As a follow up to my recent post “Confusion, Ignorance, and Critical Thinking: Why Librarians Matter”, I came across an opinion piece written in response to Clive Thompson’s article which I also referenced, “Manufacturing Confusion” (Wired, Issue 17.02). Barry Berger replies, using Wikipedia as an example:
“Wikipedia does not build real knowledge through consensus anymore than religion or politics do. Please don’t confuse agreement among people–even after vigorous debate– as the attainment of real knowledge…”
Although I consider Wikipedia a reliable source, I do think this could be an excellent teaching point– especially when paired with Steven Colbert’s “Wikiality” example (which is currently disabled on the Wikipedia page, thanks to the wisdom of the Wikipedia police).
-LF
