Escaping the Rabbit Hole

Escaping the Rabbit Hole

Author: Mick West

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2023-06-20

Total Pages: 501

ISBN-13: 1510776389

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Revised and updated for the first time in 2023—Now includes strategies for debunking conspiracies regarding the coronavirus pandemic, election fraud, QAnon, UFOs, and more. The Earth is flat, the World Trade Center collapse was a controlled demolition, planes are spraying poison to control the weather, and actors faked the Sandy Hook massacre. All these claims are bunk: falsehoods, mistakes, and in some cases, outright lies. But many people passionately believe one or more of these conspiracy theories. They consume countless books and videos, join like-minded online communities, try to convert those around them, and even, on occasion, alienate their own friends and family. Why is this, and how can you help people, especially those closest to you, break free from the downward spiral of conspiracy thinking? In Escaping the Rabbit Hole, author Mick West shares over a decade’s worth of knowledge and experience investigating and debunking false conspiracy theories through his forum, MetaBunk.org, and sets forth a practical guide to helping friends and loved ones recognize these theories for what they really are. Perhaps counter-intuitively, the most successful approaches to helping individuals escape a rabbit hole aren’t comprised of simply explaining why they are wrong; rather, West’s tried-and-tested approach emphasizes clear communication based on mutual respect, honesty, openness, and patience. West puts his debunking techniques and best practices to the test with the most popular false conspiracy theories today (Chemtrails, The Coronavirus Pandemic, 9/11 Controlled Demolition, Election Fraud, False Flags, Flat Earth, The Rising of QAnon, and UFOs)—providing road maps to help you to understand your friend and help them escape the rabbit hole. These are accompanied by real-life case studies of individuals who, with help, were able to break free from conspiracism. With sections on: the wide spectrum of conspiracy theories avoiding the “shill” label psychological factors and other complications (and concluding with) a look at the future of debunking Mick West has put forth a conclusive, well-researched, practical reference on why people fall down the conspiracy theory rabbit hole and how you can help them escape.


Book Synopsis Escaping the Rabbit Hole by : Mick West

Download or read book Escaping the Rabbit Hole written by Mick West and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2023-06-20 with total page 501 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Revised and updated for the first time in 2023—Now includes strategies for debunking conspiracies regarding the coronavirus pandemic, election fraud, QAnon, UFOs, and more. The Earth is flat, the World Trade Center collapse was a controlled demolition, planes are spraying poison to control the weather, and actors faked the Sandy Hook massacre. All these claims are bunk: falsehoods, mistakes, and in some cases, outright lies. But many people passionately believe one or more of these conspiracy theories. They consume countless books and videos, join like-minded online communities, try to convert those around them, and even, on occasion, alienate their own friends and family. Why is this, and how can you help people, especially those closest to you, break free from the downward spiral of conspiracy thinking? In Escaping the Rabbit Hole, author Mick West shares over a decade’s worth of knowledge and experience investigating and debunking false conspiracy theories through his forum, MetaBunk.org, and sets forth a practical guide to helping friends and loved ones recognize these theories for what they really are. Perhaps counter-intuitively, the most successful approaches to helping individuals escape a rabbit hole aren’t comprised of simply explaining why they are wrong; rather, West’s tried-and-tested approach emphasizes clear communication based on mutual respect, honesty, openness, and patience. West puts his debunking techniques and best practices to the test with the most popular false conspiracy theories today (Chemtrails, The Coronavirus Pandemic, 9/11 Controlled Demolition, Election Fraud, False Flags, Flat Earth, The Rising of QAnon, and UFOs)—providing road maps to help you to understand your friend and help them escape the rabbit hole. These are accompanied by real-life case studies of individuals who, with help, were able to break free from conspiracism. With sections on: the wide spectrum of conspiracy theories avoiding the “shill” label psychological factors and other complications (and concluding with) a look at the future of debunking Mick West has put forth a conclusive, well-researched, practical reference on why people fall down the conspiracy theory rabbit hole and how you can help them escape.

Debunking 9/11 Myths

Debunking 9/11 Myths

Author: David Dunbar

Publisher: Union Square + ORM

Published: 2011-08-02

Total Pages: 202

ISBN-13: 1588168557

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“9/11 conspiracy theorists beware: Popular Mechanics has popped your paranoid bubble world, using pointed facts and razor-sharp analysis.” —Austin Bay, national security columnist (Creators Syndicate) and coauthor of From Shield to Storm Decades after the World Trade Center disaster, rampant speculation abounds on what actually happened. Wild talk flourishes on the Internet, TV, and radio. Was the Pentagon really struck by a missile? Was the untimely death of Barry Jennings, who witnessed the collapse of Tower 7 and thought he heard “explosions,” actually an assassination? Not everyone is convinced the truth is out there. Once again, in this updated edition of the critically acclaimed Debunking 9/11 Myths, Popular Mechanics counters the conspiracy theorists with a dose of hard, cold facts. The magazine consulted more than 300 experts in fields like air traffic control, aviation, civil engineering, firefighting, and metallurgy, and then rigorously, meticulously, and scientifically analyzed the twenty-five most persistent 9/11 conspiracy theories. Each one was conclusively refuted with facts, not politics and rumors, including five new myths involving the collapse of 7 World Trade Center and four longstanding conjectures now considered in the context of new research. “A reliable and rational answer to the many fanciful conspiracy theories about 9/11 . . . What happened on 9/11 has been well established by the 9/11 Commission. What did not happen has now been clearly explained by Popular Mechanics.” —Richard A. Clarke, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Against All Enemies “Do you have a friend who emails you the most recent documentary ‘proving’ that a missile impacted the Pentagon or that timed explosions brought down WTC-7? Buy him a copy of this book. He’ll thank you later.” —The Weekly Standard


Book Synopsis Debunking 9/11 Myths by : David Dunbar

Download or read book Debunking 9/11 Myths written by David Dunbar and published by Union Square + ORM. This book was released on 2011-08-02 with total page 202 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “9/11 conspiracy theorists beware: Popular Mechanics has popped your paranoid bubble world, using pointed facts and razor-sharp analysis.” —Austin Bay, national security columnist (Creators Syndicate) and coauthor of From Shield to Storm Decades after the World Trade Center disaster, rampant speculation abounds on what actually happened. Wild talk flourishes on the Internet, TV, and radio. Was the Pentagon really struck by a missile? Was the untimely death of Barry Jennings, who witnessed the collapse of Tower 7 and thought he heard “explosions,” actually an assassination? Not everyone is convinced the truth is out there. Once again, in this updated edition of the critically acclaimed Debunking 9/11 Myths, Popular Mechanics counters the conspiracy theorists with a dose of hard, cold facts. The magazine consulted more than 300 experts in fields like air traffic control, aviation, civil engineering, firefighting, and metallurgy, and then rigorously, meticulously, and scientifically analyzed the twenty-five most persistent 9/11 conspiracy theories. Each one was conclusively refuted with facts, not politics and rumors, including five new myths involving the collapse of 7 World Trade Center and four longstanding conjectures now considered in the context of new research. “A reliable and rational answer to the many fanciful conspiracy theories about 9/11 . . . What happened on 9/11 has been well established by the 9/11 Commission. What did not happen has now been clearly explained by Popular Mechanics.” —Richard A. Clarke, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Against All Enemies “Do you have a friend who emails you the most recent documentary ‘proving’ that a missile impacted the Pentagon or that timed explosions brought down WTC-7? Buy him a copy of this book. He’ll thank you later.” —The Weekly Standard

Debunking Conspiracy Theories

Debunking Conspiracy Theories

Author: Anna Maria Johnson

Publisher: Cavendish Square Publishing, LLC

Published: 2018-12-15

Total Pages: 66

ISBN-13: 1502640473

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Thanks to websites and social media platforms, conspiracy theories are able to reach a wider audience today than ever before. Such theories both fascinate and alarm critical thinkers because they challenge media consumers of all ages to hone their media literacy skills. This volume introduces the basic critical thinking concepts needed in order to evaluate the credibility of conspiracy theories, such as those surrounding the September 11 terrorist attacks and allegations of "crisis actors" after mass shootings, as well as the skills needed to debunk such theories. Case studies and examples walk the reader step-by-step through the methods readers can use to process and evaluate information related to conspiracy theories, helping to separate fact from fiction.


Book Synopsis Debunking Conspiracy Theories by : Anna Maria Johnson

Download or read book Debunking Conspiracy Theories written by Anna Maria Johnson and published by Cavendish Square Publishing, LLC. This book was released on 2018-12-15 with total page 66 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Thanks to websites and social media platforms, conspiracy theories are able to reach a wider audience today than ever before. Such theories both fascinate and alarm critical thinkers because they challenge media consumers of all ages to hone their media literacy skills. This volume introduces the basic critical thinking concepts needed in order to evaluate the credibility of conspiracy theories, such as those surrounding the September 11 terrorist attacks and allegations of "crisis actors" after mass shootings, as well as the skills needed to debunk such theories. Case studies and examples walk the reader step-by-step through the methods readers can use to process and evaluate information related to conspiracy theories, helping to separate fact from fiction.

Voodoo Histories

Voodoo Histories

Author: David Aaronovitch

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2010-02-04

Total Pages: 397

ISBN-13: 110118521X

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"Meticulous in its research, forensic in its reasoning, robust in its argument, and often hilarious in its debunking... a highly entertaining rumble with the century's major conspiracy theorists and their theories." --John Lahr, National Book Critics Circle Award-winning author of Tennessee Williams From an award-winning journalist, a history so funny, so true, so scary, it's bound to be called a conspiracy. Our age is obsessed by the idea of conspiracy. We see it everywhere- from Pearl Harbor to 9/11, from the assassination of Kennedy to the death of Diana. In this age of terrorism we live in, the role of conspiracy is a serious one, one that can fuel radical or fringe elements to violence. For David Aaronovitch, there came a time when he started to see a pattern among these inflammatory theories. these theories used similarly murky methods with which to insinu­ate their claims: they linked themselves to the supposed conspiracies of the past (it happened then so it can happen now); they carefully manipulated their evidence to hide its holes; they relied on the authority of dubious aca­demic sources. Most important, they elevated their believers to membership of an elite- a group of people able to see beyond lies to a higher reality. But why believe something that entails stretching the bounds of probabil­ity so far? In this entertaining and enlightening book, he examines why people believe conspiracy theories, and makes an argument for a true skepticism: one based on a thorough knowledge of history and a strong dose of common sense.


Book Synopsis Voodoo Histories by : David Aaronovitch

Download or read book Voodoo Histories written by David Aaronovitch and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2010-02-04 with total page 397 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Meticulous in its research, forensic in its reasoning, robust in its argument, and often hilarious in its debunking... a highly entertaining rumble with the century's major conspiracy theorists and their theories." --John Lahr, National Book Critics Circle Award-winning author of Tennessee Williams From an award-winning journalist, a history so funny, so true, so scary, it's bound to be called a conspiracy. Our age is obsessed by the idea of conspiracy. We see it everywhere- from Pearl Harbor to 9/11, from the assassination of Kennedy to the death of Diana. In this age of terrorism we live in, the role of conspiracy is a serious one, one that can fuel radical or fringe elements to violence. For David Aaronovitch, there came a time when he started to see a pattern among these inflammatory theories. these theories used similarly murky methods with which to insinu­ate their claims: they linked themselves to the supposed conspiracies of the past (it happened then so it can happen now); they carefully manipulated their evidence to hide its holes; they relied on the authority of dubious aca­demic sources. Most important, they elevated their believers to membership of an elite- a group of people able to see beyond lies to a higher reality. But why believe something that entails stretching the bounds of probabil­ity so far? In this entertaining and enlightening book, he examines why people believe conspiracy theories, and makes an argument for a true skepticism: one based on a thorough knowledge of history and a strong dose of common sense.

Debunked!

Debunked!

Author: Richard Roeper

Publisher: Chicago Review Press

Published: 2008-06

Total Pages: 260

ISBN-13: 1556529708

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A breezy but fact-filled dissection of more than two dozen of the most popular urban legends and conspiracy theories of the 21st century.


Book Synopsis Debunked! by : Richard Roeper

Download or read book Debunked! written by Richard Roeper and published by Chicago Review Press. This book was released on 2008-06 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A breezy but fact-filled dissection of more than two dozen of the most popular urban legends and conspiracy theories of the 21st century.

Labyrinths of Truth

Labyrinths of Truth

Author: Alex Brown

Publisher: Alex Brown

Published: 2023-10-14

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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"Labyrinths of Truth" is not just a book but a journey through the intricate universe of conspiracy theories that have shaped history and continue to permeate our society today. In an age where misinformation can spread at an unprecedented speed, this text serves as an essential compass for anyone wishing to separate fact from fiction. From the dark corridors of the hidden power of the Illuminati to the controversial theories related to the COVID-19 pandemic, each chapter of the book delves deep into the origins, motivations, and impacts of the most famous and enduring conspiracies. But it's not just about telling mysterious stories: the work also addresses why people are so drawn to these theories and how these beliefs influence political decisions, perceptions of science, and trust in institutions. Through rigorous analysis and extensive research, "Labyrinths of Truth" also provides tools to debunk and confront these theories, emphasizing the importance of critical education and media responsibility in the era of post-truth. The dedicated sections provide insights into how popular culture, religion, and politics intertwine with conspiracy theories, giving the reader a 360-degree view of the phenomenon. In conclusion, the book looks to the future, reflecting on the fate of conspiracy theories in an increasingly connected and digital world. The bibliography section offers a treasure trove of additional resources for those wishing to delve deeper into the topic. "Labyrinths of Truth" is more than just a book to read: it is a manual for the citizen of the digital age, a guide for those who want to understand the complex world we live in and for those who aspire to build an informed, critical, and resilient society. If you've ever wondered why some people strongly believe in seemingly unfounded theories or simply want to equip yourself with the skills to navigate today's complex information landscape, this book is for you.


Book Synopsis Labyrinths of Truth by : Alex Brown

Download or read book Labyrinths of Truth written by Alex Brown and published by Alex Brown. This book was released on 2023-10-14 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Labyrinths of Truth" is not just a book but a journey through the intricate universe of conspiracy theories that have shaped history and continue to permeate our society today. In an age where misinformation can spread at an unprecedented speed, this text serves as an essential compass for anyone wishing to separate fact from fiction. From the dark corridors of the hidden power of the Illuminati to the controversial theories related to the COVID-19 pandemic, each chapter of the book delves deep into the origins, motivations, and impacts of the most famous and enduring conspiracies. But it's not just about telling mysterious stories: the work also addresses why people are so drawn to these theories and how these beliefs influence political decisions, perceptions of science, and trust in institutions. Through rigorous analysis and extensive research, "Labyrinths of Truth" also provides tools to debunk and confront these theories, emphasizing the importance of critical education and media responsibility in the era of post-truth. The dedicated sections provide insights into how popular culture, religion, and politics intertwine with conspiracy theories, giving the reader a 360-degree view of the phenomenon. In conclusion, the book looks to the future, reflecting on the fate of conspiracy theories in an increasingly connected and digital world. The bibliography section offers a treasure trove of additional resources for those wishing to delve deeper into the topic. "Labyrinths of Truth" is more than just a book to read: it is a manual for the citizen of the digital age, a guide for those who want to understand the complex world we live in and for those who aspire to build an informed, critical, and resilient society. If you've ever wondered why some people strongly believe in seemingly unfounded theories or simply want to equip yourself with the skills to navigate today's complex information landscape, this book is for you.

Debunking 9/11 Myths

Debunking 9/11 Myths

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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"A decade after the World Trade Center disaster, rampant speculation abounds on what actually happened. Wild talk flourishes on the Internet, TV, and radio. Was the Pentagon really struck by a missile? Was the untimely death of Barry Jennings, who witnessed the collapse of Tower 7 and thought he heard 'explosions," actually an assassination? Not everyone is convinced the truth is out there. Once again, in this updated edition, Popular Mechanics counters the conspiracy theorists with a dose of hard, cold facts. The magazine consulted more than 300 experts in fields like air traffic control, aviation, civil engineering, fire fighting, and metallurgy, and then rigorously, meticulously, and scientifically analyzed the 25 most persistent 9/11 conspiracy theories. Each one was conclusively refuted with facts, not politics and rumors, including five new myths involving the collapse of 7 World Trade Center and four longstanding conjectures now considered in the context of new research."--Publisher's description.


Book Synopsis Debunking 9/11 Myths by :

Download or read book Debunking 9/11 Myths written by and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "A decade after the World Trade Center disaster, rampant speculation abounds on what actually happened. Wild talk flourishes on the Internet, TV, and radio. Was the Pentagon really struck by a missile? Was the untimely death of Barry Jennings, who witnessed the collapse of Tower 7 and thought he heard 'explosions," actually an assassination? Not everyone is convinced the truth is out there. Once again, in this updated edition, Popular Mechanics counters the conspiracy theorists with a dose of hard, cold facts. The magazine consulted more than 300 experts in fields like air traffic control, aviation, civil engineering, fire fighting, and metallurgy, and then rigorously, meticulously, and scientifically analyzed the 25 most persistent 9/11 conspiracy theories. Each one was conclusively refuted with facts, not politics and rumors, including five new myths involving the collapse of 7 World Trade Center and four longstanding conjectures now considered in the context of new research."--Publisher's description.

The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories

The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories

Author: Jan-Willem van Prooijen

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2018-04-09

Total Pages: 124

ISBN-13: 1315525399

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Who believes in conspiracy theories, and why are some people more susceptible to them than others? What are the consequences of such beliefs? Has a conspiracy theory ever turned out to be true? The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories debunks the myth that conspiracy theories are a modern phenomenon, exploring their broad social contexts, from politics to the workplace. The book explains why some people are more susceptible to these beliefs than others and how they are produced by recognizable and predictable psychological processes. Featuring examples such as the 9/11 terrorist attacks and climate change, The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories shows us that while such beliefs are not always irrational and are not a pathological trait, they can be harmful to individuals and society.


Book Synopsis The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories by : Jan-Willem van Prooijen

Download or read book The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories written by Jan-Willem van Prooijen and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2018-04-09 with total page 124 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Who believes in conspiracy theories, and why are some people more susceptible to them than others? What are the consequences of such beliefs? Has a conspiracy theory ever turned out to be true? The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories debunks the myth that conspiracy theories are a modern phenomenon, exploring their broad social contexts, from politics to the workplace. The book explains why some people are more susceptible to these beliefs than others and how they are produced by recognizable and predictable psychological processes. Featuring examples such as the 9/11 terrorist attacks and climate change, The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories shows us that while such beliefs are not always irrational and are not a pathological trait, they can be harmful to individuals and society.

Debunked EBK

Debunked EBK

Author: Casey Lytle

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2022-09-27

Total Pages: 174

ISBN-13: 0744062748

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Head down the rabbit hole and feed your fascination for conspiracy and controversy. Conspiracy theories-they're influential and spread to sometimes irrational extremes. Why do people cling to conspiracy theories so powerfully? Is there a way to separate the possible from the impossible? Yes. Enter: Debunked. Conspiracy theories pop up surrounding every major national and global event-some are possible, some are not. TikTok influencer and psychology professor Casey Lytle will teach you how to be an intelligent consumer of "alternative" theories. Lytle's trademark "project management approach" will help you discern possible from impossible in the popular and controversial theories surrounding 10 national and global events. 9/11-No fewer than 10 alternative theories have gained traction. But let's evaluate: Did the Twin Towers really look like a controlled demolition? Would jet fuel have to melt steel for the towers to collapse? What would it take in hours and people to secretly plant enough explosives to bring the buildings down without being discovered, and without being set off by the impact and fires from the planes? All this and more in Chapter 7. COVID-19-The vaccine implants a microchip used to track people; the fatality rate has been wildly inflated; oh, and Bill Gates is not only responsible for the virus but also the head of a plot to use the virus as population control. School shooters-why are they so easy to explain, but so hard to predict? In what ways has the profile of a school shooter changed over the last 25 years, and what has caused those changes? Are school shootings a new phenomenon, or does the media simply make us more aware of them when they happen? The chapter will cover Sandy Hook conspiracy theories, as well as the psychology behind "truthers."


Book Synopsis Debunked EBK by : Casey Lytle

Download or read book Debunked EBK written by Casey Lytle and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2022-09-27 with total page 174 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Head down the rabbit hole and feed your fascination for conspiracy and controversy. Conspiracy theories-they're influential and spread to sometimes irrational extremes. Why do people cling to conspiracy theories so powerfully? Is there a way to separate the possible from the impossible? Yes. Enter: Debunked. Conspiracy theories pop up surrounding every major national and global event-some are possible, some are not. TikTok influencer and psychology professor Casey Lytle will teach you how to be an intelligent consumer of "alternative" theories. Lytle's trademark "project management approach" will help you discern possible from impossible in the popular and controversial theories surrounding 10 national and global events. 9/11-No fewer than 10 alternative theories have gained traction. But let's evaluate: Did the Twin Towers really look like a controlled demolition? Would jet fuel have to melt steel for the towers to collapse? What would it take in hours and people to secretly plant enough explosives to bring the buildings down without being discovered, and without being set off by the impact and fires from the planes? All this and more in Chapter 7. COVID-19-The vaccine implants a microchip used to track people; the fatality rate has been wildly inflated; oh, and Bill Gates is not only responsible for the virus but also the head of a plot to use the virus as population control. School shooters-why are they so easy to explain, but so hard to predict? In what ways has the profile of a school shooter changed over the last 25 years, and what has caused those changes? Are school shootings a new phenomenon, or does the media simply make us more aware of them when they happen? The chapter will cover Sandy Hook conspiracy theories, as well as the psychology behind "truthers."

Conspiracy Theories

Conspiracy Theories

Author: Quassim Cassam

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2019-11-01

Total Pages: 86

ISBN-13: 1509535845

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9/11 was an inside job. The Holocaust is a myth promoted to serve Jewish interests. The shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School were a false flag operation. Climate change is a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese government. These are all conspiracy theories. A glance online or at bestseller lists reveals how popular some of them are. Even if there is plenty of evidence to disprove them, people persist in propagating them. Why? Philosopher Quassim Cassam explains how conspiracy theories are different from ordinary theories about conspiracies. He argues that conspiracy theories are forms of propaganda and their function is to promote a political agenda. Although conspiracy theories are sometimes defended on the grounds that they uncover evidence of bad behaviour by political leaders, they do much more harm than good, with some resulting in the deaths of large numbers of people. There can be no clearer indication that something has gone wrong with our intellectual and political culture than the fact that conspiracy theories have become mainstream. When they are dangerous, we cannot afford to ignore them. At the same time, refuting them by rational argument is difficult because conspiracy theorists discount or reject evidence that disproves their theories. As conspiracy theories are so often smokescreens for political ends, we need to come up with political as well as intellectual responses if we are to have any hope of defeating them.


Book Synopsis Conspiracy Theories by : Quassim Cassam

Download or read book Conspiracy Theories written by Quassim Cassam and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2019-11-01 with total page 86 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 9/11 was an inside job. The Holocaust is a myth promoted to serve Jewish interests. The shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School were a false flag operation. Climate change is a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese government. These are all conspiracy theories. A glance online or at bestseller lists reveals how popular some of them are. Even if there is plenty of evidence to disprove them, people persist in propagating them. Why? Philosopher Quassim Cassam explains how conspiracy theories are different from ordinary theories about conspiracies. He argues that conspiracy theories are forms of propaganda and their function is to promote a political agenda. Although conspiracy theories are sometimes defended on the grounds that they uncover evidence of bad behaviour by political leaders, they do much more harm than good, with some resulting in the deaths of large numbers of people. There can be no clearer indication that something has gone wrong with our intellectual and political culture than the fact that conspiracy theories have become mainstream. When they are dangerous, we cannot afford to ignore them. At the same time, refuting them by rational argument is difficult because conspiracy theorists discount or reject evidence that disproves their theories. As conspiracy theories are so often smokescreens for political ends, we need to come up with political as well as intellectual responses if we are to have any hope of defeating them.