In times of crisis, we search for ways to explain that which seems unexplainable. When things are out of control, we long for certitude over ambiguity, predictability over randomness, and decisiveness over indecision.
Many of us know someone who espouses crazy-sounding explanations about things that are going on. It really doesn't matter what the issue is. They get all worked up about it. And they have this almost condescending dogmatism - anyone who dares to disagree with them, is either uninformed, naïve, or just plain stupid.
A conspiracy theory is defined by Webster as: “a theory that explains an event or set of circumstances as the result of a secret plot by usually powerful conspirators.” A crisis, such as the pandemic in which we find ourselves, provides fertile ground in which conspiracy theories can sprout and spread.
Here are some features common to all conspiracy theories:
But for conspiracy theorists, all emerging facts are interpreted in such a way to fit the previously determined conclusions. Holders of conspiracy theories support their conclusions by appealing to the facts. In actuality, facts won’t alter the conclusions which are predetermined.
Into this zone of panic stepped Adolf Hitler who preached that Germany’s defeat resulted from having been “stabbed in the back” by Jews and Bolshevist sympathizers. He exploited his countrymen’s legitimate fears by illegitimately claiming that the Jews were to blame and, therefore, must be crushed. Having a desperate need to explain their out-of-control world, many Germans bought the theory.
But it’s a false security.
So, those are my thoughts about conspiracy theories.
I was on a social media site a day or so ago and saw someone respond to a friend who posted an article espousing some conspiracy theory. She replied, “Friend, you know I love you, but these posts are not helpful.”
She was so right.
Many of us know someone who espouses crazy-sounding explanations about things that are going on. It really doesn't matter what the issue is. They get all worked up about it. And they have this almost condescending dogmatism - anyone who dares to disagree with them, is either uninformed, naïve, or just plain stupid.
A conspiracy theory is defined by Webster as: “a theory that explains an event or set of circumstances as the result of a secret plot by usually powerful conspirators.” A crisis, such as the pandemic in which we find ourselves, provides fertile ground in which conspiracy theories can sprout and spread.
Here are some features common to all conspiracy theories:
Facts Made to Fit Conclusions
Here’s the way it’s supposed to work. We start with facts, form hypotheses, test those hypotheses, and draw tentative conclusions. And we’re willing to reconsider those conclusions if facts emerge that don’t support them.But for conspiracy theorists, all emerging facts are interpreted in such a way to fit the previously determined conclusions. Holders of conspiracy theories support their conclusions by appealing to the facts. In actuality, facts won’t alter the conclusions which are predetermined.
The Theory is Unfalsifiable
Conspiracy theories are hard to disprove because we lack direct evidence of their falseness. For example, the belief that a large, upright, hairy creature with big feet roams our wilderness areas is hard to disprove because we can’t empirically verify that such a creature doesn’t exist. So, technically speaking, Sasquatch could be real!Assumption of Sinister Motives
Most conspiracy theories work on the assumption that powerful and greedy big guys are out to get the unsuspecting little guys. They’re up to something and we’ve caught them at it. That’s why they’re called conspiracy theories because someone is conspiring to do us harm.Exploitation of Legitimate Fears
Post World War I Germany was a mess. The country had been defeated, its people were out of work, food was in short supply, the government was unstable, and inflation was stratospheric. Germans had legitimate reasons to be afraid.Into this zone of panic stepped Adolf Hitler who preached that Germany’s defeat resulted from having been “stabbed in the back” by Jews and Bolshevist sympathizers. He exploited his countrymen’s legitimate fears by illegitimately claiming that the Jews were to blame and, therefore, must be crushed. Having a desperate need to explain their out-of-control world, many Germans bought the theory.
Distortion of Reality
Once a conspiracy theory takes hold, an Orwellian world is entered where allegiance to the theory trumps allegiance to truth, leaving everyone in a state of constant confusion - where black is sometimes white and up is sometimes down. A conspiracy theory is like a magnet next to a compass making it difficult to get accurate bearings.Arrogance of the Theory Holder
Conspiracy theorists are quite certain they have it all figured out. Their humility muscles are non-existent, resulting in the position: I’m right You’re wrong. End of discussion.Allegiance of the Theory Believers
Conspiracy theories can’t accomplish their purposes without willing believers. Those who espouse these theories master the art of manipulating others to participate in their alterations of reality and are gratified when successful. Those willing to believe are gratified by the security that comes from having ways to explain the unexplainable.But it’s a false security.
So, those are my thoughts about conspiracy theories.
I was on a social media site a day or so ago and saw someone respond to a friend who posted an article espousing some conspiracy theory. She replied, “Friend, you know I love you, but these posts are not helpful.”
She was so right.
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