Philosophy of Conspiracy Theories

"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. It is a qualified defence of belief in conspiracy theories: belief in conspiracy theories can be rational in some circumstances. 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 tobe suspicious of rival conspiracy theories; and what we should do when official theories and conspiracy theories are in conflict? "--

List of contents

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

About the author

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.

Product details

• Authors: M Dentith, M. Dentith, Matthew R. X. Dentith
• Publisher: Palgrave UK
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 22.10.2014
• EAN: 9781137363152
• ISBN: 978-1-137-36315-2
• No. of pages: 203
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Philosophy > General, dictionaries; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Philosophy: general, reference works; Social sciences, law, business > Sociology > Sociological theories; B, Sociology, Political Philosophy, Epistemology, Social & political philosophy, Sociology, general, Social Philosophy, Crime and criminology, Crime & criminology, Philosophy: epistemology & theory of knowledge, Social sciences—Philosophy, Palgrave Religion & Philosophy Collection, Crime—Sociological aspects, Crime and Society