Beyond Belief: On Disinformation and Manipulation

Abstract Existing analyses of disinformation tend to embrace the view that is intended or otherwise functions mislead its audience, is, produce false beliefs. I argue this doubly mistaken. First, while paradigmatic campaigns aim beliefs in an may some cases be only prevent audience from forming true Second, purveyors need not intend have any effect at all on their audience’s beliefs, aiming instead manipulate behavior through alteration sub-doxastic states. Ultimately, attention such non-paradigmatic forms essential understanding threat poses and why so difficult counter.