Author/s: Mathew Toll
Affiliation/s: Postgraduate member, LCT centre for Knowledge-Building,
University of Sydney.
Abstract: Discussion of the role of the
blogosphere in propagating climate scepticism echoes the focus on
misinformation implicit in the deficit model. This characterization of the
climate sceptic blogosphere suggests an arena without rules or evaluative
logics. Yet this is not borne out by a cosmological analysis of climate sceptic
blogs. In this paper, preliminary research is presented on the legitimation
codes that underpin how ideal knowers and legitimate knowledge are construed on
the climate sceptic blogosphere. On the blogosphere there is a commitment to
unpacking the black box of science and evaluating it from the position that can
be characterized as a toxic knowledge code, a schema for the
legitimation of knowledge that emphasises the procedural component of knowledge
and deems illegitimate the trained gaze of contributory experts that involve
tacit insights and judgements. From this idealization of science evidence of
the social relations that underpin knowledge practices, interpretive latitude
in the construction of knowledge or tacit semantic density can undermine the
legitimacy of knowledge. The strength of epistemic relations advocated
impedes knowledge-building rather than strengthening it. Understanding these
idealizations of knowledge production can allow for a more complete
understanding of alternative modes of knowledge production and contestation
online. Ultimately allowing for more effective strategies of engagement with
online counter-movements.
