Conspiracy Theories By Maggie Koerth Baker Summary

Brian Keeley’s short essay, “Of Conspiracy Theories” discusses conspiracy theories and their value in an epistemological context. 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 (Keeley 1999, pg. 116).” Keeley seeks to answer the question of why conspiracy theories are unwarranted. His interest in the warrant of conspiracy theories focuses on ¬the unfalsifiability of conspiracy theories and how conspiracy theories are founded upon an extraordinarily large amount of skepticism. In section III, Keely discusses what a conspiracy theory is, and contends that there is no grounds for

2) What is the premise of the argument regarding Frank Capell and Jack Clemmons' conspiracy theory?

In the op-ed “Truth is in the Ear of the Beholder”, columnist Gregory Rodriguez explores the ways rumors form in accordance to our beliefs and anxieties, in order to bring light to society’s hypocritical and biased acceptance or rejection of rumors and conspiracy theories. Rodriguez argues that rumors only thrive in the minds of people who are willing to believe them. He then goes on to state that those who start rumors rely on the current beliefs and biases of their intentional audience.

In the world today there are events that happen and have stories untold. On the rise are many different twists that come about from events happening. “63 percent of registered American voters believe in at least one political conspiracy theory according to a recent poll conducted by Fairleigh Dickinson University” (“Theories Prosper”). There are many different conspiracy theories in the world today including, included in the top ten lists of conspiracy theories is the Sandy Hook elementary shooting, the Boston Marathon bombings, as well as the September 11th terrorist attacks. Ever wonder how a conspiracy theory comes alive and what is all needed to justify the meaning of a conspiracy theory?

Due to the limited resources and time constraints I cannot claim that the stated characteristics are the only factors of a conspiracy theorists. There are many factors that influence one to become interested in devoting ones life to counter-history. It is possible to deeply research the personal background of a large number of conspiracy theorists, but due to time and general interest, I will not be completing such a task. The ones who are discussed are those who had readily available information/ responded to the questionnaire that was sent (a total of three people where sent the questionnaire, two responded).

They demonstrate both sides and highlight the argument surrounding the 9/11 conspiracy theory. Firstly, the title is called Debunking 9/11 Myths, which is used similarly to the way “Zeitgeist” broke down the “9/11 myth.” Both sides are claiming that their opposing argument is overwhelmingly false. In Debunking, the text presents the claim made by many who believe in the conspiracy theory. In this text, the authors present scientific facts that debunk the theories they presented as claims. This is a more objective way to discuss the 9/11 conspiracies because they are presenting both sides of the argument, unlike any other source discussed before. The tone is undermining to the other side. For instance, even on the back cover it states: “The investigation focuses on concrete facts rather than political theories, and its conclusion are supported by hard evidence…” So, the text only contemplates the evidence that can be debunked scientifically. The text is objective to the extent of their overarching opinion, in which 9/11 was not an inside job constructed by the American government but a terrorist

Over the years there have been many occurrences that have led to many suspicious citizens that do not believe the answers that they receive which has led to the creation of conspiracy theories, and many of them. Some of them make sense and provide factual information and support yet others are more abstract and do not contain much proof and if they do contain proof it is quickly deemed as false. In some cases some conspiracy theories turn out to be the truth. The definition of a conspiracy theory is an explanatory hypothesis that accuses a person or group of people of planning and or covering up major events that have occurred throughout history.

Have you ever wondered how things would turn out in the United States if certain situations did or didn’t happen? Imagine what the United States economy would be like if 9/11 didn’t happen the day it did, John F. Kennedy were never assassinated, and AIDS were actually created by the CIA. All of these conspiracy topics and more contain a mass amount of information. If they are indeed true, would we have more freedom as citizens or would our economy come crashing down? Some conspiracies of the United States have shaped citizen behavior and affected our economical and future with complete freedom forever.

Conspiracy Rising: Conspiracy Thinking and American Public Life questions the popularity of conspiracy post 9/11 and government secrecy which calls for analysis of comparative work of prior historians. Martha Lee, professor of political science at the University of Windsor, observes current obsession over President Obama's birthplace as a replacement for government involvement in 9/11. However, she argues that although conspiracy changes through different events, the cause for it remains similar to those of the 19th century. Lee, in the first part of the article, explains her deep appreciation to Knight’s work. As his work shows the global changes in political, economic, and social structures that produce fear and anxiety among society. Lee

The interview was took place on the 9th of November in the classroom of 11- Mead. Ms. Kyra Mallari and Kayla Flores where tasked to be the interviewers for Mr. Robert James Nitura, High School teacher of Miriam College. The Interview was on Western Conspiracy Theories, with it being categorized into 4: Political Conspiracy Theories, Extraterrestrial and Unearthly Creatures & Legends, Existential Conspiracy Theories, and Historical Conspiracy Theories. The Interviewers goal for the interview was to capture the audience’s attention through the exchange of the interviewer’s and interviewee’s beliefs and opinions, Expound the interviewee’s knowledge on the topic through the use of the Maieutic method, and look into and give value to western conspiracy

Conspiracy theories are capturing, they make your mind buzz with intense thoughts. The world of conspiracies stretches out on smooth marble paths for miles, branching out on every side. They’re winding roads of opportunity and mystery, each one a new idea to read. In this essay, I will be

In the history of the United States, and possibly of human civilization, the largest conspiracy on record is the controversy surrounding the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Initially, the mere existence of the conspiracy theory enabled Americans to carefully evaluate the evidence presented before them by the government. Though when the conspiracy is meticulously reexamined, as it is by Jesse Ventura in They Killed Our President: 63 Reasons to Believe There Was a Conspiracy to Assassinate JFK, it becomes clear that there was indeed a conspiracy to kill the nation’s 35th president. Furthermore, the conspiracy was covered up by the U.S. government, intentionally. The presence of a hidden conspiracy is illuminated through sequence in which the facts are presented, and supported by the constituted evidence, anecdotes and utilization of the modes of persuasion. The argument is presented in four sections entitled; “The Evidence”, “The Cover-Up”, “The Witnesses”, and “The Who, Why, and How”. This sequential breakdown coupled with cohesive rhetorical techniques creates an immensely powerful argument.

Five years ago, who’d have thought Donald Trump could become the most powerful person in the world? Truth may be stranger than fiction, but if there’s any lesson here, it’s that too many people prefer fiction to the truth. Conspiracy theories have gripped the public imagination to such an extent that an armchair crank stands at the White House lawn.

To be sure, in virtually every major conspiracy case to come before the Court since 1987, the government has won convincingly, often times with nary a dissent. My own view is that the Supreme Court has unwisely embraced so enthusiastically both the conspiracy doctrine and the manner in which it is prosecuted. In the major conspiracy cases I discuss below, I contend that the prudent course here was not to do what the Justices did: strongly support, in almost every instance, the government position and ignore the reach of the conspiracy offense, a reach which continues to expand. Moreover, it was not at all clear in these cases that an even-handed approach would have necessarily led to the broad reaffirmation of conspiracy doctrine and rules of practice. Still, in reading these cases, one is struck by just how strongly the Justices have spoken in supporting such prosecutions. It is to those cases, and the rationale for them, to which I will soon turn in this

To most a fairy tale, to some an interesting topic of discussion, however, to a small population, 5 % to be exact, Government conspiracy does exist. How, you might ask, do I intend to prove that indeed government conspiracy is real? I do not intend to prove it. In fact I only intend to inform you of its ever growing ploy of world domination, capitalism and control and open your mind to the idea that government conspiracy is out there. Throughout history as it is known to repeat itself, I will show facts that support this “theory” and dismiss the legendary lies we have been taught to believe through a system known as memetics.