Üsküdar University Head of the Department of Internal Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Rector's Advisor Prof. Dr. Tayfun Uzbay was a guest at the event titled “The Science of Ignorance” organized by the Üsküdar University Medical Students Association Club. Uzbay, referring to the concept of “Post-Truth”, chosen as the word of the year in 2016; “The concept of Post-Truth is used to mean 'the art of managing perception by lying'. World politics is based on lying, and the perceptions of the masses are managed by these fake news stories. Because ethics are being abandoned in all areas of life, Post-Truth can be so prevalent on the agenda.” he said.
“The science of ignorance emerged with the digital revolution”
Uzbay, stating that ignorance and science are two opposing concepts, touched upon the foundation of the science of ignorance. Uzbay; “The science of ignorance is a concept that emerged with the digital revolution. One of the US Presidents, James Madison, said, 'Knowledge will forever govern ignorance. And a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.' With these words, Madison describes the current vision of the USA. If we want to be an independent country, we must produce knowledge and arm ourselves with the power that knowledge provides.” he stated.
“The powerful country is the one that produces knowledge”
Uzbay, stating that the countries with influence in the global system are those that produce knowledge; “Today, the world is struggling to coexist within the global system. In our era dominated by the capitalist system, when we look at the countries that govern the system, it is observed that they have an education system based on analytical thinking. These countries possess a strong cultural heritage and robust economies. In these countries, the legal system functions well, and ethical values are well-established in society. The common characteristics of these countries are their ability to produce new knowledge and to use the knowledge they produce correctly. Countries that do not possess these characteristics are plundered by developed countries and kept under control through perception management.” he said.
“Science has become commercialized”
Uzbay emphasized that science has become commercialized today; “Science is being sold by producing products that people want to buy. People are earning money from science through the patent system. According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to benefit from the healthcare system and to be healthy. However, the healthcare system is commercialized today. In the healthcare system, people cannot equally benefit from healthcare services.” he said.
“Post-Truth takes hold as ethics decline”
Uzbay, referring to the concept of Post-Truth being chosen as the “Word of 2016” in 2016; “The concept of Post-Truth is used to mean 'the art of managing perception by lying'. World politics is based on lying. In this process, the perceptions of the masses are also managed by these fake news stories. Because ethics are being abandoned in all areas of life, Post-Truth can be so prevalent on the agenda. Humans differ from other living beings with their autobiographical memory. People's perceptions are managed with false and distorted information. With news stories made in this style, people's perceptions are managed by telling them what they want to hear.” he said.