*CFP* "FALSEHOODS, MISINTERPRETATIONS & FACTUAL DIVERGENCE", THEMED SECTION, EXCHANGES JOURNAL

We operate in an age where arguably verifying information or checking a fact is a swipe of a smartphone away almost anywhere on the planet. As scholars, we pride ourselves in the veritas embodied by our writing, research and learned discourse. Yet in the drive to achieve impact, recognition and career esteem we may find ourselves driven to publish ‘positive’ results, rather than less ‘impactful’ null outcomes. Are we as researchers as guilty as anyone else for skewing the potential conversations, counterpoints or controversial elements in our work, or even suppressing ‘truth?’ Given that political and public discourse seemingly besmirches the ‘cult of expert’, preferring to rely on hearsay, rumour and ‘fake news’, what are research literature and current thought telling us about the importance of avoiding fakery within our disciplines?

Yet, are there moments when a ‘ripe falsehood’ can yield beneficial outcomes? Does it benefit the public if certain truths are withheld by the academy’s scholars, or at least, not fully disclosed? When does a distortion actually represent a necessary simplification and when does it become a problematic divergence from the factual base? Does a half-truth always equate to whole lie, or can genuine societal or cultural benefits be gleaned from omissions, misrepresentations or even full-blown falsehoods? Must empirical research always represent a quest for an objective reality, or is misrepresentation of insights in some way advantageous or constructive? Moreover, this is before considering how emerging technologies, such as AI, may already be reshaping public discourse and even cultural memory.

Hence, for the issue of Exchanges to be published Autumn 2020, we are inviting authors to submit original, exciting, insightful peer-reviewed research-based articles or critical reflections addressing some aspect of falsehoods, misinterpretations and factual divergences: however, your research, perceptions or epistemology might wish to conceptualise them.

Exchanges especially welcomes articles tackling this topic by multiple authors with contrasting positions or from disparate fields. The Editorial Board, and myself, are delighted to discuss article concepts or outline ideas further.

The submission deadline is Friday 1st May 2020

Manuscript Submission

All submitted manuscripts will undergo editorial scoping and formal peer review, ahead of acceptance. A team of early career scholars along with members of the journal’s Editorial Board will oversee the progression of all manuscripts, and provide a source of support for submitting authors.

The online submission form, along with supplementary guidance for potential authors can be accessed.

About Exchanges

Run by and for early career researchers, Exchanges has a mission to support and encourage the dissemination of original scholarly research from emerging authors. It is also dedicating to supporting and developing new authorial voices, alongside providing practical editorial and publishing experience to early career researchers. Published since 2013 by the renowned Institute of Advanced Studies at the University of Warwick, UK, the journal has a growing reputation for publishing insightful, interdisciplinary and international research.

To explore contributing to Exchanges’ forthcoming special issue contact Dr Gareth J Johnson (Editor-in-Chief) for further discussion. Or to find out more about the journal and other publishing opportunities, please visit our website or Twitter feed (@ExchangesIAS).

Dr Gareth J Johnson: exchangesjournal@warwick.ac.uk