UNLOCKED -- Myth of the Month 20: Conspiracy Theories

Historiansplaining: A historian tells you why everything you know is wrong

Where do conspiracy theories come from? Why do people believe them? What do they mean? Did the CIA drug people with LSD against their will? Is Queen Elizabeth a reptilian? We consider the merits and pitfalls of conspiracy theories, trace the history and evolution of the conspiratorial tradition from rumors about lepers in the 1300s to Alex Jones and Q-Anon, and examine the biases and double standards built into the very concept of “conspiracy theories.” This is it: the most thorough, fair, and impartial examination of conspiracy theories that you will ever find anywhere. Suggested Further Reading: Uscinski & Parent, "American Conspiracy Theories"; Kathryn Olmsted, "Real Enemies"; Jesse Walker, "United States of Paranoia"; Machiavelli, The Discourses, Book III; David Coady, "Conspiracy theory as heresy," in "Educational Philosophy and Psychology," 2021 Please join as a patron to help keep the podcast coming and to hear all patron-only lectures when they are posted! -- https://www.patreon.com/user?u=5530632