EconTalk Jonathan Rauch on the Constitution of Knowledge
Aug 2, 2021
In this engaging discussion, Jonathan Rauch—journalist and author of "The Constitution of Knowledge"—delves into how society discerns truth in an era flooded with misinformation. He advocates for the restoration of institutional norms that support free speech and structured debate. Rauch examines the impact of financial incentives on media integrity and the erosion of ethical standards in various fields. He also tackles the role of the internet in shaping tribalism and urges a collective effort to uphold accurate information and foster healthier discourse.
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Branches of the Constitution of Knowledge
- The Constitution of Knowledge, like the U.S. Constitution, wasn't initially written down but evolved through norms and institutions.
- Its four branches are research, journalism, law, and government, all relying on rules and professionals.
Epistemic Funnel
- Most individual ideas about truth are wrong due to cognitive biases.
- The Constitution of Knowledge, like a funnel, filters many ideas through checks and balances to find the small fraction that advances knowledge.
Rapid COVID-19 Response
- In 2019, a new virus emerged, and within weeks, a global, decentralized network of experts spontaneously organized to address it.
- This rapid response led to the sequencing of the virus and a vaccine design within a year, showcasing the power of the Constitution of Knowledge.
