Summary
Professor Schönbaumsfeld’s response to the Media Literacy Consultation underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive, systemic approach to media literacy in the UK, particularly to combat misinformation, conspiracy theories, and online manipulation. She strongly supports integrating media literacy across the entire educational spectrum, drawing attention to Finland’s example and urging the UK to adopt similar practices. Schönbaumsfeld highlights the importance of fostering intellectual virtues—such as intellectual courage and open-mindedness—early on, arguing that these virtues are foundational for resisting misinformation and fostering democratic resilience. She recommends rolling out online modules like “Navigating the Information Age,” developed in collaboration with Prof. Pritchard, across universities, schools, and adult education centres. Additionally, she proposes creating a Philosophy and Media Literacy GCSE and integrating lessons on intellectual virtues into primary education. Schönbaumsfeld warns that failure to achieve these aims would leave the population vulnerable to manipulation, radicalisation, and the undermining of democratic processes.
Author
Professor Genia Schönbaumsfeld, Professor of Philosophy, University of Southampton.
