Why are conspiracy theories still so rampant in the U.S.? - YouTube
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A Dartmouth politics professor unpacks why modern conspiracism has mutated into something far more dangerous than old-school conspiracy theories — and what it means for democracy.
Epistemic DemocracySocial EpistemologyMotivated ReasoningPost-Truth Politics
Theory Briefing
- Russell Muirhead argues 'new conspiracism' spreads assertion without evidence, bypassing the reasoning that classic conspiracy theories at least attempted.
- Unlike traditional theories that sought hidden causes, today's conspiracism thrives on repetition and social reinforcement — 'a lot of people are saying' is enough.
- This epistemic breakdown directly erodes democratic legitimacy, as shared factual ground — essential for collective self-governance — dissolves.