Definition

Let’s start from the start.

Need to distinguish two close but different concepts.

Conspiracy theory - an attempt to explain harmful or tragic events as the result of the actions of a small powerful group. Such explanations reject the accepted narrative surrounding those events; indeed, the official version may be seen as further proof of the conspiracy.

The Conspiracy theory logical fallacy arises when individuals use resoning “Something is true because some hidden powers/organisations/overnments/corporations” are interested in this.

You see, again…

  • hidden powerful group causing something - that’s a conspiracy theory
  • something is true because hidden powerful group wants that - that’s a conspiracy theory logical fallacy

Conspiracy to take over the world

A little list of common annoing conspiracy theories is in the end of this article. Now let’s see into the meaning of these words.

Conspiracy theory - as a label

Recently in postmodern, post-truth, left-wing etc. views everything that challenges mainstream narrative is called conspiracy theory.

Come again. Everything. For example, when people show the evidence that something claimed to be “safe and effective” is actually “not safe” and “not effective” - Politicians and mainstream media call them “conspiracy theorists”. Which is actually wrong, because evidence presended showing not “hidden” but very prominent groups with clear stated interests sometimes corrupt.

Need to clear understand what Conspiracy theory is, otherwise wise all discurse would turn to (undeserved and dirty) name-calling.

Demise of the trust in governments

During recent pandemic some governments used that emergency to improse human rights restrictions like on

  • freedom of movement (lockdowns)
  • freedom of speech (the details on https://lighthousedeclaration.org/)
  • freedom of association
  • bodily autonomy (forgotten services segregation based on past medical procedures?)
  • and freedon to privacy is here too

Check the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights’s report.

And government officals freely used term “conspiracy theorists” to label unsupportive populace.

Demise of the science

and universities (Oh mein Gott! How could they!) actively participated in this providing censorship services. That’s when uneducated in some specific field people ban very knowledgeble ones on social media because… because… I don’t want to search for their motives and incentives. But at least one uni provided the platform…

Fact-checkers lab page at rmit

Official science including some peer-reviewed journals behaviour were rejecting articles not conforming with government narative. See the interview with prof. Norman Fenton - https://youtu.be/kv2MW8NTvFA?feature=shared , and the book “Fighting Goliath by Norman Fenton and Martin Neil”.

Conclusion on Conspiracy Theory Logical Fallacies

To repeat Conspiracy theory: A hidden powerful group causing something.

Conspiracy theory logical fallacy: something is true because hidden powerful group is interested in that.

Now just quickly have a look at a short list of common conspiracy theories:

Conspiracy Theories: A Descent into Madness

A conspiracy theory involves the belief that a secret group or organization is working together to achieve a hidden goal, often involving deception, manipulation, or harm. This occurs when someone claims that an event or phenomenon is caused by a secret or hidden group of people without proper evidence or reason.

Historical Examples

  • The Protocols of the Elders of Zion: This anti-Semitic text, dating back to the early 20th century, claimed that a group of Jewish leaders had devised a plan to control the world through a network of influential individuals and organizations. This conspiracy theory was used to justify persecution and violence against Jews worldwide.

  • The Moon Landing Hoax (1969): Some conspiracy theorists argue that NASA faked the Apollo moon landings to assert dominance over the Soviet Union during the Space Race. Despite overwhelming evidence supporting the landings’ authenticity, these claims persist.

  • The Kennedy Assassination: Theorists have long suggested that Lee Harvey Oswald’s assassination of President John F. Kennedy was not a lone gunman event, but rather part of a larger conspiracy involving the CIA, the Mafia, or even the government itself.

  • Another example is the “Red Scare” of the 1950s, in which Senator Joseph McCarthy and others claimed that communists had infiltrated all levels of American society, including government, media, and education 6. This led to a witch hunt-like atmosphere, with many innocent people being accused and blacklisted.

Modern Examples

  • 9/11 Truthers: A subset of conspiracy theorists claim that the September 11 attacks were either orchestrated or allowed to happen by the US government, often citing supposed evidence of controlled demolitions and lack of black smoke.

  • QAnon: This modern conspiracy theory posits that a group of high-ranking government officials and celebrities are working together to bring down the existing power structure and implement a new world order.

  • The Pizzagate Scandal: In 2016, a conspiracy theory emerged that Democratic Party officials were involved in a child sex trafficking ring operating out of a pizzeria called Comet Ping Pong. This led to harassment and threats against the pizzeria and its employees.

  • The Birther Movement: A conspiracy theory emerged during Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, suggesting that he was not born in the United States or that his birth certificate was fake.

Examples from Media

  • Social Media Algorithms: Platforms like Facebook and Twitter have been criticized for their role in spreading conspiracy theories. Their algorithms often prioritize engaging content, which can include sensationalist and unverified claims.
  • The “Fake News” Phenomenon: The proliferation of conspiracy theories about “fake news” has led to a mistrust of mainstream media, with some believing that news outlets are controlled by powerful entities or individuals.
  • Chemtrails: Some conspiracy theorists believe that the white trails left behind aircraft are “chemtrails” intentionally spread by governments or other organizations for nefarious purposes, such as population control or weather manipulation. Mainstream scientists refute this claim, explaining these contrails as harmless water vapor.
  • 5G and COVID-19: In 2020, conspiracy theorists alleged that the rollout of 5G networks was causing or spreading COVID-19. This false narrative led to arson attacks on 5G towers and threats against telecommunication engineers.

Examples from Schools

  • Creationism vs. Evolution: Some school boards have been accused of promoting anti-scientific ideas, such as creationism or intelligent design, in an attempt to undermine established scientific theories like evolution.

  • Climate Change Denial: A few people claim that climate change is either a hoax or a natural phenomenon that humans cannot affect. This belief is often linked to the idea that powerful corporations are hiding information about the causes of climate change.

Examples from Domestic Environments

  • The “New World Order”: Some individuals believe that a shadowy cabal of powerful people is working together to create a one-world government, often spreading fear and paranoia among family members and friends. We are not talking about “Great reset” here, no.

  • Paranoia about the Government: Conspiracy theories about government surveillance, mind control, or other nefarious activities have led some people to become overly suspicious of their neighbors, postal workers, or even the garbage collectors. No, governments don’t ever do any surveillance.

  • Paranormal Beliefs: Conspiracy theories often extend beyond politics and current events, encompassing paranormal phenomena like alien encounters or government cover-ups of extraterrestrial life. These beliefs can stem from a desire for meaning, control, or a sense of belonging to an exclusive group.

  • Flat Earth Theory: Despite overwhelming evidence supporting the Earth’s sphericity, some people insist it is flat. Proponents often rely on logical fallacies, such as strawman arguments or false dichotomies, to make their case. Serious? Anyone still talks about earth’es shape?

Conclusion

The conspiracy theory is a destructive force that can erode trust in institutions, individuals, and entire communities. By spreading unfounded ideas and demonizing those who question them, conspiracy theorists undermine critical thinking, foster paranoia, and perpetuate harm. It is essential to recognize the warning signs of this fallacy and address it with evidence-based reasoning, empathy, and understanding. Yes. We always need scientific evidence. A narrative is not a substitution to it.