Whom do we trust when it comes to understanding the world? How do we decide what counts as reliable knowledge – and who gets to define it? In everyday life, we constantly depend on information to make decisions: which candidates we vote for, what causes we support, how we take care of our health, what media we consume, and how we engage with others. But especially in times of crisis and uncertainty, the question of where our knowledge comes from – and why we believe it – becomes crucial.

This seminar investigates the processes through which knowledge is produced, communicated, and legitimized in society. Traditionally, journalism and science have served as central sources of trustworthy information. But today, social media actors, online influencers, activist networks, and algorithmic systems increasingly shape what we know – and how we know it. These shifts challenge established forms of epistemic authority and raise new questions about trust, truth, and expertise.

We will explore how different actors – from journalists and scientists to alternative media and TikTok influencers – claim credibility and construct knowledge. Who are the new epistemic authorities? How does disinformation gain traction? And how do media logics and platform dynamics shape our perception of reality?

Building on research from communication studies, sociology, psychology, and philosophy, we will examine the dynamics of knowledge production in modern societies. Particular emphasis will be placed on knowledge practices that take place outside institutionalized science – including digital, collaborative, and community-based forms of knowledge creation and dissemination. What does it take to build resilient knowledge systems – and how can democratic societies strengthen their ability to navigate competing truth claims without losing their cohesion?

Coursework: active participation, preparation and moderation of a thematic unit

Examination/Assessment: creation and presentation of a scientific poster

Kurs im HIS-LSF