Was it a rumour?

Question

A rumour started about me today.

I am curious how people would feel if some of the biographical information in philosophy is rumour rather than factual. A question of how much do we trust the information that is passed around and accept as fact without ever checking the source?

Answer 1

A rumour is an unverified account or explanation of events circulating from person to person and pertaining to an object, event, or issue in public concern. It is easier to believe what you hear than to find out if it's really true or not. Unfortunately, that's human nature.

Answer 2

I didn't get ur question right. Is philosophy about facts or rumours? I always had thought that everything was right in philosophy because there are two sides to it, it's not about facts but feelings and feelings can be both ways.

And while talking about rumours, who bothers to check the source because there is hardly a concrete core of this snowball and so many times, it is not intended by the spreader, it emnates from some loose talk or action of some irresponsible person (and may be intended also) but spreads like wildfire depending upon the object. The magnitude also reflects how popular the object is because people get interested and add to the rumour mill more when the object interests them immensely. I have been a victim of this mechanism but it flatters also despite leaving a bitter taste in one's mouth.

Answer 3

Well, I can assure you that most of the folks on Y!A check sources religiously. If Wikipedia were a book with actual pages, they'd all be dog-eared.

To my knowledge, only one rumor has ever circulated about me, and my own children did it. They were teasing a nephew who considered me his favorite aunt, and they told him some pretty raunchy things about me.

They told me about it, but the damage was done. He believed them.

I don't believe they've ever done such a thing since. The nephew and I are no longer close, but we do still share a bond of sorts.

Answer 4

By source, do you mean the person who said it? Because even the highest esteemed scientist could lie to us all :P Instead all information should be validated through observation. Observing is experiencing which is the only way to know reality.

Answer 5

Rumors result from conflict, Either physically or personally.

And note there is always a gossip hound around to make sure it spreads like a disease. But then again, it shows you how many stupid people there are.

Answer 6

I do check my information. I catch and end rumors all the time. I'm a buzzkill.

Answer 7

gossip on a grand scale...