COD profs to discuss truth, beliefs, 'fake news'

The term "fake news" recently may have come into vogue, but the philosophical concept of what the truth is has been debated by academics for centuries.

Inspired by how often the truth is left by the wayside in modern political discourse, four College of DuPage philosophy professors are organizing a free panel discussion called "Facts, Fluff and How to Tell the Difference" Wednesday, April 5, at the Glen Ellyn school.

Jonathan D. Parsons, a COD adjunct professor of philosophy, said he and his colleagues will use the "fake news" concept as a catalyst to talk about the nature of truth and evidence.

Parsons said students often come to his class with the incorrect notion that philosophers merely state their opinions, rather than use evidence to make an argument.

"Beliefs should be based on the evidence available, and if there isn't any, then we aren't entitled to those beliefs," Parsons said.

The other panelists will be professors Peter Kanetis, Aaron Bartolome and Johnson Lawrence. Parsons said he and the others will speak about a specific topic for around 10 minutes each before opening it up to questions from the audience.

Parsons said they do a panel event like this every semester, but are receiving more attention than usual this time because of the subject.

The event starts at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, in the Health and Science Center, Room 1234, at 425 Fawell Blvd. For details, visit cod.edu.