Are People Who Believe In Conspiracies Irrational?

Conspiracy theories are often considered irrational beliefs, leading to accusations of epistemic or psychological failings. Believing in conspiracy theories is often seen as a form of irrationality, and those who dare to believe them are often charged with these issues. However, some philosophers have taken up the challenge of identifying and explaining the flaws of conspiracy theories, while others argue that conspiracy theories do not.

In the past, most philosophers have ignored the topic, assuming that conspiracy theories are irrational and easily dismissed. However, the current philosophical interest in the subject results in the belief that conspiracy theories are not intrinsically irrational, and believing in conspiracy explanations is not necessarily unwarranted.

Conspiration theories are widely held to be not only false and products of irrationality, but also a form of irrationality. However, it is important to note that being a conspiracy theorist does not make one a number theorist. It is not necessary to label someone as a conspiracy theorist simply because they believe in conspiracy theories.

According to Pigden, a conspiracy theory is just a theory—true or false, rational or irrational, well-confirmed or otherwise—which explains some phenomenon. While conspiracy theories have a bad reputation, they are not the only ones that can be argued about. The merits and defects of various accounts of what it is to be a conspiracy theorist should be considered before making any conclusions.