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Piltdown
Skeptic Friend
USA
312 Posts |
 Posted - 10/09/2001 : 11:34:45
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Why We Need Conspiracy Theories
quote:
According to Psychology Professor Cary Cooper we are trying to stave off fear of random violence and unpredictable death.
"They do that because they can't come to terms with the fact that it could be just a few people," said Professor Cooper, who lectures at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology.
"If you think it's a rogue person or an unsophisticated group you start worrying about your daily life. If this can happen, what sense of security can you have?"
We create alternate realities because we reject the world where a single madman can bring down a president, a reckless driver can snuff out a princess... and a few men with knives can terrorise a country"
I am not a psychologist, but I have researched and debunked conspiracy theories for over 20 years. I agree with Cooper about the relationship between conspiracy theories and the need for emotional security. Along with the absence of logical evidence, this need may also explain the compulsive preference for appeals to authority and other types of power-seeking behavior that often characterize conspiracy theorists' style of argumentation.
Abducting UFOs and conspiring against conspiracy theorists since 1980.
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Lisa
SFN Regular
USA
1223 Posts |
 Posted - 10/09/2001 : 11:40:32 [Permalink]
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Okay, but what about the people who take this to extremes? We've seen these people all over the 'net. Everything is a conspiracy, whether its a moon landing or a terrorist bomb.
Lisa
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Mespo_man
Skeptic Friend
USA
312 Posts |
Posted - 10/09/2001 : 12:13:19 [Permalink]
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This act of terrorism was so appalling, the only conspiracy theory that makes any sense is that "God did it to punish us". Those who subscribe to this view can then say "Amen", put their heads on their pillows and drift off to sleep with a "told-ya-so" smirk on their faces.
(:raig |
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Piltdown
Skeptic Friend
USA
312 Posts |
Posted - 10/09/2001 : 16:25:38 [Permalink]
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quote:
Okay, but what about the people who take this to extremes? We've seen these people all over the 'net. Everything is a conspiracy, whether its a moon landing or a terrorist bomb.
Lisa
If we extend the hypothesis, conspiracy extremists would simply be people with an above average need to compensate for personal insecurity. There is also a powerful element of elitism and false distinction in conspiracist beliefs; the believer's view that he or she is privy to knowledge that others are not smart enough to accept. "Everyone else is dupe, but I'm too smart for that." This is reflected in their standard lie about the opposition: that skeptics simply believe whatever the media and the government tell them. This, too, can be related to power and security issues.
Abducting UFOs and conspiring against conspiracy theorists since 1980. |
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Hat Monster
New Member
United Kingdom
16 Posts |
Posted - 10/10/2001 : 17:07:19 [Permalink]
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I don't think I could put it better myself. After all, what's better than getting one up on "the man"? The matter of whether it's true or not is irrelevant, it's the matter of whether one believes it is true. Damn, we're crossing over into religion!
Conspiracy nutcases are easily led and like to see what they want to see, we all know that. It's simple to reach Piltdown's (correct) conclusions from there.
H@ |
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Peter de Blanc
New Member
USA
19 Posts |
Posted - 10/10/2001 : 18:06:14 [Permalink]
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Another possibility worth considering is that many conspiracy theories begin life as jokes and are later popularized by gullible individuals.
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Trish
SFN Addict
USA
2102 Posts |
Posted - 10/11/2001 : 09:39:00 [Permalink]
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quote:
There is also a powerful element of elitism and false distinction in conspiracist beliefs; the believer's view that he or she is privy to knowledge that others are not smart enough to accept.
You forget those who say skeptics are over-educated elitist snobs.
I agree with the idea that it's the need to be on the inside and *know* something that others don't. Aslo, the idea that I can now share my *knowledge* with others and enlighten their thinking. (Damn does sound like religion - the religion of the conspiracy theory - kinda makes your skin crawl...)
"Say what you will about the sweet miracle of unquestioning faith. I consider the capacity for it terrifying." ~Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. |
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ZaphodBeeblebrox
Skeptic Friend
USA
117 Posts |
Posted - 10/16/2001 : 01:18:03 [Permalink]
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Well, aren't we over-educated elitist snobs?
I know I am, anyway.
As far as I'm concerned, Intellectual Elitism, is an Art Form, and should only be practiced safely, and with pride!
If you Ignore Your Rights, they WILL, go away.
Edited by - ZaphodBeeblebrox on 10/16/2001 01:18:26
Edited by - ZaphodBeeblebrox on 10/16/2001 01:19:13 |
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Trish
SFN Addict
USA
2102 Posts |
Posted - 10/16/2001 : 09:34:02 [Permalink]
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quote:
Well, aren't we over-educated elitist snobs?
I know I am, anyway.
As far as I'm concerned, Intellectual Elitism, is an Art Form, and should only be practiced safely, and with pride!
If you Ignore Your Rights, they WILL, go away.
Well, I was called a rich over educated elitist snob. Here's the funny thing - my first degree (the AS that took me 6 years to get) was paid for out of my pocket. My second (AAS Cert:Computer Animation) was paid for with student loans. Gee - I'm finally getting around to a BA in Industrial Design. Hmm, maybe after that I'll study something that's not trade related - I really need something besides a mind numbingly boring job.
Elitist snob - working 60-80/week and going to school full time. (I almost don't sleep.)
"Say what you will about the sweet miracle of unquestioning faith. I consider the capacity for it terrifying." ~Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. |
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