Understanding Public Opinion by Walter Lippmann
The Formation of Political Beliefs and the Role of Experts In this episode, we dive into Walter Lippmann's Public Opinion (1921), where he explores how political opinions are formed. Lippmann argues that limited information, stereotypes, and self-interest play a significant role in shaping public perception. Using examples from World War I propaganda and political discourse, he illustrates how censored information and pre-existing biases influence how individuals perceive the world. The episode also examines Lippmann's critique of traditional democratic theory and his proposal for independent, expert organizations to guide public opinion, highlighting the impact of symbols and leaders in shaping collective will.