The P.I.E. of Truth: Slicing Through Reality

“Like DNA, stories can create new entities. Indeed, stories can even create an entirely new level of reality. As far as we know, prior to the emergence of stories the universe contained just two levels of reality. Stories added a third.  The two levels of reality that preceded storytelling are objective reality and subjective reality. [...] But some stories are able to create a third level of reality: intersubjective reality. Whereas subjective things like pain exist in a single mind, intersubjective things like laws, gods, nations, corporations, and currencies exist in the nexus between large numbers of minds. More specifically, they exist in the stories people tell one another.” Yuval Harari, Nexus (2024, pp. 24-25).

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In an age where artificial intelligence algorithms increasingly curate our information diet, humanity faces a paradox: Despite unprecedented scientific achievements—from landing on the moon to decoding DNA—we struggle to distinguish truth from fiction in our daily lives. This predicament, Harari argues, stems not from an inherent flaw in human nature but from the quality of information we gather and use to make decisions.

This article draws on insights from historian Yuval Noah Harari and sociologist Jürgen Habermas’s theory to present a framework for understanding our complex relationship with truth in an era of technological change.

The Three Layers of Reality

Harari frames reality as composed of three interrelated levels. Beyond the familiar objective reality of physical objects and the subjective reality of personal experiences, Harari posits a third level: intersubjective reality. This realm, created and sustained by shared narratives and beliefs, exists in the collective understanding of multiple minds and encompasses constructs like laws, nations, and currencies. Harari suggests that the power of these narratives lies in their ability to create new entities and even new levels of reality, particularly within this intersubjective domain.

Harari aligns his perspective with Habermas's theory of communicative action, which frames reality as consisting of three interrelated human interests:

• What is socially constructed? Intersubjective reality: The shared realm of human-created constructs that exist through collective belief
• What is given by Nature? Objective reality: The physical world of atoms, energy, and measurable phenomena
• What is neither natural nor social? Intrasubjective reality: Our private thoughts, feelings, and experiences

This social layer—intersubjective reality—proves particularly crucial in our digital age. 

Complex, Painful, and Costly

Harari's observation that truth is "complex, painful, and costly to obtain" resonates deeply in our current information ecosystem. Social media algorithms, optimized for engagement rather than accuracy, often amplify sensational content over verified facts. This creates what we might call the "engagement-truth paradox": content that drives engagement isn't necessarily true, and truth doesn't automatically generate engagement.

Simply providing more information proves insufficient; there must be a conscious effort to promote truth and fact-checked information in our information ecosystems. This challenge requires a more sophisticated framework for understanding and evaluating information.

The P.I.E. Framework

Throughout history, humanity has demonstrated remarkable adaptability to technological change. The P.I.E. Framework—inspired by Habermas's three knowledge interests—offers a comprehensive lens for navigating today's complex information landscape:

Practical Knowledge (The "We" Perspective)

• Focus: Understanding shared meanings, norms, and values that shape organizational perceptions
• Examples: Employee perspectives on service delivery, customer experiences, organizational culture
• Methods: Qualitative research through interviews, observations, and stakeholder engagement

Instrumental Knowledge (The "It" Perspective)

• Focus: Gathering objective, quantifiable data about operations and performance
• Examples: Website metrics, service usage data, financial indicators, operational efficiency measures
• Methods: Data analytics, organizational databases, performance dashboards

Emancipatory Knowledge (The "I" Perspective)

• Focus: Uncovering power dynamics and amplifying marginalized voices
• Examples: Insights from underrepresented groups, critical perspectives on organizational practices
• Methods: Participatory workshops, narrative inquiry, critical analysis of policies

Triangulating Reality

The traditional division between qualitative and quantitative research methods has long dominated how we understand reality. However, this binary approach often fails to capture the full complexity of human experience and social phenomena. The P.I.E. framework offers a more sophisticated alternative through its three-dimensional approach to understanding reality.

Consider a study about gender differences in workplace temperature sensitivity. A conventional approach might combine qualitative data (interviews about temperature preferences) with quantitative measurements (thermostat settings and complaint frequencies). However, this binary lens misses crucial dimensions of understanding. The P.I.E. framework reveals a richer picture:

• Practical data uncovers shared perceptions and cultural norms about temperature preferences
• Instrumental data provides physiological measurements and environmental metrics
• Emancipatory data examines power dynamics in workplace design and challenges assumptions about "normal" temperature ranges

This triangulation of perspectives leads to more nuanced insights than either qualitative or quantitative approaches alone could provide. For instance, while instrumental data might show minimal physiological differences in temperature sensitivity, emancipatory analysis could reveal how office temperature standards were historically set based on male metabolic rates, while practical data might illuminate how cultural norms influence temperature preferences.

By moving beyond the qualitative-quantitative divide and embracing all three P.I.E. dimensions, organizations can:

• Develop more comprehensive research methodologies
• Uncover hidden biases in traditional data collection approaches
• Design solutions that address both measurable outcomes and social equity
• Create more inclusive and effective policies that consider multiple perspectives

In an era of increasing complexity, this three-dimensional approach to understanding reality isn't just helpful—it's essential for creating meaningful and lasting change.

Looking Ahead

As we navigate emerging technologies—from artificial intelligence to quantum computing—the P.I.E. Framework helps us understand not just what technology can do, but how and why it should be implemented. The future of truth in our digital age doesn't depend solely on technological solutions but on our collective wisdom in applying frameworks like P.I.E. to curate, validate, and promote accurate information.

Through this integrated approach, we can work toward a future where technology amplifies truth rather than obscures it, ensuring that technological advancement serves human flourishing while promoting truth in our digital age.

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