ABSTRACT
This chapter concerns the epistemology of reading texts and confronting fake news on the Internet. This transitions to assessing sources of information and separating facts from opinion. Then there is a discussion of what makes the online platform different from print media in their delivery of information. One critical key to discerning possible falsity is when one detects professional conflicts of interest. These should raise serious signs of caution. On the positive side, some aspects of how to form a successful web of belief are outlined. Some of the associated underlying principles of such a web concern an appreciation for the Law of Non-Contradiction and its real-life ramifications. Another critical concept is the contrast between complete and “out-of-context” presentations of primary source material. Some egresses errors in this regard are brought forward and discussed. Then, attention is turned to social media on the Internet. Some critical discussions include the effect of anonymity and how social media can engender the logical fallacy of argumentum ad populum. The chapter ends with a discussion of Internet trolls and e-commerce. Chapter exercises pull the chapter together.
