Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question

What is a conspiracy theory?

What exactly makes something a conspiracy theory? This entry maps the defining features set out across positions — an alleged secret plot, a group of conspirators, cherry-picked 'evidence', the denial of coincidence, a good-versus-evil worldview, and the scapegoating of groups.

Position 1 of 6
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Conspiracy theories involve an alleged, secret plot

Position 2 of 6
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Conspiracy theories involve group of conspirators

Position 3 of 6
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Evidence’ that seems to support the conspiracy theory

Position 4 of 6
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Conspiraies falsely suggest that nothing happens by accident and that there are no coincidences

Position 5 of 6
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Conspiracies divide the world into good or bad

Position 6 of 6
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Conspiracies scapegoat people and groups