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author: Alla Hotsaliuk


Urgency of the research. Over the past two decades, post-truth has proven to be an effective information tool. It has become most widespread in socio-political discourse as a means of argumentation, consolidation of efforts and social mobilization. Since the theoretical and conceptual understanding of the post-truth significantly lags behind the dynamics of its viral spread, the relevance of research efforts on pro et contra of the post-truth is beyond doubt.

Target setting. Although the temptation to use the instrumental possibilities of post-truth for the needs of democracy is not in doubt, the risks and dangers of such a step may significantly exceed the situational advantages. Therefore, this aspect needs a thorough analysis.

Actual scientific researches and issues analysis. Research efforts regarding the phenomenon of post-truth can be structured according to several profile directions, namely: according to meaningful and causal contextuality with the sphere of truth and truth, as well as with the specificity of knowledge in the modern era, with relativism, scepticism and anti-intellectualism; according to the specifics of the functioning of the modern information environment, as well as fake news and alternative facts; by the criterion of informational support for political and managerial decision-making, by resource status in modern media and social media.

The research objective. Understanding the expediency of using post-truth "under the auspices" of democracy and "for the needs" of democracy takes priority.

The statement of basic material. The services of the post-truth toolkit are used by all modern socio-political regimes, regardless of their place in the report card on democratic ranks, and the reason for this phenomenon is because the post-truth toolkit in many applied aspects has such a level of effectiveness that it is difficult for democratic norms and procedures to compete with. However, post-truth is unable to provide high-quality information advantages, and therefore in the vast majority of cases it leads to a loss both in the information support of the war and in the war as a whole.

Conclusions. The use of post-truth "under the auspices" of democracy and "for the needs" of democracy in the absolute majority of cases is connected with intentions to obtain situational, tactical and conjunctural advantages, which in a strategic sense lead to unprecedented negative consequences, with which the obtained situational advantages do not go no comparison. Another characteristic feature is related to the fact that advantages are situational (individual, group, corporate, party, etc.), and disadvantages are always societal and global.

Keywords: democracy, post-truth, information society, social consciousness, coherence, causality, socio-cultural determinism


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