What is evidence in a post-truth society?

Evidence is fundamental to decision-making. As individuals, we make decisions based on information available to us, which often includes personal experience. Governments and lawmakers are faced with making decisions in our best interests, and data informing evidence is crucial. But experts, data, and evidence are increasingly being challenged and so-called alternative facts are more readily promoted, especially through social media and online news platforms. In this era of fake news and alternative facts, have we moved beyond facts into a post-truth society where emotions and ideologies trump expertise and reliable evidence? What's the way forward?

Facilitated by Liz Allen (CSRM), we'll hear from Eryk Bagshaw (Fairfax Media), Jenny Gordon (on leave from the Productivity Commission), Danielle Wood (Grattan Institute), and Glenn Withers (Australian National University) about the meaning and communication of evidence in contemporary society. The panel will delve deep into the role of evidence, evidence-building and expertise in a post-truth society.

This event is the inaugural Citizen Social Scientists seminar. The Citizen Social Scientists series is designed to encourage public discussion and promote awareness about data and methods of social research. The intended audience includes business and industry, policy-makers, academics, researchers, data users and the general public.  

Light refreshments provided.