Conspiracy theories: the philosophical debate

Aimed at a broad philosophical community, including epistemologists, political philosophers, and philosophers of history, this title contributes to the interdisciplinary debate about conspiracy theories

"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."

Originally published: Aldershot: Ashgate, 2006. Reissued 2018 by Routledge

Foreword; An Introduction to the Philosophical Debate about Conspiracy Theories, David Coady; The Conspiracy Theory of Society, Karl R. Popper; Popper revisited, or What is Wrong with Conspiracy Theories?, Charles Pigden; Of conspiracy theories, Brian L. Keeley; Living with the conspiracy, Lee Basham; Conspiracy Theories and Conspiracy Theorizing, Steve Clarke; Malevolent global conspiracy, Lee Basham; Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition! More Thoughts on Conspiracy Theory, Brian L. Keeley; Conspiracy Theories and Official Stories, David Coady; Appealing to the Fundamental Attribution Error: Was it All a Big Mistake?, Steve Clarke; Afterthoughts on conspiracy theory: resilience and ubiquity, Lee Basham; Complots of mischief, Charles Pigden; The Pragmatic Rejection of Conspiracy Theories, David Coady; Index