DISSECTING THE TRUTH

This term's focus on the subject of 'truth' supplied inspiration for a wide-ranging exchange of views when the Sheldonian Series returned on Tuesday 13 May.

Held inside the Sheldonian Theatre, an enduring motif throughout the discussion was the immense painting of the ceiling above everyone’s heads by Robert Streater. Its creation in the late 1660s aped a Roman theatre open to the sky, described by Sir Howard Colvin thus, ‘a vast crimson awning, revealing the triumph of the Arts and Sciences over Envy, Rapine and "brutish scoffing Ignorance"'. (Shown, right)

The discussion navigated the role of truth in contemporary life and the people who create it; the relationship between truth, news organisations and universities; and the impact of AI and the Trump administration.

The Sheldonian Series is a termly event that launched in Michaelmas 2024, convened by the Vice-Chancellor, aimed at promoting discussions about topical issues and informed by our commitment to free and inclusive speech.

Moderator on the night was Richard Ovenden OBE, Bodley’s Librarian and the Helen Hamlyn Director of the University Libraries, and Head of Gardens, Libraries and Museums at the University of Oxford.

Following the event, he said: 'Truth has been a key focus for academic debate and reach in Oxford since the founding of the University. Truth has never mattered more in Oxford than it does today. Last night’s discussion showed how Oxford continues to think hard about the notion of truth and its place in contemporary life.'

After an introduction by the Vice-Chancellor, panellists were invited to share their own insights into the fundamental concept of truth, its connection to facts, and whether we are now in a post-truth world.

The Trump administration became an early topic for discussion and featured throughout the evening’s deliberations with panellist Professor Kimberley Johnson, Professor of Social and Cultural Analysis at New York University and Visiting Professor of American Government at the University of Oxford, noting how truth and facts have become a subject of contention in American politics.

Speakers considered whether we are witnessing a digital sphere where truth is no longer a prized commodity.

Panellist Mitali Mukherjee, Director of the Reuters Institute at the University of Oxford, spoke of a breakdown in trust as well as disinformation in the news, and whether if, for many, a relationship with journalism is a search for truth.

Fraser Nelson, panellist and journalist at The Times, questioned the future of journalism if audiences cannot rely on it: 'The remedy to lies is truth, which is the essence of journalism. If we think lies are getting the upper hand, we need journalism more than ever.'

Nelson also contended that journalism is about the truth or it is not journalism at all.

Speaking after the event, Mitali Mukherjee added: 'Truth, trustworthiness and transparency are often the biggest questions that news organisations contend with. Over time, our research at the Reuters Institute for Journalism has shown that there has been a decline in trust in journalism, but it is not as dramatic as the decline in interest in news.

'News is in many ways critical information – and information is both power and privilege. When sections of the public lose interest in news or become "news avoiders" the risk is that politicians, journalists and those in positions of power also lose interest in them and the truth of their circumstances and experiences. If journalism sees itself as a public service, the first and most important step would be to build back a relationship with, and to remain accountable to its audiences, the public.'

A lively session of audience participation expanded the topic with questions that explored requirements for truth and the influence of human nature. Views around information as both power and a privilege, freedom of information, and young people getting news from digital influencers were developed further.

Artificial intelligence and its relationship with facts and whether it has the potential to be transformative were also examined.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey CBE FRS FMedSci noted at the close, speaking as a scientist, that academic truth proceeds more messily than is commonly understood, so that, for example, if one massive model of climate change is succeeded by different one, it does not mean that the authors of the first were ‘lying’, only that our evolving knowledge had expanded and overtaken what had been known before, typically with datasets so large only massive computing power can process them.

She added: 'It was wonderful to see so many in attendance at the last Sheldonian Series event of this academic year for a fantastic evening exploring the theme of "truth". The Sheldonian Series has proved a great forum for students, staff and alumni to come together for a lively exchange of ideas, and I would like to thank everyone who has made this first year such a huge success. I am very much looking forward to the Sheldonian Series returning in Michaelmas term with new subjects to discuss.'

Invited speakers:

• Moderator: Richard Ovenden OBE, Bodley’s Librarian and the Helen Hamlyn Director of the University Libraries, Head of Gardens, Libraries and Museums, University of Oxford;
• Panellist: Mitali Mukherjee, Director of the Reuters Institute, University of Oxford;
• Panellist: Professor Kimberley Johnson, Professor of Social and Cultural Analysis at New York University and John Gilbert Winant Visiting Professor of American Government, University of Oxford;
• Panellist: Fraser Nelson, journalist at The Times newspaper and columnist and editor of The Spectator from 2009-2024.