HOW TO MAKE SENSE OF CONSPIRACY THEORIES

HOW TO MAKE SENSE OF CONSPIRACY THEORIES

© copyright by Rob Ager Dec 2010

Read the full article or scroll down and watch the video version

Contents

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.

GO TO FIRST CHAPTER

Video version
(approx running time: 90 mins)

Part one
What is a conspiracy theory?

Part two
Is there any truth to conspiracy theories?

Part three
How do conspiracy theories affect society?

Part four
Who is and isn’t a conspiracy theorist?

Part five
How do corporate media sources decide what is and isn’t a conspiracy theory?

Part six A
What do academics have to say about conspiracy theories?

Part six B
What do academics have to say about conspiracy theories? (continued)

Part seven A
What do governments have to say about conspiracy theories?

Part seven B
What do governments have to say about conspiracy theories? (continued)

Part eight
How do I find out if a specific conspiracy theory is or isn't true?

Part nine
How should I use and respond to the terms "conspiracy theory" and "conspiracy theorist" in conversation and debate?