Title: Taking conspiracy theories seriously /
Authors: Dentith, Matthew R. X., 1977-
Year: 2018
Subjects: Conspiracy theories Philosophy.
Abstract: The contributors to this volume argue that whilst there is a commonplace superstition conspiracy theories are examples of bad beliefs (and that the kind of people who believe conspiracy theories are typically irrational), many conspiracy theories are rational to believe: the members of the Dewey Commission were right to say that the Moscow Trials of the 1930s were a sham; Woodward and Bernstein were correct to think that Nixon was complicit in the conspiracy to deny any wrongdoing in the Watergate Hotel break in; and if we either accept the terrorist events of 9/11 were committed by Al-Qaeda, or that the Bush Administration was responsible, then it seems we are endorsing some theory about a conspiracy to commit an act of terror on American soil. As such, there is no reason to reject conspiracy theories sui generis. This volume challenges the prima facie that conspiracy theories are irrational beliefs, arguing that we should treat conspiracy theories and the phenomena of conspiracy theories seriously. It presents fresh perspectives from the wider philosophical, sociological and psychological community on what is becoming an issue of increasing relevance in our time. -- Provided by publisher.
Contents: Introduction / M R.X. Dentith -- The particularist turn in the philosophy of conspiracy theories -- When inferring to a conspiracy might be the best explanation / M R.X. Dentith -- Conspiracy theory and the perils of pure particularism / Patrick Stokes -- Conspiracy theory particularism, both epistemic and moral, versus generalism / Lee Basham -- What particularism about conspiracy theories entails / M R.X. Dentith -- Diagnosing conspiracy theory theorists -- The conspiracy theory theorists and their attitude to conspiracy theory / M R.X. Dentith -- The psychologists' conspiracy panic : they seek to cure everyone / Lee Basham and M R.X. Dentith -- Social scientists and pathologizing conspiracy theorizing / Lee Basham -- Governing with feeling : conspiracy theories, contempt, and affective governmentality / Ginna Husting -- Conspiracy theorists and social scientists / Kurtis Hagen -- Clearing up some conceptual confusions about conspiracy theory theorizing / Martin Orr and M R.X. Dentith -- To measure or not to measure? psychometrics and conspiracy theories / Marius Raab -- Anti-rumor campaigns and conspiracy-baiting as propaganda / David Coady -- On some moral costs of conspiracy theory / Patrick Stokes1 -- Conspiracy theories, deplorables and defectibility : a reply to patrick stokes / Charles Pigden -- Taking conspiracy theories seriously and investigating them / M R.X. Dentith.