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TESTING A CONSPIRACY THEORY
The best Conspiracy Theories are nearly impossible to disprove. They can be discussed, debated and even ridiculed, but they can't be made to go away. Like disgraced politicians, some rise up again after decades of public hibernation. But people inclined to believe in these should, at the very least, apply some rationale when selecting which theories to believe in and which ones to discard. Below are a few suggestions.
ORIGIN: Where did the theory come from? Use your computer skills to track down the earlier versions of the theory. Note how it may have changed over time and try to figure out why the changes were necessary. Was the theory so outdated that it was proven silly and, therefore, needed to be altered? For example, earlier forms of a Conspiracy Theory may have called for something to happen on a particular date. When that date passed without incident, the theory needed to be revised. Who was the originator of the theory? Was it a Conspiracy Theory mill like JBS? What political leanings does the originator (and subsequent spreaders) have? Do you suspect that they have ulterior motives for promoting this Conspiracy Theory and others like it?
WHISTLE BLOWERS: The larger and more complex that a Conspiracy Theory is, the more people must have actual, personal, knowledge of its existence. It would be pretty impossible to disprove a Conspiracy Theory that included only a few people. But, for example, a conspiracy to dominate the planet and turn us all into pod people would most likely require many participants. Eventually, some of these people would come forward. A Conspiracy Theory without witnesses is usually a fantasy.
FINANCIAL ADVANTAGE: How much money are people making on the Conspiracy Theory? Of course, we live in an economy that values the making of money. But, be assured, that if a person or group's main source of income is through the promoting of a Conspiracy Theory they will NEVER give it up. Never. No matter how many times or ways it is shown to be false.
PARADOXES: Look for paradoxes within Conspiracy Theories. These paradoxes are often invisible to the uneducated person as they rely on common misconceptions - misconceptions possibly held by the original, uneducated starter of the theory. Example, does it really make sense that rich bankers would finance socialism when that ideology calls for taking the wealthy's money and power away?
BEWARE THE OBVIOUS: Similar to paradoxes, some Conspiracy Theories are so complex that simple and obvious questions go unasked. If a person claims that all-powerful alien pod people have secretly invaded the planet, why the hell wouldn't these alien pod people assassinate this big-mouthed, tattle-tale first?
LOGIC: Unfortunately, not much logic is taught to Americans unless they enter college. But there are long lists of "logical fallacies" available on-line. Some of the ones most present in Conspiracy Theories include; the False Dilemma (you are given a choice of two but they are both false), Circular Reasoning (the bible is the word of god; therefore, god exists because the bible says he exists), Post Hoc (it rained today because I washed my car yesterday) and Appeals to Fear, Pity, Popularity and Tradition. There are many, many more (and I've probably even used a few in this work). Learn logic and apply it to Conspiracy Theories.
EXPERT WEIGHT: Balance the number of experts for a Conspiracy Theory versus the number against. We can't all be learned in everything. Often, we have to rely on experts to give us important information and, even, conclusions. But the mass media requires that two sides of an issue be shown. This often means that discredited ideas are given equal weight during debate no matter how lopsided the experts stand on the issue. Global warming is a good example. Most people educated in the issue insist that it is a man-made phenomenon while a handful suggest otherwise. Of course, this doesn't mean that global warming is necessarily a product of humans. What it means is that the great majority of learned people who look at the scientific facts conclude that it is. They might be wrong, but the odds are in their favor.
UNDERSTAND THE TERM: A conspiracy is hidden. People aren't supposed to know about it. Don't confuse a conspiracy with a lie or even public policy. Several decades ago there were lots of claims from the far right that fluoride in our drinking water was a communist plot to brainwash and subjugate our population (actually, reality-television programs do that). But this was done in full view of the public with all the scientific details available. So, it couldn't possibly have been a conspiracy. Unless it was a sinister plot to make people's teeth less prone to cavities.
DESTINATION: Where does the Conspiracy Theory lead? Don't subscribe to any one of them until you've followed it along. Often, you'll find that the whole idea has been hijacked by people you don't want to be associated with. Be especially careful of the ones that lead to world-wide conspiracies led by Jews - neo-Nazis already have too many friends.
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