RE: Four reasons why people believe in conspiracy theories
Conspiracy theories... nearly meaningless phrase, unless given specific scope within discussion.
Scientific American's ability to be "scientific"....
Science has never been without "beliefs" or "bias" (reason: people)... it just continues to strive toward a better understanding of the physical world around us.
VERY hard to state any scientific "fact" without depending on some "limited, current" understanding on which the "fact" depends (Relativity vs Newtonian vs string theory?)
And being "scientific" about Human beings actions/beliefs?..
Well , let's just say. we have a long way to go.
Generalities (strong association between income and belief levels)
This brings up many issues:
- correlation does not equal causation.. ( sorta related to article - people seeing patterns in things - I suspect is a very human trait).
In a way... the article has proven it's own point .. they are seeing patterns in things .
- statistics...
......often misused or misrepresented.
......presented without complete references
Which is why Mark Twain's made the observation of "lies, damn lies and "statistics"
Biggest reasons for "conspiracies" ..
- trust betrayed ( numerous examples in institutions of Gov, etc...)
How does anyone belief in the "facts" presented around a specific event, when there a numerous examples of people in positions of authority lying to the public?.. people take this personally (fool me once , shame on you.. fool me twice , shame on me).
The example of change in opinions about the Kennedy assassination, is likely to be more a representation of loss of trust in government (after Watergate/Nixon, Iran/Contra, etc.....)
We - as a people in the US - had lost our innocence.
- complex issues trying to be understood by people with limited understanding (trying to make sense of things). Education alone will not address this completely.
Somethings are beyond the comprehension of a large number of people.
And somethings are beyond the comprehension of ALL people.
