existence of a common language for all the participants. The degree of mutual understanding in communication is strongly connected to shared semantics, syntax, symbolism and other elements of the language used by the participants. In addition to natural languages, human cultures employ complex systems of non-verbal symbolic communication, such as gestures, body language, and silence. In research, scholar focuses on the role of non-verbal communication in the context of media practices, putting it into a wider context of philosophy of communication and media practices. One of the topics seeks to explore in this context is manipulation. Manipulation in communication may take many forms, such as a shift in emphasis of reported content, substitution of meanings, false messages, conflicting signals, and distracting stimuli. These and other techniques are means of channelling the course of communication to a desired direction. The researcher has already started developing a philosophical analysis of manipulation methods. Humanity has accumulated experience in the public space of communication. It is ready for the practical implementation of the principles of free communication aimed at mutual understanding. At the same time, there are doubts in society about the possibilities of a cultural solution to the conflict. Argumentation theory failed to prevent war. The war proved that where argumentation is not possible, force speaks. The article emphasizes humanity’s ability to use tools of communication, diplomacy, and argumentation. It is much easier to resist violence with more communicators who are involved in the argumentation process. The degree of variability is increasing, which will inevitably lead from compromise to consensus. Critical thinking is what allows us to notice and counteract manipulation. The essence of critical thinking is the questioning dogmas and the rejection of authoritative communication style. Although a positive feature in itself, critical thinking may at times impede the acceptance of correct information and obstruct the accumulation of knowledge, thus lowering the overall efficacy of communication. Based on the philosophical concepts of objectivity and universality of truth, this article analyses the functioning of critical thinking in the context of contemporary media practices.