ABSTRACT

Counter-knowledge comes from unverified sources of information such as hoaxes, rumours or partial lies. It creates an atmosphere of lack of trust that often leads individuals into making risky decisions. In contexts of high uncertainty, the flow of counter-knowledge is likely to increase. Although scientists and scientific institutions can provide knowledge based on evidence and verifiable facts, they may find it difficult to react to the proliferation of counter-knowledge which affects their own credibility. This paper adopts concepts derived from the knowledge management field to shed light on this problem. Examples from the recent history of Italy are discussed. Useful lessons for the public and policymakers are derived. These lessons become particularly relevant in the context of a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic, as the world experiences a combination of factors that provide a fertile ground for the emergence of both scientific knowledge and social counter-knowledge.

摘要

反知识来自未经证实的信息来源，例如恶作剧、谣言或部分谎言。它创造了一种缺乏信任的氛围，常常导致个人做出冒险的决定。在高度不确定的情况下，反知识的流动可能会增加。尽管科学家和科学机构可以提供基于证据和可验证事实的知识，但他们可能发现难以应对影响其自身可信度的反知识泛滥。本文采用源自知识管理领域的概念来阐明这个问题。讨论了意大利近代历史的例子。为公众和政策制定者提供了有用的经验教训。在 COVID-19 大流行等危机背景下，这些经验教训变得尤为重要，