The scala naturae, or “great chain of being”, is an ancient idea that humans are a step above animals due to our supposedly unique attributes of reason and self-control. It delegates animals as lesser, more primitive beings that rely purely on instinct. It’s argued that this hierarchy could be the reason why people take great offense to being called an animal, as doing so implies they’re subhuman and lacking in human virtues.
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Research
Improving media literacy could boost trust towards the news, IMPRESS report suggests
The UK media is regulated by the likes of IPSO and Ofcom. The report by press regulator IMPRESS highlights the link between low levels of media literacy and trust in the news. The study found that three quarters of those who did not know if journalists were regulated did not trust the news. It suggests that improving media literacy is one way to stem the erosion of trust, and shows that audiences have an appetite for information on news processes. Stakeholders need to collaborate in order to rebuild trust in the news, and independent media is well placed to do this. Read full article here
Merv
February 1, 2023
