Philosophy vs Sociology of Propaganda

The article argues there are two distinct ways to treat propaganda: philosophers seek crisp definitions that classify communications as good or bad, while social theorists study propaganda as a system or technology that performs social functions (engineering consent, shaping stereotypes, maintaining order). McKenna shows these approaches can pull in different directions and that the sociological literature (Bernays, Ellul, Lippmann) provides practical insight missing from recent philosophical accounts. — How we conceptualize propaganda (definition vs function) changes what remedies, regulations, or civic responses we consider legitimate and effective.