Where do conspiracy theories come from? Why do people believe them? What do they mean? Did the CIA drug people with LSD against their will? Is Queen Elizabeth a reptilian? We consider the merits and pitfalls of conspiracy theories, trace the history and evolution of the conspiratorial tradition from rumors about lepers in the 1300s to Alex Jones and Q-Anon, and examine the biases and double standards built into the very concept of “conspiracy theories.” This is it: the most thorough, fair, and impartial examination of conspiracy theories that you will ever find anywhere.

Suggested Further Reading: Uscinski & Parent, "American Conspiracy Theories"; Kathryn Olmsted, "Real Enemies"; Jesse Walker, "United States of Paranoia"; Machiavelli, The Discourses, Book III; David Coady, "Conspiracy theory as heresy," in "Educational Philosophy and Psychology," 2021

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