B1 Non-refereed article in a scientific journal

Why a Pejorative Definition of “Conspiracy Theory” Need Not Be Unfair




AuthorsRäikkä Juha

PublisherSERRC

Publication year2023

JournalSocial Epistemology Review and Reply Collective

Journal acronymSERRC

Volume12

Issue5

First page 57

Last page65

eISSN2471-9560

Web address https://wp.me/p1Bfg0-7Pf.

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/179632287

Preprint addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/179632287


Abstract

Because of the pejorative connotation of the concept of “conspiracy theory”, many philosophers have proposed that the concept should be redefined. Their worry is that if conspiracy theories are considered implausible by definition, then the theories cannot get fair treatment and will be rejected for just being conspiracy theories. In this paper, I argue that this worry is unfounded. Accepting a pejorative definition of the term “conspiracy theory” allows for individual conspiracy theories to be investigated properly and in accordance with good research practices. However, not all conspiracy theories deserve further investigations. For example, it would be irrational, unethical, and unrewarding to study the alleged conspiracy of space lizards.


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Last updated on 2024-26-11 at 13:59