HOW TO MAKE SENSE OF CONSPIRACY THEORIES

© copyright by Rob Ager Dec 2010

 

Watch the 90 minute condensed video version or read the more detailed article

 

Contents

  1. What is a conspiracy theory?
  2. Is there any truth to conspiracy theories?
  3. How do conspiracy theories affect society?
  4. Who is and isn’t a conspiracy theorist?
  5. How do corporate media sources decide what is and isn’t a conspiracy theory?
  6. What do academics have to say about conspiracy theories?
  7. What do governments have to say about conspiracy theories?
  8. How do I find out if a specific conspiracy theory is or isn't true?
  9. How should I use and respond to the terms “conspiracy theory” and “conspiracy theorist” in conversation and debate?

 

Foreword

This article has two aims. The first is to offer a basic understanding of social psychology in relation to what are now largely referred to as “conspiracy theories” and “conspiracy theorists”. I won’t attempt to discredit or prove any specific conspiracy theories because to do so would defeat my second aim, which is to offer a set of basic perceptual principles that individuals can use to make a reasoned, unbiased and logical assessment of any specific conspiracy theory they are presented with.

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