On episode 12 of Overthink, Ellie and David sit down with philosopher Brian Keeley to discuss conspiracy theories. The three examine both the appeal of conspiracy theories and the dire need for public trust in institutions to combat such beliefs. Following last week’s far-right attack on the Capitol, Ellie and David consider the particularly American nature of conspiracy theories that has existed since the nation's founding.  Finally, they discuss the way conspiracy theories root within families and communities and pull people apart.  

Works Discussed
Brian Keeley, "Of Conspiracy Theories"
Anne Applebaum, "Trump and His Heirs Dream of Endless Victory"
Jared Millson, "Conspiracy Theories"
Stephan Lewandowsky and John Cook, "The Conspiracy Theory Handbook"
Charles Pigden, "Before Conspiracy Theories and the Conventional Wisdom"
Mack Lamoureux, “People Tell Us How QAnon Destroyed Their Relationships”
J. Eric Oliver and Thomas J. Wood, "Conspiracy Theories and the Paranoid Style(s) of Mass Opinion"

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