<![CDATA[This study examines the phenomenon of the erosion of knowledge authority in contemporary society, particularly within the post-truth era characterized by the weakening legitimacy of expertise and the growing dominance of public opinion shaped by emotion, identity, and personal preference. Scientific authority, which has traditionally been grounded in rationality, systematic methodology, and empirical verification, is increasingly questioned, especially in strategic issues such as public health, climate change, and digital technology. This research employs a qualitative approach through philosophical and epistemological analysis to identify the factors contributing to the delegitimization of scientific authority. The findings indicate that the erosion of knowledge authority is influenced by two primary dimensions: internal and external factors. Internal factors include cognitive biases, logical fallacies, and psychological tendencies that were classically anticipated in Francis Bacon’s concept of idols. External factors encompass the transformation of the digital landscape, social media algorithms, the attention economy, weak journalistic practices, and low levels of media literacy. The interaction between these factors creates a condition in which popularity often replaces credibility, and emotional narratives exert greater influence than rational argumentation. This study concludes that the crisis of scientific authority is not merely a failure of experts, but a broader epistemological problem embedded within the social and cultural structures of digital modernity. Therefore, strengthening critical literacy, revitalizing ethical scientific communication, and deep philosophical reflection are necessary steps toward restoring public trust in knowledge grounded in scientific methods.]]>
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