Keeley defines a conspiracy theory as “a proposed explanation of some historical event (or events) in terms of the significant causal agency of a relatively small group of persons-the conspirators-acting in secret.” It’s a theory because it “proposes reasons why the event occurred.” Since some conspiracies have in fact been revealed-the 1972 Watergate break-in and cover-up, for instance, was a criminal conspiracy that led to the resignation of President Nixon-some conspiracy theories are warranted.Ĭonspiracy theories let us believe that things happen for a reason. Young people were slightly more likely to believe in conspiracy theories, but there were few significant correlations with gender, educational level, or occupational category. Black and Hispanic respondents were more likely to believe in conspiracy theories than were white respondents. Belief was correlated with anomie, lack of interpersonal trust, and insecurity about employment. People who believed in one conspiracy were more likely to also believe in others. So who believes conspiracy theories? One survey of New Jersey residents found that most people believed “that several of a list of 10 conspiracy theories were at least probably true.” The survey also found that: But conspiracy theories are something else altogether: overarching narratives of history that unify disparate elements and explains things neatly. There are conspiracies at every level of life, from intimate human relations to corporations and governments. ![]() The roots of the word “conspire” mean to “breathe together,” suggesting quite literally a group of people clustering together as they plot… something.
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