How to understand conspiracy theorists | Michael Shermer full interview

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Күн бұрын

See Michael Shermer debate Rupert Sheldrake at iai.tv/video/on-the-edges-of-...
In this intimate interview, Michael Shermer explores how conspiracy theories undermine objective truth or the generally accepted scientific, materialist paradigm. He covers everything from his most recent work to why conspiracy theories are so good at creating cult followings and what objective truth might look like.
#conspiracy #belief #michaelshermer
Michael Shermer is an American science writer, historian of science, executive director of The Skeptics Society, and founding publisher of Skeptic magazine, a publication focused on investigating pseudoscientific and supernatural claims. The author of over a dozen books, Shermer is known for engaging in debates on pseudoscience and religion in which he emphasizes scientific scepticism.
The Institute of Art and Ideas features videos and articles from cutting edge thinkers discussing the ideas that are shaping the world, from metaphysics to string theory, technology to democracy, aesthetics to genetics. Subscribe today! iai.tv/subscribe?Y...
00:00 Introduction
01:12 Why are people conspiracy theorists?
03:03 Conspiracies and intelligence
08:07 Real conspiracies
11:12 Charismatic leaders
13:00 Different levels of belief
16:02 How to approach conspiracy theorists
17:06 Conspiracies and identity
18:47 Expertise in conspiracies
22:00 Religious belief and conspiracies
24:58 Legitimate politics vs. conspiracies
25:45 The most damaging conspiracy in history
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Пікірлер: 33

@TheInstituteOfArtAndIdeas 2 ай бұрын

What do you think about the hype around conspiracy theories? Let us know in the comments below! To see Michael Shermer debate so-called pseudo-scientist Rupert Sheldrake visit iai.tv/video/on-the-edges-of-knowledge-michael-shermer-rupert-sheldrake?KZfaq&+comment&

@AlienScientist 2 ай бұрын

Check out my debate against Michael Shermer from a few months ago on Dark Horse Podcast! I'd love to hear your thoughts on the discussion. Perhaps you'd like to hear from both sides of this and get me on the show next?

@curiositycloset2359 2 ай бұрын

I'd say I'm less worried about the conspiracy theorists than the deeply strange individuals who deny all conspiracies out of turn.

@benleydon 2 ай бұрын

I'd rather be a conspiracy theorist than a coincidence theorist ;)

@AlienScientist 2 ай бұрын

Check out my debate with Michael Shermer on Dark Horse Podcast and let me know who you think won?

@UniversalSovereignCitizen Ай бұрын

I hear you brother... A truth seeker, rather than a faeces eater.

@chesterwilberforce9832 7 күн бұрын

@@UniversalSovereignCitizen The key failing of this kind of thinking is that you believe that only you are seeking truth, and that anyone who does not agree with you is not. The world is big and scary enough without having to invent things to make it seem scarier. BTW: I love watching Sovereign Citizen fail videos:)

@merlepatterson 2 ай бұрын

It may take just as much of a narrow focus and bias to dismiss a conspiracy theory as it might to construct one.

@chesterwilberforce9832 7 күн бұрын

Therein lies their strength. "It's just possible that..." is an enticing thing to think about. Unless you simply consider Occam's razor. It's impossible to prove a negative, as well. I can't prove that Santa Claus doesn't exist and I also can't prove that the Bilderberg Group isn't out to control and reset society, but I'm willing to place odds against it. B ut your point is valid. It's easy to dismiss many conspiracy theories out of hand.

@JKnksrsly Ай бұрын

can we name one or two conspiracy theories that are absolutely not conspiracies?? if I'm checking the list I'd say the most egregious conspiracy theories turned out to be extremely generous and kind against what proved to be absolute conspiracy

@AlienScientist 2 ай бұрын

Please watch my debate with Michael Shermer on Dark Horse Podcast!

@curiositycloset2359 2 ай бұрын

Lol "inflation just happens", is this guy serious?

@chippysteve4524 Ай бұрын

This guy reminds me of the scene in The Naked Gun where there's the explosion at the fireworks factory and Police Chief Frank Drebben is holding back the crowds saying "Move along.There's nothing to see here.". I have serious reservations about this lazy headshrinking 'technique' whereby genuine whistleblowers are automatically lumped in with the flat-Earthers. Has this smug pr!ck ever heard of Jimmy Savile or the endless list of policemen and social workers who repeatedly ignore the desperate appeals of future victims of hideous crimes???

@annode Ай бұрын

In my experience, based on a few people I know well, there does seem to be a mental illness component to developing a strong belief without a preponderance of supportive evidence. I think that maybe belief can be cultivated biologically and environmentally. Which would broaden the types who display conspiracy behaviors.

@chesterwilberforce9832 7 күн бұрын

I always thought there was something very sinister about that Build-a-Bear group. Shady, fuzzy overlords...

@wedaringu667 2 ай бұрын

How many people are exposed to religious thinking as children? What happens when they learn to interpret mysticism as revelation from spiritual inspiration? Is that not fuel for the kind of narcissism that leads to making increasingly outrageous claims just to engage others with debates only they can win?

@samrowbotham8914 2 ай бұрын

Everyone is inculcated before the age of 7 including sceptics like Michael. This is why the State wants children in school at such an early age.

@UniversalSovereignCitizen Ай бұрын

WHOOOOOW! I read your comment and started dancing round the living room. (Are you running for President? 'God' knows we need someone with a brain).

@wedaringu667 Ай бұрын

@@UniversalSovereignCitizen Thanks but I'm afraid I lack the "moral flexibility" for that job. Nobody with the money to fill that seat would ever hire me for that reason.

@chesterwilberforce9832 7 күн бұрын

That's key to understanding the power of conspiracy thinking. If you want to debate the existence of Santa Claus, you can't lose the debate. We have all been raised around mystical thinking. It's the responsibility of a thinking adult to challenge this, not to come up with creative ways to deploy it.

@wedaringu667 6 күн бұрын

@@chesterwilberforce9832 Reading books on propaganda would make most US citizens IQs jump dramatically in short order.

@templarroystonofvasey 2 ай бұрын

6 months.

@philosopher2king 2 ай бұрын

2:05 Remind me of the best line in the movie Leave the World Behind by Mahershala Ali.

@fellopiantube7607 2 ай бұрын

let's reveres one of the points: - what it would take to convince you that there was a conspiracy regarding JFK assassination? - for example if there are released documents confirming that - you mean that if the governments admits that they've done it. well, that's a lot of power over what you think to give to somebody else.

@creationx2911 2 ай бұрын

He spoke an infinite amount of "nothing."

@patticriss2238 10 күн бұрын

I live in Oklahoma. Born and raised in Texas, so, YOU KNOW. Hmmp. Lateral move.🙄. The difference has one commonality, from my observation. Faith. Religion. Whiteness {tinted orange for now, but he’s just the vehicle of the moment}? Anything can get confused in that crazy, emotional, irrational environment of your own community. Starting to look like it’s heating up again,too. Last grandchild graduated yesterday. We ARE having retirement discussions. It’s irrational. Flying flags bigger than my f250 and the parades are back. I tired.