Difference between revisions of "Conspiracy theory"
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| − | + | ==Overview== | |
| + | [[category:concepts]]A [[conspiracy theory]] is, technically, any [[theory]] (formal or informal) which supposes the existence of a [[conspiracy]] of some kind. The term has gained a number of implicit connotations, however, which depart from this definition: | ||
| + | * The term is generally used in contrast to "the official explanation" of any given event, even if the official explanation itself involves a conspiracy (as in [[9/11]], where the official theory claims a conspiracy of [[Muslim]] extremists). Hence it has the connotation of not being officially accepted. | ||
| + | * There is a derogatory connotation due to the widespread belief that anyone who doubts an official explanation must be a "nutcase". Describing a theory as a "conspiracy" theory carries the implication that the theorist is credulous and the theory lacks credibility. | ||
| + | * The term is generally used when the conspiracy in question is ''high-level'', i.e. a conspiracy of people with significant power, authority, or influence who therefore command significant respect and trust from many people. Although the official theory to explain the events of 9/11 also involves a conspiracy, it is not generally referred to as a "conspiracy theory" because the individuals involved were private citizens with no special authority. | ||
| + | ===Related Pages=== | ||
| + | * [[conspiracy theories]]: a list | ||
| + | ==Links== | ||
| + | ===Reference=== | ||
| + | * {{wikipedia}} | ||
| + | * {{conservapedia}} | ||
| + | * <s>{{dkosopedia}}</s> no equivalent page (as of 2008-05-04) | ||
| + | * {{sourcewatch}} | ||
| + | ===Filed Links=== | ||
| + | {{links.tagged}} | ||
Revision as of 23:16, 4 May 2008
Overview
A conspiracy theory is, technically, any theory (formal or informal) which supposes the existence of a conspiracy of some kind. The term has gained a number of implicit connotations, however, which depart from this definition:
- The term is generally used in contrast to "the official explanation" of any given event, even if the official explanation itself involves a conspiracy (as in 9/11, where the official theory claims a conspiracy of Muslim extremists). Hence it has the connotation of not being officially accepted.
- There is a derogatory connotation due to the widespread belief that anyone who doubts an official explanation must be a "nutcase". Describing a theory as a "conspiracy" theory carries the implication that the theorist is credulous and the theory lacks credibility.
- The term is generally used when the conspiracy in question is high-level, i.e. a conspiracy of people with significant power, authority, or influence who therefore command significant respect and trust from many people. Although the official theory to explain the events of 9/11 also involves a conspiracy, it is not generally referred to as a "conspiracy theory" because the individuals involved were private citizens with no special authority.
Related Pages
- conspiracy theories: a list
Links
Reference
- Wikipedia
- Conservapedia
dKosopediano equivalent page (as of 2008-05-04)- SourceWatch
Filed Links
- redirect template:links/smw