The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Season 12 Episode 2 Harry Frankfurt

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart season 12 episode 2 is a must-watch for those who are fond of political satire and analysis. The episode titled "Harry Frankfurt" is all about the renowned philosopher Harry Frankfurt, who is famous for his work on the concept of "bullshit."

The episode starts with Jon Stewart setting the tone for the night by talking about the level of discourse in American politics and how it has become increasingly challenging to identify the truth. He argues that politicians have mastered the art of mixing fact and fiction, making it almost impossible to distinguish between the two.

To address this issue, Jon Stewart brings on Harry Frankfurt as a guest for the night. Frankfurt is a professor of philosophy emeritus at Princeton University and has written a book titled "On Bullshit." In the book, Frankfurt describes the phenomenon of bullshit as the use of language to obfuscate the truth rather than convey it.

Frankfurt's appearance on the show is accompanied by a hilarious montage of politicians making ambiguous statements and dodging questions. Jon Stewart then proceeds to interview Frankfurt and asks him to explain the concept of bullshit in more detail. Frankfurt explains that bullshit is different from lying in that a liar is aware of the truth but chooses to misrepresent it. In contrast, a bullshitter is indifferent to the truth and says whatever is convenient at that moment.

Frankfurt's explanation of bullshit sets the stage for a series of sketches that highlight the absurdity of political discourse in America. One of the most memorable sketches features Jon Stewart interviewing a politician who responds to every question with nonsensical answers. The sketch is a hilarious critique of politicians who use language to avoid answering difficult questions.

Another standout moment of the episode is when Jon Stewart invites a group of experts to analyze a political speech. The experts include a body language specialist, a linguist, and a behavioral economist. Each expert provides their interpretation of the speech, but their analysis only reinforces the idea that politicians are skilled at manipulating language to serve their own interests.

Throughout the episode, Jon Stewart and Harry Frankfurt take jabs at politicians and the media for the deplorable state of political discourse in America. However, their critique is not limited to the world of politics. They argue that the ability to identify truth from fiction is increasingly challenging in all aspects of life, from advertisements to news reports.

In conclusion, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart season 12 episode 2 is a masterclass in political satire and analysis. The episode expertly deconstructs the phenomenon of bullshit and exposes the absurdity of political discourse in America. Harry Frankfurt's appearance on the show is a highlight, as he provides a nuanced perspective on the concept of bullshit. The episode is a must-watch for anyone who wants a better understanding of how language is used to manipulate and deceive.