Definition‑versus‑Function Propaganda Split

There are two analytically distinct ways to talk about propaganda: as a concept that needs a precise moral/semantic definition (the philosopher's project), or as a social technology with measurable functions and effects (the sociologist’s project). Confusing the two leads to category errors in research, policy, and public debate. — Recognizing this split changes how we legislate, regulate platforms, assess media harms, and design counter‑propaganda — because regulation tied to a vague 'definition' will miss the sociological mechanisms actually shaping opinion.