Dialogue Instead of Facts: Let the Truth Be

This chapter argues that discussing facts in public discussion is depoliticizing. At the same time, presenting facts in public discussion is always politically motivated, which means that, in public discussion, we are not trying to uncover the truth, but we use claims about facts as a rhetorical means. To counter the fact-claiming rhetoric sometimes utilizing mis- and disinformation and to reveal the political elements in public discussion in media, I suggest that we ought to speak dialogically: not presenting facts but stating our values and aims. I do not question the view that the spread of false information is a problem for public discussion, but I question the view that concentrating on information is the best way to deal with this problem.