ABSTRACT

Conspiracy theories have a bad reputation. In the past, most philosophers have ignored the topic, vaguely supposing that conspiracy theories are obviously irrational and that they can be easily dismissed. The current philosophical interest in the subject results from a realisation that this is not so. Some philosophers have taken up the challenge of identifying and explaining the flaws of conspiracy theories. Other philosophers have argued that conspiracy theories do not deserve their bad reputation, and that conspiracy theorists do not deserve their reputation for irrationality. This book represents both sides of this important debate. Aimed at a broad philosophical community, including epistemologists, political philosophers, and philosophers of history. It represents a significant contribution to the growing interdisciplinary debate about conspiracy theories.

chapter Chapter 2|3 pages

The Conspiracy Theory of Society *

chapter Chapter 4|16 pages

Of Conspiracy Theories *

chapter Chapter 5|15 pages

Living with the Conspiracy *

chapter Chapter 6|16 pages

Conspiracy Theories and Conspiracy Theorizing *

chapter Chapter 7|13 pages

Malevolent Global Conspiracy *

chapter Chapter 9|13 pages

Conspiracy Theories and Official Stories *

chapter Chapter 12|28 pages

Complots of Mischief

chapter Chapter 13|4 pages

The Pragmatic Rejection of Conspiracy Theories