The Philosophy of Conspiracy Theories

ISBN-13: 9781137363152 / Angielski / Twarda / 2014 / 190 str.

Matthew R. X. Dentith

Opis

Conspiracy theories are a popular topic of conversation in everyday life but are often frowned upon when it comes to academic discussions. Looking at the recent spate of philosophical interest in conspiracy theories, The Philosophy of Conspiracy Theories asks whether the assumption that belief in conspiracy theories is typically irrational is well founded.

The Philosophy of Conspiracy Theories is aimed at both the philosopher and the non-philosopher. The book is a qualified defence of belief in conspiracy theories, presenting the argument that belief in particular conspiracy theories can be rational. It covers such issues as: who might be consider a qualified conspiracy theorist; how do we analyse claims of disinformation; is our reliance on official theories a good reason to be suspicious of rival conspiracy theories; and what we should do when official theories and conspiracy theories are in conflict?

Spis treści

Foreword; Charles Pigden Acknowledgements 1. Introduction 2. Conspiracy Theory Theories 3. Conspiracies and Conspiracy Theories 4. Some Problems with a General Definition 5. Conspirators, and What They Want 6. The Public Trust 7. The Trouble with Authority 8. Should We Prefer Official Theories? 9. Evidence and Conspiracy Theories 10. The Inference to any Old Explanation 11. The Inference to a Conspiracy Theory 12. Conclusion: In Defence of Conspiracy Theories Bibliography Index

O autorze

Matthew R. X. Dentith is a New Zealand-based philosopher whose research includes analyses of why we have grounds to be suspicious of official theories, the reliability of the transmission of rumors and the role of trust in the acceptance of theories.