Conspiracy Theories: Cognitive Biases or Label to Silence Dissenting Views?

Definition of Conspiracy Theory: "A theory asserting that a secret of great importance is being kept from the public." & "A theory that explains an event or set of circumstances as the result of a secret plot by usually powerful conspirators." __Merriam Webster

In this meeting, we will discuss the origins conspiracy theories and the differences between real conspiracy theories and silencing of dissenting views by labeling them "conspiracy theories. Let us see where people stand on this issue, why they believe in their position, and how people view the opposing positions.

I've often heard of the term conspiracy theories used, especially during times of uncertainty & unease.

I'm always intrigued by how people see things and interprets them. It is my belief that conspiracy theories are of the results of distrust between authority figures or organizations and the people.

Tonight, let's discuss the reasons people have for conspiratorial thinking, how and why conspiracy theories are created, why do they endure, what are the influences it can have on people and societies, and what are the implications when conspiracy theories are proven right?

Articles:

• Rethinking the “Conspiracy Crisis”: Use and Misuse of “Conspiracy Theory” Labels After Covid‐19 --> https://www.cogitatiopress.com/politicsandgovernance/article/view/8644/3946
• 11 Unbelievable Conspiracy Theories That Were Actually True --> https://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/11-unbelievable-conspiracy-theories-that-were-actually-true.htm

Questions:
1. What is a conspiracy theory?
2. What counts as a conspiracy theory?
3. What are some famous examples of conspiracy theories?
4. Do you believe the phrase follow the money instead of science is considered a form of conspiracy theory?
5. What are the implications when conspiracy theories are proven right? Examples?
6. Is there a correlation between the distrust of the government and the people and the rise of conspiracy theories?
7. What sets facts apart from conspiracy theories?
8. Is there an agenda labeling dissenting views as conspiracy theories?
9. How the development of science and the scientific progress faced conspiracy theories?
10. Are we being manipulated by our governments?
11. Is 9/11 inside job? Explain your reasoning
12. Is the MRNA in Covid shots damaging the human body and its genes?
13. Can you think of historical and modern examples of conspiracy theories and how they panned out?
14. How are conspiracy theories different from valid theories?
15. Should conspiracy theories be canceled?
16. What are the incentives for creating conspiracy theories?
17. Are all conspiracy theories just a form of an attempt to understand without evidence?
18. What counts as legitimate evidence?
19. Can you think of a time when you and your folks disagreed and got divided due to perceptions of truth?
20. Is it healthy to maintain some levels of conspiracy theories in societies rather than one unified viewpoint?

Guidelines:

• Hand raises are required.
• There will be a 3 minute timer for every person. However, in this group, I do allow a brief back and fourth interjection from others if it's something that's related to the person who was just speaking. This is a way to prevent the group from feeling too "robotic" in style and get your pressing question asked to the speaker and get the answer right away without waiting all the way back to your turn again.
• Be authentic & civil!
• Please refrain from using Ad Hominem (personal) attacks. Instead, please attack the points from others. Severe Ad Hominem such as racist behavior will result in being removed from the meeting.

Zoom link will be posted 10 minutes before the meeting.